Dr. O’Rourke and her staff at Essence Laser & Wellness have been performing IPL for Dry Eyes for more than a decade and are among the most experienced in the country. Board-Certified in Ophthalmology, Dr. O’Rourke worked with Research and Development on the early protocols for IPL for Dry Eyes. She was the first ophthalmologist in Colorado to treat dry eyes with IPL, and as one of the most experienced centers in the country, Essence receives referrals from across the United States for patients who have failed standard therapy for dry eyes.
We are now happy to be pioneers in yet another revolutionary treatment for Dry Eyes, the PReye™ Drop, PReye™ Shot, and PReye™ Lash, available only at Essence.
IPL is for patients with dry eye, blepharitis, ocular rosacea, or meibomian gland dysfunction. It is a light therapy targeting the meibomian glands (MBGs) at the eyelid margin. The MBG are responsible for producing the oily layer of the tear film, which protects the aqueous layer from evaporation.
IPL improves MBG function by producing heat, clearing the MBG, and coagulating the blood vessels near the MBG that release inflammatory components into the eye.
By improving the MBG function, there is less inflammation and less evaporation of the tear film, a common issue in our dry Colorado environment, resulting in more comfortable eyes.
How does IPL work?
IPL helps improve the health of the meibomian glands, which produce the protective oil layer of the tear film. This oil layer prevents tears from evaporating too quickly and helps keep the eyes comfortable and well lubricated. When the oil layer becomes unhealthy or blocked, tears evaporate too fast. This can lead to symptoms such as blurry vision, burning, redness, irritation, and general eye discomfort. IPL therapy improves meibomian gland function by heating the area to help clear blockages. The treatment also coagulates small abnormal blood vessels near the eyelids that release inflammatory substances into the tear film. By improving meibomian gland function and reducing inflammation, IPL helps stabilize the tear film and reduce evaporation, which results in more comfortable and healthier eyes.
Is this a laser?
IPL is not a laser; it uses light therapy across a broad range of wavelengths, whereas a laser uses a single wavelength of light. A filter is used to select the wavelength range that is best for this treatment to warm the skin and close the abnormal blood vessels associated with rosacea and blepharitis. IPL is FDA-approved for the treatment of rosacea and has been used for many years for hair removal and sunspot treatment.
What to expect with the IPL treatment
A topical anesthetic ointment is applied around the eye area for 15 minutes to ensure the treatment is as comfortable as possible. Protective ocular shields are placed over the eyes to protect from the bright light pulses. A thin layer of cooling gel is applied to the skin, and a handpiece attached to the light system delivers light to the upper face. As the pulse of light is delivered, most patients experience a tingling or snapping sensation that they tolerate quite well. Roughly 30 pulses will be delivered around and under the eyes, on the lids, and above the brows. After the IPL treatment, your meibomian glands will be gently expressed to help stimulate normal oil flow.
The treated area may be slightly flushed and red for a short time after treatment. It is recommended to start with a series of 3 treatments, spaced one month apart for optimal results. Maintenance is also recommended to continue healthy meibomian gland function.
How many treatments will I need?
Most patients have significant improvement with one or two treatments. Typically, 4-5 treatments are given one month apart. After that, maintenance treatments are given one to two times per year, depending on the severity of the condition.
What is the downtime of this treatment?
After the treatment, you may return to normal activities. The use of sunblock and sunglasses is recommended for the treated areas.
When will I notice results?
After the initial treatment, most patients report improvement in their symptoms. Studies have shown an objective increase in tear function after each treatment, with the maximum improvement happening after the fourth or fifth treatment. Depending on the severity of the problem, some patients may need more treatments than others. All patients likely will need maintenance therapy at least yearly.
Contraindications to IPL
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Dark-skinned patients (i.e., Fitzpatrick skin types III-V) may not be candidates. IPL is a light-based therapy that targets reds to coagulate the telangiectatic blood vessels that release inflammatory components in the eye, but it also targets brown pigment in the skin. Patients with a high level of skin pigmentation may absorb too much heat from the IPL, causing a burn. Radiofrequency may be an alternative.
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Doxycycline or Tetracycline systemic treatment. These antibiotics increase skin sensitivity to light and may cause a burn. The patient should discontinue this class of antibiotics for 2 weeks prior to therapy or use an alternative form of therapy, such as radiofrequency.
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Sun exposure or tanned skin. Increased pigmentation from sun exposure and artificial tans can increase IPL heat absorption and cause burns. If the patient cannot avoid significant sun exposure, radiofrequency may be an alternative.
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Pregnancy or breastfeeding
What are my alternatives?
For dry eye and blepharitis, traditional treatments have been lid hygiene, artificial tears, punctal plugs, cyclosporine (Restasis) drops, steroid drops, nonsteroidal drops, and topical and systemic antibiotics. Many patients continue some or all of these treatments, although usually at a greatly reduced rate, depending on the severity of their condition and the frequency of their desired treatments.
Essence also now offers a revolutionary new treatment for dry eyes called PReye Drops.
For patients who desire a technology-based treatment and are not candidates for IPL, radiofrequency may be an option.
Under the supervision of Melinda C. O’Rourke, MD, Essence Laser and Wellness is a referral center for specialty dry eye therapy and a medical aesthetics practice, not a routine ophthalmology practice. We ask that you provide a copy of a recent eye exam prior to treatment when seeking IPL for Dry Eye and/or the PReye™ shot. No exam is necessary for PReye™ drops or PRP for aesthetic purposes.
Ask us about our IPL/PReye™ bundling packages.
