A constant stinging and burning sensation in the eyes—it’s likely dry eye disease. This is an extremely common eye condition known to bring all kinds of uncomfortable symptoms. Dry eye disease is frustrating, but fortunately, treatment options exist—like IPL. But how does this work?
IPL, or intense pulsed light, applies gentle bursts of light to the eyelids. It stimulates the area and promotes healthy tear production. Meanwhile, IPL significantly reduces inflammation to help you find relief. It’s an excellent treatment that offers long-lasting results, making it an attractive dry eye treatment option.
What Is Dry Eye Disease?
Your tear film is like a shield for your eyes—it helps keep your eyes hydrated and comfortable. This is made up of three layers: a mucus layer, a water layer, and an oil layer. These work together to create the shield. Balance is key to a healthy tear film.
When these layers are in harmony, they help the eye flush away harmful contaminants. Meanwhile, light can still pass through the clear, smooth surface. But when this balance is disrupted, the eye is no longer protected, and you’ll quickly notice irritation.
This is dry eye disease—an extremely common eye condition. Dry eye can be broken into 2 types:
- Evaporative dry eye, where there aren’t enough oils for the tear film. This leads to early tear evaporation and a lack of lubrication.
- Aqueous deficiency dry eye, where the eye can’t produce enough tears due to a lack of fluids. This leaves the eye exposed and unprotected.
No matter the type, the result is the same—constant stinging, burning sensations across the eye’s surface. It often feels like gritty sand is trapped under your eyelids. Dry eye disease also causes redness and irritation. So why does this happen?
What Causes Dry Eye Disease?
The human eye is extremely sensitive. It’s vulnerable to all kinds of internal and external factors. However, one common cause of dry eye disease is something called “meibomian gland dysfunction.”
There are dozens of tiny glands throughout your eyelids called the meibomian glands. They’re responsible for producing oils for your tear film—this stops tears from evaporating. However, sometimes these glands are blocked, which leaves the tears unprotected. They evaporate too soon, and the eye becomes easily irritated.
Some other common causes of dry eye include:
- Age-related changes to tear production
- Hormonal fluctuations, particularly in women
- Certain medications that reduce tear production
- Specific autoimmune disorders like Sjögren’s syndrome
- Environmental factors like windy or dry climates
These all make it harder for the eye to protect itself. Eventually, the tear film becomes unbalanced, leading to dryness and inflammation. So what can you do?
What Is IPL for Dry Eye?
If you’re dealing with dry eyes, you should visit your optometrist. They can examine your eyes, diagnose the cause of your condition, and find a treatment that works for you. One popular option is something called “intense pulsed light“, or IPL.
IPL is an extremely effective in-office dry eye treatment. This powerful tool is particularly helpful for those living with meibomian gland dysfunction and dry eyes. IPL specifically targets the meibomian glands in the eyelids to encourage healthy tear production.
Through gentle pulses of light, IPL liquefies oil blockages in these glands. Meanwhile, it reduces inflammation and irritation on the eye’s surface. This promotes a healthier tear film while simultaneously helping you find relief from dry eyes.
Is IPL for Dry Eye Safe?
IPL is generally considered safe and effective—when performed by trained professionals. It’s a non-surgical option, and it’s carefully designed to be minimally disruptive. Most people experience little to no downtime after their session, though there may be some minor side effects like redness or sensitivity for a short time.
However, IPL isn’t the right choice for everyone. It may not be recommended if you:
- Are taking certain medications
- Have active acne
- Suffer from specific skin conditions like rosacea or eczema
- Are prone to keloid scarring
- Have severe facial scarring
- Recently experienced significant sun damage
Before starting any treatment, you’ll need to talk to your optometrist. They’ll help you determine whether or not IPL is a safe option for you. If not, they’ll be able to recommend an alternative treatment to help you find the relief you deserve.
How Long Does IPL for Dry Eye Last?
Many people notice results after their first IPL session. It’s recommended to visit a few times for a few months for recurring treatments—this helps your tear film stabilize and encourages healthy oil flow.
Most treatment plans involve 3-4 initial sessions spaced a few weeks apart. This schedule allows the glands to heal and start producing oil more consistently. Most people notice continuing improvement throughout the treatment cycle.
However, your own routine plays an important part here. To maintain healthy tears and prevent dry eye disease, you’ll need to:
- Follow a daily eyelid hygiene routine.
- Use warm compresses regularly.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Use a humidifier to maintain moisture in the air.
When combined with IPL, these treatments encourage a healthy, strong tear film that shields your eyes.
Is IPL Right For You?
Burning discomfort and other dry eye symptoms can make everyday life challenging. However, IPL offers a safe and effective way to find lasting relief! Our team at Professional Eye Care Centers can work with you to find out if IPL is right for you.
You deserve relief and our team is ready to help. Contact us today to book your appointment—it’s the first step toward finding the relief you deserve.