IPL
If you have suffered for a long time with chronic dry eye and it seems like all the drops and other dry eye solutions are just a short-lived, temporary relief, it may be time to take your eye care treatment to the next level. A new long-lasting solution with a great success rate known as IPL technology has been developed, designed to help those specifically with Evaporative Dry Eye.
What is Evaporative Dry Eye?
If you are experiencing any of these uncomfortable symptoms with your eyes:
Dryness
Redness
Blurred Vision
Spotty/Foreign Body Sensation
Agitation and Itchiness, and other symptoms,
It's most likely that you are suffering from some type of chronic dry eye.
Evaporative Dry Eye is a specific type of chronic dry eye as it originates from dysfunctional Meibomian glands (as diagrammed in the photo above) which is also commonly referred to as blepharitis. These glands create the lipid layer/oils that, when imbalanced, can cause rapid evaporation and then lack of lubrication for your eyes. The lipid/oil in the tears produced from these glands is what prevents evaporation, and looking at the photo above we can see that it stems more from the lids rather than various layers of the eye itself.
As we continue to use modern technology and look at screens all day long, the population is beginning to increase in contraction of chronic dry eye. And with these growing modern problems, modern solutions must be made to accommodate them, which is why scientists have created IPL technology.
What is IPL, and How Does it Work?
IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light and is intended for long-term relief by treating the main cause of chronic dry eye: inflammation. The wavelengths from the IPL target the visible signs of inflammation in the eye and reduce the inflamed cells in the cornea. While drops and other remedies may be a snappy relief of moisture at the moment, they aren't treating the problem at the source and solving your dry eye disease.
IPL technology focuses on the most common type of chronic dry eye (from the Meibomian glands, the evaporative dry eye) which happens to be less of a surface-level problem and requires a more invasive treatment to correct its lack of oil/lipid production. This is not to say that this technology specifically targets these glands. Instead, the infrared light creates a pulse that develops a micro gradient temperature that then triggers neurotransmitters which are linked to nerves connected to the Meibomian glands. This assembly line passes on stimulation to revive the glands' natural lipid secretion.
NVISION Eyecare's E-Eye for Long-Term Relief
E-Eye is the latest IPL technology designed to alleviate Evaporative Dry Eye for a longer period by stimulating the Meibomian glands. Developed in France with a great success rate, E-Eye is now available in New Zealand, and even better, at NVISION Eyecare! If you are in the Albany, Auckland area and tired of the constant need for dry eye relief, it's definitely the opportune time to make an appointment with one of our expert optometrists here.
We know that a chronic dry eye can be a very unpleasant experience that only grows more irritable by the phone screen and weather patterns. That's why you should come to NVISION Eyecare for a consultation and take the next steps to a more comfortable, active lifestyle.
IPL Dry Eye Treatment FAQs
What is IPL treatment for dry eye?
IPL stands for intense pulsed light. The treatment applies controlled pulses of light to the skin around the eyes to help manage inflammation and support tear-film stability in suitable patients with meibomian gland dysfunction.
Which type of dry eye can IPL treat?
IPL is primarily used for evaporative dry eye associated with meibomian gland dysfunction. A dry eye evaluation is needed to determine if symptoms are caused by aqueous-deficient dry eye, evaporative dry eye, or a combination of both.
What happens during an IPL dry eye treatment?
The eyes are protected while carefully controlled pulses of light are applied to the treatment area around the eyes. Patients may notice brief warmth or a light snapping sensation, and the appointment process will be explained before treatment begins.
How many IPL treatments will I need?
IPL is usually delivered as a course of treatments rather than a single session. The recommended number and spacing of appointments depend on the device used, the severity of the condition, and the patient’s response to treatment.
How quickly can IPL improve dry eye symptoms?
Improvement may develop gradually during or after the treatment course, and results vary between patients. Follow-up testing helps the optometrist assess changes in symptoms, tear-film stability, and meibomian gland function.
Does IPL cure dry eye disease?
IPL does not provide a guaranteed permanent cure because dry eye disease is often a chronic condition. It may improve symptoms and tear-film function in suitable patients, but ongoing care such as lubricating drops, warm compresses, eyelid hygiene, or maintenance treatment may still be recommended.
Is IPL suitable for everyone with dry eye?
IPL is not appropriate for every dry eye condition or every patient. An optometrist must review the type of dry eye, eye and skin health, medical history, medications, and other relevant factors before recommending treatment.
Resources
· “E-Eye.” ESW Vision, www.esw-vision.com/e-eye/.
· “The Dry Eye Experts.” Optometrist in Albany Auckland | NVISION Eyecare, www.nvision.nz/.
· “E>Eye IPL for Dry Eye Syndrome Due to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.” E>Eye IPL for Dry Eye Syndrome Due to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, www.dry-eyes.com.au/.
· Dell, Steven J., and Neel R. Desai. “IPL + Thermal Pulsation: A Thorough Approach to Dry Eye.” Ophthalmology Times, 6 Nov. 2018,
· Primary Care Optometry News, May 2015. “Intense Pulsed Light Effective for Dry Eye, MGD, Studies Show Page 2.” Healio, www.healio.com/optometry/cornea-external-disease/news/print/primary-care-optometry-news/%7B8f308d43-ad18-4c80-bd07-f9e430108d1c%7D/intense-pulsed-light-effective-for-dry-eye-mgd-studies-show?page=2.
Toyos, Rolando, et al. “Intense Pulsed Light Treatment for Dry Eye Disease Due to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction; a 3-Year Retrospective Study.” Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., Jan. 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4298157/
