Dry Eye Treatment
IPL Therapy for Dry Eye
Dry Eye TREATMENT
IPL & Radiofrequency
IPL therapy for dry eye treatment
Dealing with dry eye can be both frustrating and uncomfortable. If you’ve exhausted home remedies and over-the-counter products without finding relief, it might be time to explore a more effective solution such as intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy.
At Quality Eye Care Clinic in Elgin and Kildeer, IL, we proudly offer Envision by InMode, the latest in-office breakthrough that’s transforming how we treat dry eyes. The Envision device features state-of-the-art technologies like Lumecca-I IPL to provide a fresh approach to treating dry eyes and enhancing skin health.
What is IPL therapy?
Rather than just masking the symptoms, IPL therapy uses gentle pulses of light to treat the underlying causes of dry eyes. The light pulses heat the skin around the eyes, improving blood flow and reducing inflammation around the eyelids. This decrease in inflammation can help ease dry eye symptoms. The heat from IPL also softens the oils in the meibomian glands, which can get clogged and stop working properly. By melting away these blockages, the glands can release oils that are important for keeping your eyes moist.
One of the key challenges in treating dry eye syndrome is breaking the cycle of inflammation. Chronic inflammation can lead to gland dysfunction, which in turn causes poor tear quality and increased dryness, perpetuating the cycle. IPL therapy interrupts this vicious cycle by targeting the root causes of inflammation and gland blockage, restoring balance and improving tear production.
What can I expect during IPL treatment?
During an IPL treatment session, we use the handheld device to deliver precise light pulses to the area around your eyes. You might experience a brief sensation of warmth or pressure as the light is applied. The heat from the light softens and releases the oils clogging the meibomian glands, alleviating the blockages responsible for chronic dry eye and enhancing tear quality.
All treatments are done right here in our office, so there’s no need for general anesthesia, incisions, or downtime like with surgical procedures. Most clients find the treatment to be very comfortable. Before the procedure, our optometrist will go over your personalized treatment plan in detail and explain how it will effectively address your condition.
Aesthetic benefits of IPL therapy
In addition to treating dry eye, IPL can also improve skin concerns like:
- Redness caused by rosacea
- Uneven skin tone and unwanted sunspots
- Signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles
The same light therapy that soothes your eyes can leave you with brighter, healthier-looking skin!
Schedule an appointment
With regular care from our professionals, you can keep your symptoms under control. If you’re seeking a long-term solution for dry eye, IPL therapy could be the right choice for you! To learn more or to see if you are a suitable candidate for IPL therapy, schedule an appointment at Quality Eye Care Clinic in Elgin or Kildeer, IL.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lumecca-I?
Lumecca-I is the most powerful intense pulsed light (IPL) designed to treat pigmented and vascular lesions. Lumecca-I uses photothermolysis, which provides a photofacial through the delivery of a comfortable light treatment. IPL has been FDA–approved for more than 15 years to remove superficial skin lesions.
How does Lumecca-I work?
Lumecca-I creates tissue heating, which helps to reduce inflammation. During treatment, there will be a bright flash of light and a sensation on your skin that feels like a light snap from an elastic band. Redness and a slight warming of the skin are normal after treatment and usually subside within an hour.
What can I expect?
All treatments are performed right in our office. As a result, there is no general anesthesia, no incisions, or downtime that is associated with excisional interventions. Most clients find the treatments very comfortable. Our optometrist will discuss in detail with you the specifics of your customized treatment plan and how it will address your condition.
How safe are these treatments?
These treatments are recommended for patients who are seeking non-invasive procedures to address their symptoms. The small–size applicators allow for treatment in small and delicate areas. These are very safe and effective procedures that can be used on all skin types and skin tones.
Can IPL be done on anyone?
No. Due to the light from the device being taken up specifically by the skin’s pigment, IPL cannot be performed on very darkly pigmented patients and can only be used with great caution in patients with moderate pigmentation. If you are interested in IPL, please contact our optometrist to determine if you are a candidate.
Is IPL therapy effective in addressing the inflammation associated with blepharitis and dry eyes?
Yes, IPL has been used for decades in many fields of medicine to help eradicate inflammation and strengthen collagen. While companies have been using IPL for rosacea and to tighten the skin, InMode has for the first time optimized their IPL handpiece (Lumecca-I) for use specifically on the lids to treat Demodex mites and rosacea blepharitis, two of the main causes of blepharitis and its associated dry eyes. As a bonus, it also strengthens the collagen and targets dilated blood vessels and pigmentation spots in the skin!
Does IPL therapy hurt?
IPL treatment may feel like a rubber band snapping against the skin, but it is not painful.
Does the Lumecca-I involve any type of X-rays or ionizing radiation?
No, the treatment does not involve harmful radiation.
How long does the procedure take?
- Lumecca-I/Lumecca IPL therapy takes about 2–5 minutes.
- Forma-I radiofrequency treatment takes about 20 minutes.
- Manual lid expression takes about 5 minutes.
What should I do before IPL treatment?
I recommend using warm compresses daily as part of your routine. If you use any specialized skincare creams, you might need to stop using them for a few days before the procedure.
What is recovery like after IPL therapy?
This procedure requires little to no downtime. I suggest using a medical-grade sunscreen with an SPF of around 40 or higher for three weeks following the treatment. You can resume your usual skincare routine one week after the procedure.
What is recovery like after IPL therapy?
This procedure requires little to no downtime. I suggest using a medical-grade sunscreen with an SPF of around 40 or higher for three weeks following the treatment. You can resume your usual skincare routine one week after the procedure.
How often do I need IPL therapy for it to be effective?
We typically recommend that patients with blepharitis and/or dry eye syndrome start with a series of four treatments, spaced about a month apart. Many people notice significant symptom improvement after the first session. After completing these initial treatments, the need for follow-up sessions varies. Some patients may require a “tune-up” every three months, while others might only need one annually, depending on their specific needs.
How much does IPL therapy cost?
Please contact our office for pricing information.