Advanced IPL Technology
Did you know?
Tears are crucial to helping lubricate, nourish, and keep eyes healthy. Tears are made up of three major components: water, mucus, and oil. These are responsible for maintaining the right quantity and quality of tears. Issues that may arise in any of the three components can imbalance the makeup of the tear film, affecting how tears are produced and leading to dry eye syndrome.
For tears to be effective, the tear film and the eye are coated with an oil called meibum. This is secreted by the meibomian glands. These glands are located on the lining of the eyelids, where the eyelashes grow. The meibomian glands can get clogged with secretions, which interfere with the free flow of oil into the tear film and lower its quality.
ThermaeyePlus IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) therapy is one of the best treatments for dry eye syndrome.
What Is ThermaeyePlus® IPL?
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment for dry eye utilizes pulses of light to constrict blood vessels and liquefy and release hardened oils that have clogged meibomian glands in the eyelids. IPL also affects vascularization and inflammation of the eyelids, reducing eyelid redness and stimulating healthy gland function.
The procedure is relatively comfortable and quick — taking only about 10 to 15 minutes in total. Most patients require four treatments initially (once every 2 weeks) and then maintenance treatments are required on an annual basis. This may vary depending upon each individual patient’s disease severity.
After the initial treatment, most patients report some improvement in their symptoms with the maximum improvement following the 4th treatment. All patients will need maintenance therapy once to twice per year.
The best candidates are patients with dry eye, or patients suffering from meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
Who Is Eligible for This Treatment?
Patients who experience chronic dry eye syndrome are eligible for the treatment. These patients often experience blurred vision, redness, and a burning sensation, contributing greatly to the deterioration of vision if left untreated.
In addition, eye drops, daily ointments, warm compresses, and eyelid scrubs are mild and only offer a temporary solution. For patients who want a more permanent solution, ThermaeyePlus IPL is the way to go. The treatment is a more permanent alternative and has a higher success rate.
Expectations While Undergoing Treatment
Before the treatment begins, the doctor places eye shields over the patient’s eyelids. These will protect the eyelids from bright pulses. Additionally, the doctor will also apply a cooling gel around the skin on the eyes. This is because the area is highly sensitive.
After that, the doctor will place a tiny gadget over the eyelids to provide light pulses. The pulses melt the secretions and oil buildup that is clogging the glands.
Results
Some patients feel an improvement after the first and second treatment.
However, the best results are evident after two to three sessions of this treatment, which can be completed within four months.
For patients who are affected more severely, maintenance treatments are the best course of action. These treatments prevent the recurrence of the condition.
ThermaeyePlus® IPL for Ocular Rosacea
Ocular rosacea is a subtype of rosacea that affects the eyes and surrounding area, causing redness, itching, and burning. While IPL is typically used to treat facial rosacea, it may also be used to treat ocular rosacea in some cases.
The procedure involves directing intense pulses of light onto the affected area. The light penetrates the skin and is absorbed by the blood vessels, causing them to constrict and reducing redness. The heat generated by the light also helps to stimulate collagen production, which can improve the overall appearance of the skin. In addition, a local increase in the temperature during the treatment affects the blood flow in the treated area and improves metabolism. This treatment is performed in our office and typically takes 10-15 minutes.
It's important to note that IPL is not a cure for rosacea and its effects are temporary. In some cases, multiple treatments may be required to achieve desired results.
For more information about IPL treatment for ocular rosacea, call Horizon Eye Care & Optical in Sugar Land, TX at (281) 313-2020 to discuss any questions or book a consultation today.