New Dry Eye Treatment- Intense Pulse Light (IPL)

What is intense pulsed light for?

Intense pulse light is used in dermatology to treat facial rosacea and varicose veins for a long time. Over the years, it developed into applications in dry eye treatment.

Are you tired of the constant discomfort and trouble because of your dry eyes? Are over-the-counter artificial tear solutions not doing the trick anymore? Fortunately, some procedures help relieve the signs and symptoms of dry eyes by dealing with the root cause.

Intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment, a type of light therapy generally used for skin complications and other dermatologic diseases, can now be used to treat chronic dry eyes caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)

Don’t let the persistent irritation caused by dry eyes take control of your daily life. Learn more about intense pulsed light treatment and how it can improve your eye condition and your life.

As our knowledge of dry eye disease has grown exponentially over the past couple of decades, so too have our options to manage this disease state. Eye doctors can choose from an impressive array of over-the-counter options, prescription medications, and nutraceutical supplements. Increasingly, doctors are turning toward devices to complement their clinical strategies to manage chronic dry eyes. A growing number of device options are now available.

Many eye doctors are now selecting the device that best suits your needs. This article considers intense pulse light (IPL) devices and the unique benefits of this technology.

IPL for dry eye treatment and facial rosacea

 It can directly deal with one of the leading causes of dry eyes, meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). MGD is the leading cause of over 80% of dry eye cases, along with other factors. This dysfunction occurs when the meibomian glands don’t produce enough oil for the tears, which keeps the eye moist.

How does IPL work?

IPL works through the application of light to the target tissues. Specific light in the visible spectrum at select wavelengths interacts with the intended chromophores to result in clinical effects.

The choice of wavelength targets selected tissues without affecting surrounding ones.

The oxyhemoglobin molecule is the target molecule in the tiny telangiectatic vessels. The telangiectatic vessels cause ocular rosacea. IPL heats these vessels results in their coagulation, thus reducing the leaking of inflammatory factors that characterize the telangiectasias of rosacea.

 IPL targets inflammation, where other devices use heat to melt clogging of the oil glands (MGD). Inflammation is the root cause of many manifestations of dry eye disease.

IPL addresses the inflammatory basis of dry eye disease. Therefore IPL treats both aqueous deficient forms of and evaporative forms of dry eye diseases. 

IPL treatments usually use gel and eye protection

How can IPL help with dry eyes?

The IPL treatment stimulates the meibomian glands, helping them liquefy and release hardened oils clogged in the glands. IPL acts like a potent warm compress that relieves eyes from the aggravating dry eye symptoms.

IPL also reduces the excessive formation of blood vessels and inflammation of the eyelids that also contribute to MGD and dry eyes. It helps treat eyelid redness, stimulating healthy gland function, and offering long-term treatment of chronic dry eye disease.

The IPL procedure

Your eye doctor will start with a comprehensive eye assessment to diagnose the severity of the meibomian gland dysfunction and determine your skin type. The review guarantees an appropriate treatment action plan specially tailored for your particular dry eye case.

Once your optometrist confirms that IPL is suitable for you, they will schedule a minimum of four sessions of IPL treatment over three months and additional courses as needed.

IPL is typically a series of 4 treatments. Expression to clear clogging of your meibomian oil glands done with each treatment. 

How fast does IPL work?

Each session of IPL usually takes 10 – 15 minutes. You can expect to experience relief within a few minutes of your first session. Once you’re able to complete the whole course of treatment – typically four sessions, you can anticipate more improvement and evident comfort and relief from dry eyes. We recommend that you keep up with a hot compress after treatments. 

Taking TheraLife Eye capsules will further ensure the health of your tear production gland. 

It is recommended that you repeat the IPL treatment every 9-12 months. 

How can TheraLife help with Dry Eye Treatment?

TheraLife is an oral medication that keeps your glands balanced and healthy. TheraLife Eye capsules reduce inflammation, restores normal functions. You relieve dry eyes with your tears—no more drops.  

To learn more, click here

Customer stories.   

What are the side effects of IPL for Dry Eye Treatment

You may experience a few adverse side effects after undergoing IPL treatment in rare circumstances, but they are typically minor and temporary.

You may experience the following side effects after the IPL treatment.

• Discomfort
• Redness on the treated skin area
• Tingling sensations
• Mild mucus discharge
• Slight inflammation caused by glad expression rather than the IPL treatment itself
• Lightening of the skin for dark-skinned or tanned individuals

IPL treatment restrictions

IPL is not for people who have an autoimmune disorder or use collagen, Retin-A treatments around the eyes. 

