Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Treatment for Dry Eye and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction - Keighley
IPL and LLLT Treatment for Dry Eye - Keighley
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) is a common contributor to evaporative dry eye. The meibomian glands within the eyelids produce oils that help stabilise the tear film and reduce evaporation. When these glands are not functioning effectively, the tears can evaporate too quickly, contributing to dry, sore, gritty, burning or watery eyes.
For appropriately selected patients, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) combined with LLLT (Low Level Light Therapy) can be used as part of the management of MGD and associated dry-eye disease.
Treatment is designed to improve meibomian gland function and tear-film quality, helping to address an important underlying contributor to dry-eye symptoms rather than simply providing temporary lubrication.
IPL/LLT is not suitable or necessary for every dry-eye patient. This is why we carry out a detailed Specialist Dry Eye Assessment first, allowing us to identify the type of dry eye and recommend treatment according to your individual findings.
How does IPL & LLLT work?
The meibomian glands within your eyelids produce oils that form an important part of the tear film. This oily layer helps to stabilise the tears and prevents them from evaporating too quickly.
In Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), the glands may become obstructed or produce oils that are thicker or poorer quality. This can make the tear film unstable and contribute to dry, sore, gritty, burning or watery eyes.
Inflammation can also play an important role. Patients with conditions such as ocular or facial rosacea may have enlarged superficial blood vessels around the eyelids and surrounding skin, which can be associated with inflammation and MGD.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) delivers controlled pulses of light to the skin around the eyes. The treatment is thought to help MGD through several mechanisms, including reducing abnormal superficial blood vessels and associated inflammatory activity, as well as gently warming the meibomian glands and their contents.
Following IPL, Low Level Light Therapy (LLLT) is delivered using a specially designed light mask. This provides controlled light treatment and warming of the eyelids, helping to soften thickened meibomian gland secretions.
Where appropriate, your dry-eye optometrist may then gently express the meibomian glands, helping to release obstructed or altered oils from the glands.
How quickly does it work?
Why Choose Airedale Opticians?
- Dry Eye Assessment £269
Dry Eye Investigation with Topcon Myah, Diagnosis & Treatment Plan. Includes Inflammadry or Blephex or Zest Treatment.
- IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) & Meibomian Gland Expression £795
4 Sessions of IPL including Meibomian Gland Expression after each IPL Treatment
- IPL and LLLT One- Off Treatment £249
Following initial treatment of IPL and LLLT - This is the cost of one-off IPL & LLLT (Includes Gland Expression)
- IPL Stye/ Chalazion Treatment £299
Includes 1-2 treatments with IPL and LLLT
- LLLT Low Level Light Therapy Top Up Treatment £149
Ongoing LLLT after Initial Treatment
- Zest Treatment for Ocular Inflammation £160
Intense Zest Treatment to help bring Eye inflammation under control quickly
- Blephex Blepharitis Treatment £95
Eyelid debridement (cleaning) treatment to intensely clean the eyelashes from Blepharitis
Pre and Post Treatment Precautions
- Do not take photo-sensitising drugs, or if they are essential, please inform your optometrist
- Do not expose yourself to the sun or apply self-tanning products 15-20 days before treatment.
- 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
The Research
You can download the patient information leaflets and clinical research papers below:
LLLT & Eye light patient leaflet