Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) as a novel treatment for dry eye
Dry eye, also known as dry eye syndrome , is an eye condition in which the surface of the eye does not receive adequate lubrication from the tear film . Almost 30% of the population suffers from it, being more common in women and the elderly. Tears are essential for maintaining ocular health and comfort, as they not only lubricate the surface of the eye, but also help protect the eye from infection and maintain clear, sharp vision.
The main cause of dry eye is usually an imbalance in the composition of tears or a decrease in their production . Tears are made up of three layers: a lipid (fatty) layer that prevents tears from evaporating quickly, a watery layer that provides most of the eye's supply of nutrients and oxygen, and a mucinous layer that helps the tears Tears adhere to the surface of the eye evenly.
What are the causes of dry eye?
- Reduced tear production: As you age, tear production may decrease . It can also be caused by medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome , and some autoimmune diseases.
- Imbalance in tear composition: If tears do not have the right combination of lipids, water and mucin, the surface of the eye can dry out quickly.
- Environmental factors : Being exposed to certain environmental conditions such as dry air, wind, air conditioning, and prolonged use of digital screens can increase tear evaporation and contribute to dry eye.
- Use of contact lenses: People who wear contact lenses may experience dry eye symptoms as a result of the interaction between the lenses and the ocular surface.
- Medications : Taking some medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, and blood pressure medications, can reduce tear production.
- Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations, such as those that occur during pregnancy, menopause , or in cases of hormonal imbalance, can influence tear production.
- Eye diseases: Some diseases, such as blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids), evaporative dry eye syndrome, and meibomian gland dysfunction, can contribute to dry eye.
Symptoms and signs of dry eye
The main signs of dry eye are the following:
- Itching, stinging and burning eyes.
- Sensation of a foreign body, like “grit” in the eye.
- Blurred vision that needs blinking to improve.
- Keratoconjunctivitis.
- Corneal keratitis.
- Conjunctival injection.
What is intense pulsed light treatment?
Intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment is a technique that has gained popularity in the field of Ophthalmology in recent years.
Although it was initially used to address dermatological problems, such as facial redness or vascular lesions, its application has expanded to the treatment of dry eyes. IPL uses pulses of filtered light to stimulate the meibomian glands , responsible for producing the lipid layer of the tear film, which helps maintain moisture on the ocular surface.
The treatment is carried out between three and four sessions , depending on the age and severity of the particular case. Each session lasts between five and ten minutes . Between each procedure, an interval of two weeks should pass.
It is advisable to repeat the treatment once a year. It has no side effects, is performed on an outpatient basis and can be applied to any skin type.
How does the IPL work?
During an IPL session for dry eye, a conductive gel is placed on the skin around the eyes and eye protection glasses are worn to ensure safety. The IPL device is then applied to the skin, emitting controlled pulses of intense light.
This light gently penetrates the skin and is selectively absorbed by the meibomian glands, stimulating their function and promoting better quality of the tear film.
What benefits does IPL treatment provide?
- Effectiveness: Various studies and research have shown that IPL treatment can significantly improve dry eye symptoms by stimulating the production of essential tear lipids , improving stability and ocular lubrication.
- Non-invasive: Unlike some surgical interventions for dry eye, IPL treatment does not involve incisions or sutures. It is a non-invasive procedure that is performed on an outpatient basis and generally does not require recovery time.
- Minimal Side Effects – In the hands of a qualified professional, IPL side effects are usually minimal. Temporary slight redness may occur on the treated skin, but this usually disappears quickly.
- Comprehensive Approach: IPL treatment not only addresses dry eye issues, but can also help with other skin conditions, such as facial redness, making it a versatile option.
If you want more information, consult with an Ophthalmology specialist .