Ask your eye doctors for clarity

IPL aftercare

After you undergo an IPL treatment session…

• Avoid too much sun exposure to reduce the chances of dark and light spots formation on the treated area.
• Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on the treated area.
• Do not expose the treated area to UV light.
• Do not pick on the treated area.
• Avoid hot baths, showers, or sauna for a week. Humid conditions can aggravate the treated area.
• Make sure you use moisturizer if applying makeup after the treatment.

Your doctor might also advise supplements and dietary recommendations, natural remedies, lifestyle changes, and other best practices to ensure the health of your eyes and meibomian glands.

Why should you consider IPL for Dry Eye Treatment?

• The intense pulsed light treatment deals with the root cause of dry eye disease.
• Unlike laser treatments, IPL is easy on the skin. You may even notice an improvement in the treated skin area after the sessions.
• IPL can also improve your vision and provide eye comfort.
• The treatment is safe and ensures little to no discomfort during the procedure.
• Each session only takes around 10 minutes.
• By dealing with the root cause of the disease, IPL reduces your dependency on eye drops and other pharmaceutical remedies.

Once you experience dry eye symptoms, they are most likely to linger for the rest of your life. There is no cure for dry eyes. Proper management and the correct treatment can offer long-term eye comfort and relief from the distressing dry eye symptoms.

Continually dealing with irritating dry eyes with medications and artificial tears can get vexing with little to no success. It might be best to consider a more advanced treatment like IPL therapy.

Any questions, call TheraLife toll free 1-877-917-1989 or email [email protected].

