Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy is a new non-invasive treatment for dry eye and inflammation caused by dry eye syndrome. This groundbreaking technology delivers light pulses and induces a local thermal effect, which warms the Meibomian gland secretions, thus liquefying and releasing oils that have hardened and clogged the Meibomian glands in the eyelids. IPL also reduces eyelid redness and stimulates healthy gland function. Depending on the severity of their dry eye condition, certain patients may require occasional maintenance treatments following the initial series of IPL treatments.

Unlike traditional dry eye treatment methods such as eye drops, artificial tears, hot compresses, and eyelid scrubs that only act as temporary relief, IPL treatment targets the root cause, which are the blood vessels surrounding the Meibomian glands. (Meibomian glands are oil glands along the edge of the eyelids where the eyelashes are found. These glands make oil, called meibum, that is an important part of the eye’s tears. The oily layer is the outside of the tear film that keeps tears from drying up too quickly.)