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Dry eye is a prevalent condition thatcauses irritation, pain, itchiness, redness, and a dry, gritty feeling. Thiscondition can be challenging to manage, but fortunately, several treatments areavailable to help patients manage chronic dry eye symptoms. In this blog, wewill discuss two dry eye treatments that have become popular among dry eyepatients due to their effectiveness and long-lasting results.
IPL Treatment
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy is a painless,non-invasive treatment for dry eye syndrome. IPL is a powerful, remarkablyeffective treatment that is used for dry eye associated with meibomian glanddysfunction (MGD). MGD is the most common cause of dry eye syndrome, as it preventsthe secretion of oils from the meibomian glands. When these oils, which are acritical part of the tear film, are disrupted, moisture evaporates too quickly.
This accelerated tearevaporation leads to dry eye symptoms such as burning, grittiness, andfluctuating vision. While treatments like artificial tears and warm compressesmay offer short-term comfort, they don’t address the root cause; chronicinflammation.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)therapy works differently. It targets and reduces inflammation along the eyelidmargins, where clogged or dysfunctional meibomian glands contribute toevaporative dry eye. By calming this inflammatory process, IPL helps restorehealthy oil flow from the glands, improving tear stability and long-termcomfort.
Regular IPL treatments not only relievesymptoms but also help preserve gland function, preventing irreversible damage and atrophyover time.
Preparing for IPL Treatment
Before starting IPL treatment, you willhave a consultation with your eye care specialist. It’s crucial to review yourmedical history to determine whether you are a good candidate for IPL. Tellyour optometrist if you’re using anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, orantibiotic medications. Some medications can thin your blood and increase the riskof post-treatment bruising.
Your doctor will help you prepare for yourtreatment. However, patients are advised to avoid direct UV exposure for a fewdays before their sessions. Additionally, if you use skincare products withactive ingredients, such as retinol, you may need to discontinue use for acouple of days before your first treatment session.
IPL treatments are quickand well-tolerated, typically lasting just 10 to 15 minutes. Most patientsdescribe a sensation of gentle warmth and light pressure as pulses of light areapplied around the eyelids. The targeted light helps to loosen thickened oilsand reduce inflammation. After the treatment, your provider may perform agentle expression of the meibomian glands to help clear blockages and restorehealthy oil flow.
What to Expect After IPL Treatment
One of the primary benefits of IPL therapyis that there is no downtime or extended recovery. Some patients feel animprovement immediately. However, it may take up to three sessions toexperience a noticeable improvement in your symptoms.
After your first IPLsession, you may notice some temporary redness, swelling, or sensitivity aroundyour eyes. These side effects are usually mild and resolve within a day or two.Some people also experience light sensitivity or a mild sunburn-like feeling.To protect your skin and eyes, use a fragrance-free moisturizer, apply abroad-spectrum sunscreen, and avoid direct sun exposure for at least a week.Wearing UV-protective sunglasses outdoors is recommended, especially if youfeel light-sensitive. Your provider will give you specific aftercareinstructions customized to your skin type and sensitivity.
Your eyecare practitioner may alsoprescribe artificial tears to keep your eyes hydrated, and daily warmcompresses to supplement the effects of the IPL treatment. It’s important toavoid heavily scented products or beauty procedures, such as microneedling orinjectables, that can irritate the eye area.
TearCare® Treatment
TearCare® is an advanced,non-invasive treatment designed to relieve dry eye symptoms caused by meibomiangland dysfunction. It delivers consistent, controlled heat through flexibleeyelid devices that conform to the natural contours of the eye, effectivelymelting thickened meibum. After heating, your eye care provider manuallyexpresses the glands to help restore healthy oil flow.
In many cases, TearCare ispaired with Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy for enhanced results. WhileTearCare focuses on clearing the glands, IPL targets the underlyinginflammation that contributes to gland dysfunction especially in patients withrosacea or chronic eyelid inflammation. Used together, these treatments offer apowerful and complementary approach to restoring gland function, improving tearquality, and providing lasting relief from dry eye symptoms.
How Should You Prepare for TearCare® Treatment?
Before starting TearCare®, your eyecare provider will conduct a detailed consultation to review your eye health,medical history, and any allergies or medications. This ensures the treatmentis safe, appropriate, and personalized to you. You'll also receive clearguidance on how to prepare for your session and care for your eyes afterward.
On the day of treatment, please arrivewith clean skin and avoid wearing makeup or contact lenses. TearCare® usessoft, flexible devices that comfortably rest on the eyelids, deliveringconsistent, therapeutic heat to melt thickened oils trapped in the meibomianglands. Most patients find the warming sensation gentle and relaxing.
Once the heating cycle is complete,your provider will perform manual gland expression to clear blockages and restore healthy oil flow.You may feel some light pressure during this step, but it’s typically welltolerated and brief. The entire procedure usually takes about 20–30 minutes,and most patients return to their normal activities immediately afterward.
What Can You Expect After TearCare® Treatment?
TearCare doesn’t require any downtime, andyou can resume normal activities immediately. You may experience minorsensitivity and redness, but these symptoms should subside within a few days. Aftercareinstructions provided by your doctor will include an eyelid hygiene routine tokeep the eyelids clean. If you experience any adverse side effects, contactyour provider immediately.
Effective Eyecare for Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye can be a frustrating condition, withunpredictable symptoms. If you experience dry eye discomfort and you’reinterested in exploring treatment options, contact Weston Contact LensInstitute. Our highly experienced and qualified eyecare practitioners will helpyou understand your options and determine which treatment is best for you.
