IPL Treatment Side Effects

Do you suffer from dry eyes?

Fortunately, there are millions of other Americans that suffer from dry eyes as well, which has led to the development of a variety of solution options. No longer do you have to suffer from dry, scratchy eyes with no relief. Thanks to modern medical advancements and crossover technology, dry eyes are now being treated with great success. We, at Diamond Vision, offer IPL (intense pulsed light), one of the most successful treatments available today for those that suffer from dry eyes caused by Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).

Your tears are made up of 3 components (water, oil, and mucus) that are produced by different glands around the eyes and eyelids.

MGD is one of the most common causes of dry eyes and is caused when the Meibomian gland isn’t functioning properly (from blockage, inflammation or other abnormality) and unable to produce the oil (lipid) layers of the basal tears. When this occurs, the tears evaporate too quickly. When tears are not able to lubricate and moisturize the eyes properly, dry eyes occur. Unlike other treatment options, IPL addresses the underlying cause of the condition by helping restore the natural functioning of the Meibomian glands.

The treatment involves delivering series of light pulses in a very specified, calculated manner to stimulate your Meibomian glands which produce vital lipids/oils. These oils are protective, and it is necessary for your vision to keep them at optimum levels. Sometimes, the Meibomian glands become blocked, IPL helps clear the blockages and stimulates proper functioning again. The success rate of FDA approved IPL procedures is substantial — it takes just a few hours after the first dry eye treatment to start feeling comfortable changes.

After the IPL treatment is completed, the Meibomian glands will be expressed manually by the ophthalmologist to help alleviate and remove the blockage from the glands. The IPL treatment helps break up the blockages but they still need to be removed in order to restore normal functioning.

Like all new treatments, you’re probably thinking, “That sounds great but does IPL for dry eyes have side effects?” There are a few side effects to the treatment and procedure but they are very minor in nature and only temporary (if present at all).

Patients may experience the following side effects:

• Redness
• Discomfort
• Tingling/warming sensations
• Sensitivity to direct UV light
• Slight inflammation from the gland expression rather than light therapy
• Mild mucus discharge
• Pregnant women should not undergo this treatment

Positive effects include:

• Reduction of leaky blood vessels that ultimately reduces surface redness
• Tightening of collagen in and around the eyes, may reduce wrinkles
• Potential reduction in dark sunspots
• Pregnant women should not undergo this treatment

At Diamond Vision, we are proud to offer IPL treatment for our patients that suffer from the discomfort of chronic dry eyes. Our award-winning staff strives to provide unmatched patient care along with the latest vision and eye treatments available. Call Diamond Vision today, to learn more about how we can help you get back to seeing clearly and free from discomfort. Schedule your free consultation or visit one of our clinics. If you are in the state of Georgia contact visit our Atlanta laser eye treatment center.