What Is Intense Pulsed Light and How Can It Help With Dry Eye?

Living with burning, itching, and blurry vision can disrupt your day and make even simple tasks uncomfortable. While artificial tears may help temporarily, they often don’t solve the real problem. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy is an advanced, non-invasive treatment that goes beyond symptom relief by addressing the underlying causes of certain types of dry eye.

Why Is Dry Eye So Common?

Dry eye has become increasingly common in today’s world, affecting people of all ages. A major reason is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), the leading cause of evaporative dry eye. The meibomian glands, located along the eyelid margins, produce the essential oils that keep tears from evaporating too quickly. 

Factors like excessive screen time, aging, hormonal changes, and certain medical conditions can cause these glands to become blocked or inflamed. When this happens, the tear film loses its protective oily layer, leading to rapid tear evaporation, irritation, and inflammation - a cycle that often worsens without targeted treatment.

Understanding Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

Intense Pulsed Light is a non-invasive treatment that uses pulses of gentle light to target abnormal blood vessels and inflammation around the eyelids. Originally developed for dermatology, IPL has proven effective for certain types of dry eye, particularly those related to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).

How IPL Helps With Dry Eye

IPL therapy works in several ways to improve dry eye symptoms:

• Reduces inflammation - IPL targets abnormal blood vessels that contribute to eyelid inflammation, a common cause of MGD.

• Improves oil gland function - By warming and loosening blockages, IPL helps restore the natural flow of oils from the meibomian glands.

• Decreases bacterial growth - The treatment can help reduce harmful bacteria on the eyelids that may worsen dry eye symptoms.

• Enhances tear quality - With healthier meibomian glands, the oily layer of your tears is improved, reducing evaporation and providing longer-lasting comfort.

What to Expect During IPL Treatment

IPL sessions are performed in-office and are generally quick and comfortable. A protective shield is placed over your eyes, and a special gel is applied to the treatment area. Pulses of light are then delivered to the skin around your eyelids.

Most patients require a series of treatments for the best results, often spaced a few weeks apart. Many notice gradual improvement in dryness, irritation, and overall eye comfort after each session.

Your Solution to Dry Eye Starts Here

Dry eye can be frustrating and disruptive, but advanced treatments like Intense Pulsed Light offer hope for long-term relief. By targeting the root cause of inflammation and gland dysfunction, IPL can help restore tear quality and keep your eyes comfortable throughout the day.

If you’ve been struggling with dry eye symptoms, contact Northeast Eye Care to schedule your dry eye evaluation and see if IPL therapy is the right choice for you. Visit our office in West Point, Oakland, or Pender, Nebraska. Call (402) 372-3266, (402) 380-9818, or (402) 385-8972 to book an appointment today.