IPL Treatment for Dry Eyes

Dry Eye Syndrome is a common condition and can be very disruptive to people’s lives. Recurrent styes, swollen and crusty lids, scratchy and tearing eyes are all symptoms of dry eye syndrome. People with allergies can have worsening symptoms due to underlying dry eyes. Contact lens wearers, people with a history of LASIK, rosacea, post-menopausal women, people with autoimmune conditions like Sjogren’s and rheumatoid arthritis are all at higher risk for dry eye syndrome. Many medications, including blood pressure meds and antihistamines, can cause dry eyes. Daily activities, such as prolonged computer and smartphone use, reduce our blink rate and can aggravate dry eyes.

Inflammation plays a key role in initiating, perpetuating, and causing dry eye progression. The meibomian glands in the eyelids do not function normally and get blocked. As a result, the tear film becomes unstable and evaporates too quickly.

Artificial tears, warm compresses and lid hygiene may help mild cases of dry eye but IPL is beneficial for the more severe cases. Since there is no cure for dry eye, breaking the cycle and managing it is important.

IPL breaks the cycle of inflammation. Light energy from IPL warms the meibomian glands, thereby facilitating expression of meibum. Most people need a series of 3-4 treatments to get to a better baseline. This is followed by an at home eyelid health maintenance routine. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, repeat IPL are needed every 6-12 months.

There are several treatments for dry eye and IPL helps improve multiple causative factors

Dr. Shternfeld has been practicing Ophthalmology since 2000 and has been performing IPL for dry eyes since 2018. Please contact our office to schedule your Dry Eye Consultation by calling 860-999-4865