Light therapy is a common treatment for various health problems, including dry eyes. There are three layers in the eye’s tear film, one of which is the oily layer that prevents tears from drying quickly. The meibomian glands are responsible for producing this oil. Any problem with the said layers, including the lipid or oil layer, can lead to dry eye disease or DED.
DED may also be caused by decreased production of tears and tears drying quickly. There are various reasons why these may happen, including aging, medications, underlying medical conditions, and eye allergies. Some symptoms of DED are redness of the eyes, irritated eyes, burning sensation in the eyes, and light sensitivity.
You can manage dry eyes at home if you have mild symptoms. Warm compress, wearing eye protection, lessening screen time to increase blinking, preventing smoke, and keeping the air moist are some ways to manage DED. However, if symptoms worsen, consult your doctor right away. You may undergo a series of tests to diagnose your eye problem. Then, the specialist will recommend the proper treatment if it’s dry eyes.
Your doctor may prescribe eye drops and oral medicines to treat DED. However, if the symptoms persist or get severe, your doctor will provide other options for treating your eye disorder, including light therapy. One popular form of light therapy dry eyes treatment is IPL or intense pulsed light.
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What is IPL and its cost?
IPL uses mild light pulses on the skin surrounding the eyes. It kills bacteria and reduces inflammation that may block the meibomian glands, which, as mentioned, may cause dry eyes. The process is painless and quick. The doctor will apply the cooling gel on the skin and let you wear protective glasses before starting the treatment.
The cost of IPL treatment may vary from one provider to another. Talk to your doctor about the price before beginning the treatment. Although most insurance providers do not cover this treatment, it’s still worth asking your provider to be sure. Moreover, your doctor may offer payment options that would be more convenient for you.
Safety and effectiveness
As long as a specialist in this field provides the treatment, IPL is generally safe and effective. Protective eyeglasses are essential to prevent damaging your eyes. Most doctors require an average of four sessions to complete the treatment, and you will see the result by then.
Side effects and aftercare
IPL side effects are often short-term and mild. Some of them are minimal skin inflammation, tingling sensation, and discomfort. Since they are not severe, there is no downtime so that you can return to your usual routine after the treatment. However, there are still things to consider for aftercare, such as:
- Avoiding hot showers or baths for at least one week.
- Applying sunscreen on the affected area.
- Preventing too much exposure from the sun.
Consult your doctor if your dry eye symptoms become severe to determine the best treatment, including the possibility of IPL.
