There are times when your dry eye condition makes you want to cry. The problem is your eyes don’t have enough lubrication. You struggle to make those tears come. Your eyes itch and burn all the time. They feel like something is jabbing at them even though there is nothing in your eye. You have tried all kinds of over-the-counter drops in hopes of finding relief. You carry some in your pocket and slip into the bathroom often to put drops in your eyes. They only give you temporary relief and then you are back to where you started. IPL therapy could help you to deal with your eye discomfort.
Understanding IPL Therapy and How it Can Help
IPL therapy is otherwise known as Intense Pulsed Light therapy. It is typically used for issues that affect the skin, such as severe acne or rosacea. Your dry eyes may result from a problem with your meibomian glands. The meibomian glands are located inside the rim of your eyelid. They produce meibum. Meibum is a type of substance that is oily. It helps your eyes to remain lubricated by keeping the film of tears in your eyes from evaporating. When there is a problem with the meibomian glands, there may not be enough meibum produced in your eye. You may also experience a problem when the meibomian glands become blocked. The glands can become inflamed. Bacteria may build up as well, making the condition even worse.
IPL therapy can be directed at the meibomian glands. The heat of the pulses of light act like applying a warm compress to the area that needs it most. As a result, any blockages in the glands are relieved. The glands open up again. If bacteria is present, the IPL therapy has been shown to eliminate bacteria as well. The end result is improved lubrication in your eyes. You don’t have to keep a stash of eye drops everywhere you go anymore. Dr. Patel may provide you with special drops to use immediately following the procedure for a short duration of time.
What Can You Expect When You Have IPL Therapy for Dry Eyes?
IPL therapy is performed as an outpatient procedure. It is brief and targets the source of your dryness. There is a good chance you will need to return for follow up treatments. Patients benefit the most from an average of three or four treatments that are performed once a month.
Ask Our Eye Doctor if IPL Therapy Could Help You
If you are like so many who suffer from dry, irritated eyes, you are probably trying to handle it on your own. It’s time to turn to an eye professional. Dr. Patel will evaluate your eyes and pinpoint the source of your troubles. If there is an issue with your meibomian glands, our eye doctor may recommend that you try IPL therapy to improve the flow of meibum in your eyes once again. Relief is in reach. Make your appointment today with the Wichita Vision Institute.