Dry eye is a common condition that affects many people. Did you know 80% of dry eye patients have a poor quality oily layer to their tear film? This lipid layer is important in reducing evaporation of the watery layer of the tears. Excess evaporation can lead to excessively salty tears, which can cause dehydration and damage to the cornea and mucous secreting goblet cells on the conjunctiva. Fortunately, there is a new treatment option available called IPL Photo-Biomodulation. This procedure uses scientifically controlled pulses of intense red and infra-red light to treat Evaporative Dry Eye, Blepharitis, and Rosacea. We offer this procedure using the advanced Lumenis M22 device.
Each treatment lasts about 15 minutes. The eyes are first covered with light opaque patches that prevent any of the intense light passing directly into the eye. The skin in the area to be treated is coated in a protective gel that ensures that the treatment light is dispersed evenly. The machine is then set to the appropriate levels and normally 3 passes are made from one side of the face to the other as in the diagram. Afterwards, the jelly is removed and then lid expression of the glands is usually performed after the first treatment.
Red Light IPL stimulates and re-energises mitochondrial function of the cells in the meibomian glands by a process called Photo-Biomodulation. This directly improves tear lipid secretions and hence tear volume by reducing tear loss through evaporation. It additionally helps maintain an ideal tear electrolyte balance. and osmolarity, both factors enhancing tear film quality and corneal and mucous gland heath.
It is believed to exert its effects through several different additional mechanisms. These include the thrombosis of abnormal blood vessels in the inflamed lid margin, which prevents the of inflammatory mediators into the meibomian glands. Improved nerve function around the meibomian glands, melting of meibum secretions, and destruction of Demodex mites are also thought to contribute to the benefits of IPL. By eradicating Demodex, IPL reduces the bacterial load on the eyelids, which in turn reduces chronic inflammation and improves the fluidity of the lipids secreted. Additionally, IPL can tighten the skin by stimulating collagen and elastin fibers.
The lumenis M22 IPL device has many features that treatment more effective and improve its safety profile. The treatment head is cooled so it cannot directly overheat the skin by contact. The highly programmable individualised treatment builds 2 melanin cooling micro-periods into each triple square wave flash. As it is the melanin in the patients skin that heats up with the IPL energy, this means that darker skin types can be treated safely.
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Potential patients are encouraged to watch the Eyecare Specialists Youtube video on IPL treatment.