References

1. Raulin C, Greve B, Grema H. IPL technology: a review. Lasers Surg Med. 2003;32:78–87. ]
2. Weiss RA, Sadick NS. Epidermal cooling crystal collar device for improved results and reduced side effects on leg telangiectasias using intense pulsed light. Dermatol Surg. 2000;26(11):1015–1018.
3. Anderson RR, Parrish RR. Selective photothermolysis: precise microsurgery by selective absorption of pulse radiation. Science. 1983;220:524–527.
4. Raulin C, et al. Treatment of a nonresponding port wine stain with a new pulsed light source (PhotoDerm VL) Lasers Surg Med. 1997;21(2):203–208.
5. Raulin C, et al. Treatment of essential telangiectasias with an intense pulsed light source (PhotoDerm VL) Dermatol Surg. 1997;23(10):941–945; discussion 945-946.
6. Hellwig S, Schroter C, Raulin C. [Behandlung essesntieller Teleangiektasien durch das Photoderm VL. Z Hautkr. 1996;71:44–47.
7. Raulin C, Werner S, et al. Effective treatment of hypertrichosis with pulsed light: a report of two cases. Ann Plast Surg. 1997;39(2):169–173.
8. Gold MH, Bell MW, et al. Long-term epilation using the EpiLight broad band, intense pulsed light hair removal system. Dermatol Surg. 1997;23(10):909–913.
9. Weiss RA, Weiss MA, et al. Hair removal with a non-coherent filtered flashlamp intense pulsed light source. Lasers Surg Med. 1999;24(2):128–132.
10. Haedersdal M, Efsen J, et al. Changes in skin redness, pigmentation, echostructure, thickness, and surface contour after 1 pulsed dye laser treatment of port-wine stains in children. Arch Dermatol. 1998;134:175–181.
11. Kimel S, Svaasand LO, et al. Differential vascular response to laser photothermolysis. J Invest Dermatol. 1994;103:693–700.
12. Schroeter CA, Neumann HAM. An intense light source: the Photoderm VL flashlamp as a new treatment possibility for vascular skin lesions. Dermatol Surg. 1998;24:743–748.
13. Raulin C, Raulin SJ, et al. Treatment of benign venous malformations with an intense pulsed light source (PhotoDermTVL) Eur J Dermatol. 1997;7:279–282.
14. Raulin C, Careen A, et al. Treatment of port-wine stains with a noncoherent pulsed light source: a retrospective study. Arch Dermatol. 1999;135:679–683.
15. Lucassen GW, Verkruysse W, et al. Light distributions in a port wine stain model containing multiple cylindrical and curved blood vessels. Lasers Surg Med. 1996;18:345–357.
16. Li YH, Chen JZ, et al. Efficacy and safety of intense pulsed light in treatment of melasma in Chinese patients. Dermatol Surg. 2008;34(5):693–700; discussion 700-701. [
17. Angermeier MC. Treatment of facial vascular lesions with intense pulsed light. J Cutan Laser Ther. 1999;1:95–100.
18. Clementoni MT, Gilardino P, et al. Intense pulsed light treatment of 1,000 consecutive patients with facial vascular marks. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2006;30(2):226–232.
19. Neuhaus IM, Zane LT, Tope WD. Comparative efficacy of nonpurpuragenic pulsed dye laser and intense pulsed light for erythematotelangiectatic rosacea. Dermatol Surg. 2009 Apr 6. [Epub ahead of print].
20. Anderson RR, Laser tissue interactions. In: Goldman MP, Fitzpatrick RE. eds. Cutaneous Laser Surgery. St. Louis: Mosby Year Book; 1994:9-10.
21. Sadick NS, Christopher R, et al. High-intensity flashlamp photoepilation: a clinical, histological, and mechanistic study in human skin. Arch Dermatol. 1999;135:668–676.
22. Gold MH, et al. Long-term epilation using the EpiLight broad band, intense pulsed light hair removal system. Dermatol Surg. 1997;23(10):909–913.
23. Radmanesh M, Azar-Beig M, et al. Burning, paradoxical hypertrichosis, leukotrichia and folliculitis are four major complications of intense pulsed light hair removal therapy. J Dermatolog Treat. 2008;19(6):360–363.
24. Goldman MP, Weiss RA, Weiss MA. Intense pulsed light as a nonablative approach to photoaging. Dermatol Surg. 2005;31(9 Pt 2):1179–1187.
25. Alster TS, Tanzi EL. Effect of a novel low-energy pulsed-light device for home-use hair removal. Dermatol Surg. 2009;35(3):483–489.
26. Matts PJ, et al. Color homogeneity and visual perception of age, health, and attractiveness of female facial skin. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2007;57(6):977–984.
27. Yamashita T, Negishi K, et al. Intense pulsed light therapy for superficial pigmented lesions evaluated by reflectance-mode confocal microscopy and optical coherence tomography. J Invest Dermatol. 2006;126(10):2281–2286.
28. Kawada A, Asai M, Kameyama H, et al. Videomicroscopic and histopathological investigation of intense light therapy for solar lentigines. J Dermatol Sci. 29:91-96.
29. Kawada A, Shiraishi H, et al. Clinical improvement of solar lentigines and ephelides with an intense pulsed light source. Dermatol Surg. 2002;28(6):504–508.
30. Ross EV, Smirnov M, et al. Intense pulsed light and laser treatment of facial telangiectasias and dyspigmentation: some theoretical and practical comparisons. Dermatol Surg. 2005;31(9 Pt 2):1188–1198. ]
31. Moreno Arias GA, Ferrando J. Intense pulsed light for melanocytic lesions. Dermatol Surg. 2001;27:397–400.
32. Wang CC, Hui CY, et al. Intense pulsed light for the treatment of refractory melasma in Asian persons. Dermatol Surg. 2004;30(9):1196–1200.
33. Bitter PH. Noninvasive rejuvenation of photodamaged skin using serial, full-face intense pulsed light treatments. Dermatol Surg. 2000;26:835–842.
34. Weiss RA, Weiss MA, Beasley KL. Rejuvenation of photoaged skin: 5 years results with intense pulsed light of the face, neck, and chest. Dermatol Surg. 2002;28(12):1115–1119.
35. Wong WR, et al. Intense pulsed light effects on the expression of extracellular matrix proteins and transforming growth factor beta-1 in skin dermal fibroblasts cultured within contracted collagen lattices. Dermatol Surg. 2009;35(5):816–825.
36. Hernández-Pérez E, Ibiett EV. Gross and microscopic findings in patients submitted to nonablative full-face resurfacing using intense pulsed light: a preliminary study. Dermatol Surg. 2002;28(8):651–655.
37. Zelickson B, Kist D. Pulsed dye laser and photoderm treatment stimulates production of type-1 collagen and collagenase transcripts in papillary dermis fibroblasts. Lasers Surg Med. 2001;13(Suppl):132.
38. Khoury JG, Saluja R, Goldman MP. The effect of botulinum toxin type A on full-face intense pulsed light treatment: a randomized, double-blind, split-face study. Dermatol Surg. 2008;34(8):1062–1069. Epub 2008 May 6.
39. Carruthers J, Carruthers A. The effect of full-face broadband light treatments alone and in combination with bilateral crow’s feet Botulinum toxin type A chemodenervation. Dermatol Surg. 2004;30(3):355–366.