Intense pulsed light (IPL) has been shown to improve skin texture and tone, but recently, it has been used to help individuals who suffer from chronic dry eyes. At the Wichita Vision Institute, we perform IPL laser treatments on our clients to help clear their meibomian glands and restore a free flow of natural oils.
This is a very simple procedure that can take only about 30 minutes to perform. While it’s not a permanent solution for dry eyes, the results are long-lasting. Clogged glands that cannot properly secrete saltwater and oil are the main cause of dry eyes, but this procedure can correct the problem without the need for surgery or other invasive treatments.
Problems with Meibomian Glands
These are much like skin pores in that they secrete oils. Normally, the oils and also the water that comes from the tear ducts keep the surface of our eyes and the adjacent lids at the proper moisture level. As we age and mature, these glands can become clogged as oil hardens and binds to pollutants such as dust and grit.
Opening up the pores can be accomplished via surgical intervention, but the side effects can negatively affect the ability of the individual to recover properly. Most of the over-the-counter eye drops don’t clear the pores. On the other hand, IPL laser treatments can effectively unclog the pores and restore a natural flow of oil.
How IPL Works
This is similar to a traditional laser treatment, but an IPL device emits broad-spectrum light that delivers less intense heat. The beam is thin and focused, and it’s made up of a carefully calibrated selection of wavelengths. The light energy is absorbed by the rather dark tissues of the meibomian glands, and this, in turn, heats up and literally melts away the clogs that are preventing oil secretion.
Consultation and Treatment
Anyone who is experiencing chronic dry eyes and fatigued, red eyes may be a candidate. During the consultation, we will review the client’s medical history and examine the glands and ducts of the eye very closely.
Depending on the severity of the problem, we may schedule several treatments, spaced apart by a week or so. The amount of energy emitted by an IPL laser device is rather weak but highly concentrated, and we don’t want to apply too much heat energy in a single treatment session.
The client wears eye shades that cover the eyeball but not the surrounding tissues. The lamp is aimed directly at the gland, and each pulse of energy lasts only about two milliseconds. After several bursts of energy, the clogs in the glands are loosened and partly liquefied.
Contact Us for More Information
This is a revolutionary new application of IPL therapy, and it produces positive results that last for quite some time. If you’re battling dry, fatigued eyes and aren’t satisfied with the effects of eye drops, IPL laser treatment may be just the solution you’re looking for. Contact the Wichita Vision Institute today to learn more and to schedule your consultation.
I Can See Clearly Now
by Don Burrows
Category: cataract surgeryDr. Patel saved my wife’s vision and mine too. I now live 770 miles from her office and would still make the trip, even if it required a cross-country trip.
I highly recommend Dr. Patel
by Jim Guhl
Category: cataract surgeryDr. Patel is a physician whose sincere goal is to improve the quality of life for her patients. When I first became a patient under Dr. Patel’s care, I was diagnosed with cataracts in both of my eyes; dry eye syndrome; and astigmatism. Previous records from my Lasik surgery, which occurred 17 years ago, were no longer available. The Lasik surgery documentation was important in determining the exact corrections that now needed to be made to properly correct my astigmatism. Dr. Patel wisely recommended I postpone the cataract removal and astigmatism correction procedure, until she received newly developed diagnostic equipment. This newly developed technology would provide her with the most accurate metrics possible. New specialized lens implants were also becoming available, which would correct my astigmatism. Dr. Patel explained my chances for a successful outcome would be significantly increased if I would be patient and wait a little longer. Dr. Patel is truly a physician with high integrity and would never perform surgery until she knew it was the right time. She truly cares about providing her patients with the best care she can. Dr. Patel successfully treated my dry eye symptoms with a regiment of eye drops, cleansing techniques and vitamins, which prevented me from requiring more extensive - and more expensive treatment. Prior to the surgery on my right eye, she provided me with sample eye drops from her office and coupons for the eye drops I would need to purchase after my surgery. She did all she could to reduce my expenses. During preparations for right eye surgery, Dr. Patel spent quality time with me explaining the results of my pre-surgery testing and asking questions to determine my vision goals. One of my desires was to once again see the front sight on a pistol. I thoroughly enjoyed going to the firing range, but due to the cataract in my right eye I could no longer see the sights, on my pistol. Although the cataract in my left eye was not as bad yet – I was also experiencing difficulty seeing and firing left handed. Using a blue gun (authentic plastic replica of a Sig P229 pistol), Dr. Patel took additional measurements which she used in determining the correct lens to implant, during my surgery. My right eye surgery took place on November 1, 2017. Two days after the surgery, I happened to glance at my mobile phone and for the first time in 10 years or more, I could read the information on the screen without glasses. I pulled the Sig out of its case and – wow! – The sight picture was there clear as a bell. So the right eye cataract is gone along with the rainbow halos around cars at night and the astigmatism has been corrected better than I dreamed possible. Quality of life restored! The process included the latest diagnostic equipment; the newest technology in an intraocular lens implant; and the use of a laser surgery technique performed by Dr. Patel. Sadly, insurance does not cover much of the cost for the process that produces the optimal results. When it comes to the long term correction of your vision and significant increase in the quality of life it is well worth the investment. Dr. Patel is a very accomplished and highly competent physician and surgeon. I will be forever grateful to her for restoring my vision. I highly recommend Dr. Patel. Jim Guhl Wichita, KS November 13, 2017
In Good Hands
by Luke F.
Category: lasik surgeryTalk about a life changing surgery!!! From the consultation to the surgery I knew I was in good hands. I would recommend WVI to anyone who is considering LASIK. Thanks WVI!
Life Changing!
by Ashley J.
Category: lasik surgeryI love Dr. Patel! After having my dreams crushed at another place when they told me I wasn't a candidate, I went to Dr Patel for a lasik consultation. She is very thorough and gave me information about my eyes that no doctor in almost 20 years has told me. A week ago I had Lasik and it has been life changing! I couldn't be happier and I'm so glad I chose Dr Patel. She truly cares about her patients and her passion shows. The wait time can be very long, but if you are prepared for that ahead of time, you won't be disappointed once you see the doctor. I'm recommending WVI to everyone I know. She is now the only doctor I trust for my eyes.
Impressed with Dr. Patel and Staff
by William D.
Category: cataract surgeryI first saw Dr. Patel about 6 years ago when my left eye wandered to the left side and stayed there. She sent me to the Dean McGee Eye Institute in Oklahoma City for further evaluation. No reason was ever found as to why it did that but it corrected itself after about two months. Since then I have been seeing Dr. Patel regularly. I damaged the left eye in an accident and had to have a vitrectomy performed. She referred me to another specialist Dr. Paul Weishaar and that outcome was also great. The eye did develop a cataract and she performed that surgery a few months ago and suggested a plan for treating dry eyes. It was outstanding and since wearing glasses for over 50 years, I now just wear sunglasses. Simply amazing. Dr. Patel and her staff are the greatest and they know other great professionals if the need arises. They also do charity work and they are all a total blessing to me. I would not even consider going anywhere else. Just gotta love them.
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