Sooth and hydrate your eyes with our IPL Dry Eye Protocol at Ophthalmic Associates. Â Our customized treatment plan addresses the unique needs of your eyes, providing targeted relief from dryness, discomfort, eyelid inflammation, and styes.
How Does Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy Work?
Controls inflammation – IPL therapy soothes and cools inflamed regions, minimizing the factors that contribute to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
Stimulates the Meibomian glands – IPL light therapy helps to emulsify the oils that clog the meibomian glands, enhancing the overall health of the tear film and preventing recurrent styes.
Fights bacteria and demodex – IPL light has remarkable antibacterial properties that can be harnessed to reduce eye irritation symptoms and promote ocular balance.
What Is the IPL Dry Eye and Blepharitis Protocol?
The IPL Dry Eye and Blepharitis Protocol is Ophthalmic Associate’s light solution for dry eye disease and meibomian gland dysfunction. The Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy involves a gentle, rapid, and safe session that delivers focused pulses of light to the lid margins and face. Using IPL technology, our signature dry eye treatment offers a non-invasive and painless alternative to chronic eye drop use, freeing you from the tedious cycle of warm compresses. This treatment can also be used for early styes and can prevent the formation of future styes in patients who suffer from blepharitis (eyelid inflammation) and clogged eyelid oil glands.
What Happens During the Procedure?
The treatment is performed in our clinic at Ophthalmic Associates. The entire session lasts about 10-15 minutes. Since IPL treatment is virtually painless, there is no need for numbing cream or injections. Your eyelid skin is first cleansed to remove all makeup and lotions. Contact lenses are placed to protect your eyes from the laser pulses. Next, a cool, clear gel is applied to the eyelids and face. Your physician will then administer the IPL energy to your eyelids and face to treat the inflamed skin and rescue the clogged meibomian glands. The light passes feel like a warm wave or a light rubber band snap on the skin.
What Can I Expect After My Treatment?
There is no downtime after our IPL Dry Eye and Blepharitis Protocol. Sunscreen and sunglasses should be worn after the procedure, and prolonged direct sun exposure should be avoided. Our patients typically experience more comfortable, clearer eyes as soon as 4-6 hours after the procedure. Each session resolves dry eye symptoms up to 25-40% from the baseline. Multiple sessions are needed for best results. Most dry eye patients require a series of 3 sessions spaced at 2-to-4-week intervals, followed by a touch-up session every 6 to 12 months.
Is IPL Covered by Insurance?
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy is considered a cosmetic, non-covered service by all insurance plans. Because it is an aesthetic treatment rather than a medically necessary procedure, insurance does not provide reimbursement for IPL.
During your consultation, Dr. Nina Boal will evaluate your skin and eyelid concerns, recommend the most appropriate treatment plan, and review pricing based on your specific needs and goals. All costs will be discussed clearly before any treatment is performed so you know exactly what to expect.
