IPL Treatment for Dry Eye

At Essential Aesthetics, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is one of our most popular treatments because it treats a variety of conditions – acne scarring, rosacea, sun damage, and so much more. The most recent addition to the variety of conditions IPL treats is dry eye. IPL Therapy is one of the most groundbreaking treatments for chronic dry eye disease and we are excited to be one of the first offices in the Bay Area to introduce this treatment.

What is chronic dry eye disease?

More than 100 million people worldwide suffer from dry eye disease. This is mainly caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), which is when the meibomian glands are inflamed blocked, displaced, or atrophied. This results in an imbalance of the oils, mucin, in liquids that make up our tear film exposing the cornea to pathogens, hyperosmolarity, nutrient depletion, and dehydration. Another cause of dry eye disease is rosacea which causes abnormal blood vessels (telangiectasia) to release pro-inflammatory mediators which diffuse from the cheeks up to the eyes. Demodex, mites that stimulate infection, also thrive on skin affected by Rosacea causing inflammation and dry eye.

Common symptoms of dry eye disease include:

• Discomfort & irritation

• Sensitivity to light

• Eye fatigue

• Dryness or excess watering

• Burning or stinging sensation

• Fluctuating or blurred vision

How Does IPL Therapy Work?

This light-based treatment targets chronic inflammation which is the root cause of dry eye disease by alleviating abnormal blood vessels and reducing the level of pro-inflammatory mediators. By doing so, it restores the film osmolarity and gland morphology of the eyes to normal function. IPL targets wavelengths into the dermis in specific layers of the skin of the cheeks, nose, and below the lower eyelids. Unlike other therapies for dry eye such as artificial tears, hot compresses, and eyelid scrubs, this FDA-approved IPL treatment treats the root of the problem for long-lasting results.

If you suffer from dry eye and are looking for a long-term solution, call or text us at 925.855.1773 or schedule a consultation.