Suffer with dry eyes? We have a fantastic new treatment!
Many treatments for Dry Eye treat the symptoms and enable patients to be more comfortable. However, there is a now a treatment available which treats MGD (Meibomian Gland Dysfunction), the cause of up to 80% of dry eye cases.
IPL (Intense Pulse Light) treatment combined with LLLT (low level light therapy) is a pain-free and effective way to treat dry eye conditions related to MGD, improving tear quality and other symptoms reported by patients.
Most patients have commented that they have an improvement of the condition in only a few hours after the first treatment. Depending on the severity of the condition, usually four treatments are required at intervals of 2-3 weeks. Further treatments will not be required for up to a year. Generally, patients require one top-up treatment annually.
MGD occurs when the meibomian glands do not function normally. The meibomian glands in the eyelids produce oil that forms part of the tear film. The oily layer prevents the tears from evaporating and lubricates the surface like oil in a car engine. Patients with MGD often have abnormally dilated blood vessels (telangiectasia) along the eyelid margins. These dilated vessels are a source of increased inflammation.
IPL causes photocoagulation and closes these abnormal blood vessels. IPL also is thought to stimulates the cells. IPL and LLLT treatment also opens up the meibomian glands and liquifies the oil within the glands.
Treatment Preparation
- Do not expose yourself to the sun or apply self-tanning products 15-20 days before treatment.
- Do not take photosensitizing drugs, or if they are essential, please inform your Optometrist.
- Do not perform chemical, physical or enzymatic peels before and during the period of treatment.
- If taking medications such as anti-inflammatories, anticoagulants, antibiotics and antihistamines, please notify the Optometrist.
- If you wear contact lenses, you should remove them before starting the treatment.
- After the treatment some slight redness may appear.
- It is recommended not to carry out other aesthetic medical procedures on the treated areas (but in general on the entire face) for the duration of the cycle.
- For at least 15 days after each session we suggest you to wear sunglasses.
- Apply sun block over the skin around the eyes and cheeks for at least 2 weeks after treatment.
Who shouldn't have this treatment?
- If you are pregnant.
- If you have suspicious skin lesions in the area to be treated eg keloids.
- If you have Psoriasis vitiligo lupus scleroderma or connective tissue disorder.
- If you have Photosensitive Epilepsy
- If you have metal plates rods or screws in the treatment area.
- If you have a history of cancer in the area of treatment.
- If you have used isotretinoin within the last year.
- If you have used a tanning bed in the last 3-4 weeks.
- If you have had botox or dermal fillers in the last week (or 2 weeks after treatment).
- If you have active cold sores or Herpes simplex or zoster virus.
- If you have used photosensitizing drugs e.g. tetracycline antibiotics.
