IPL therapy is a non-invasive therapeutic treatment that uses light energy. Unlike lasers, which emit a single wavelength of light, IPL uses a broad spectrum of light that can be filtered to target specific wavelengths for various therapeutic purposes. As the light energy penetrates the skin, it triggers the body’s natural healing system.
History of IPL
IPL therapy began in 1992 for the treatment of abnormal blood vessels in the legs. As the technology evolved, it became more popular in the dermatology space and was frequently used to treat the skin on the face. Several patients who received IPL therapy on the face had reported that their dry eye symptoms had also improved. This led to the research and development of IPL therapy modified for the eye region to target dry eye disease, led by an ophthalmologist in the US, Dr. Toyos, in 2001.
How it can improve dry eye symptoms:
- Removes abnormal micro blood vessels on the eyelids that grow in response to chronic dryness. In doing so, this decreases the inflammation in and around the eyes
- Destroys excess growth of the demodex mites buried in the eyelash follicles which cause blepharitis and worsen dry eye symptoms
- Rapidly reduces the inflammation in meibomian gland obstructions which leads to quicker resolution of chalazia without scarring, medications, or surgery. It may also reduce the frequency of future re-occurrences
- Reduces the appearance of any redness, sunspots, and acne scars in the areas around the eyes
The recommended number of treatment sessions is 3-4 sessions completed every 3-4 weeks. 1-2 maintenance sessions per year may be recommended for the following years. For chalazion removal, 1 session may be adequate for acute or minor cases. 2 or more sessions may be needed for chronic or larger chalazion.
While other IPL devices are frequently found in dermatology and cosmetic clinics for skin rejuvenation, Lumecca-I is a Health Canada approved device to be used in the eye region and is only available in optometry clinics for the treatment of dry eye disease. Its unique feature is its small adaptor size, delivering the treatment precisely to the eyelid margin. Due to the high amount of light energy and the need for protective contact lenses to be inserted, this treatment may only be administered by a trained professional with knowledge of the ocular anatomy. All doctors at Richmond Hill Eye Clinic have received additional training to administer IPL safely to the eye region. Book an appointment today to speak to your optometrist to see if this treatment is suitable for you!