IPL Dry Eye Treatment FAQ

What Is IPL?

IPL is a specifically calibrated series of intense pulsed light (IPL) which are precisely set at a specific energy and frequency. IPL is specifically designed for treating dry eye due to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Treatment with IPL stimulates the Meibomian glands and helps them to recover their function.

At In2Eyes Optometry, we utilise the Lumenis Optilight IPL technology for dry eye treatment. The Optilight is FDA approved for dry eye treatment in the USA, has a Medical CE certification in Europe and is also a registered medical device listed under the TGA in Australia and WAND in New Zealand.

What Happens During IPL Treatment?

Before being treated with IPL, your optometrist will perform a comprehensive dry eye assessment. This will ensure that we understand the root causes behind your symptoms. This will allow us to then create a dry eye treatment action plan, tailored to your condition. Your optometrist will advise if IPL is right for you.

During treatment;

• Patients are required to remove all make up from the skin.
• Patients are fitted with protective eye wear in the form of IPL stick on shields or corneal shields can also be used like a contact lens to protect the eyes 
• Conductive gel is then placed beneath the eyelid area to ensure even spreading of pulsed light during treatment. –
• 2 passes of IPL flashes are then applied safely beneath or above the eyelid area to stimulate the normal functioning of the meibomian glands.

For best results, the initial treatment protocol should be applied 2 weeks apart for 5 sessions, and then subsequently as needed. Treatments will also be administered in conjunction with meibomian gland expression. There will also be other recommendations from your optometrist, including treatments you can do at home to ensure optimal results.

This IPL session normally takes around 30 minutes.

How Fast Does It Work?

Treatment is non invasive and patients typically experience relief after the 3rd session onwards.

Your optometrist will also advise you on how to maintain the health of your meibomian glands through supplements, behaviour changes, dietary recommendations and at home treatments.

Contraindications

General contraindications apply regarding ILP devices. The following are not able to be treated with IPL:

• Certain medicines that increase photo-sensitivity (which will be advised before treatment). A skin test will be required as a precautionary measure only and you will be required to return for evaluation within 2 days.
• Pregnant patients
• Skin photo type V (very dark skin)
• Xeroderma
• Keloid scarring under the eyelids
• Lupus disease
• During Doxycycline antibiotic treatment
• Spray tanning on the face
• Try to avoid exposure to sunlight/UV/tanning before treatment.

Clinical Trials

1. Clinical Trial 2012 – France A study on 150 patients with MGD in 2012 by Dr Christian Malbrel, Ophthalmologist in Reims, France, using the E-Eye device showed 90% satisfaction rate after a series of 3 treatments on day 1, 15 and 45.  Clinical study available on request
2. Clinical Trial 2014 – New Zealand A double blinded, placebo-controlled, clinical trial of 28 patients with MGD in 2014 by Associate Professor Jennifer P. Craig from the Ocular Surface Laboratory within The University of Auckland’s Department of Ophthalmology, using the E-Eye device for 3 treatments. 82% of treated patients showed improvement of at least one lipid layer grade on day 1, and 86% of participants noted reduced symptoms by day 45. There was also significant improvement in non-invasive tear breakup time (NIBUT) vs controls.

Source: Craig, Jennifer P., Yen-Heng Chen, and Philip RK Turnbull. “Prospective trial of intense pulsed light for the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction.”Investigative ophthalmology & visual science 56, no. 3 (2015): 1965-1970, available at http://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2277038