Living with the constant irritation of dry, itchy eyes can disrupt your entire day. If you’ve tried eye drops and warm compresses without success, you might be looking for more comprehensive solutions like Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy.
Many people who are curious about this treatment ask about the sensations involved. Most people describe IPL treatment as a quick, warm snap against the skin. It’s generally considered very manageable. Your comfort is our main focus throughout the entire process.
What to Expect from Your IPL Session
Intense Pulsed Light—or IPL—is a treatment that uses gentle pulses of light to address certain skin and eye conditions. At our office, we use IPL to help people find relief from dry eye symptoms.
The Goal of IPL for Dry Eye
The main goal of IPL is to manage the root causes of evaporative dry eye. Dry eye often involves inflammation around the eyes and blockages in the tiny glands that produce the oil layer of your tears. By addressing these issues, we can help improve your eye’s natural ability to stay lubricated.
How IPL Works
IPL works by targeting two key causes of dry eye—inflammation and blocked meibomian glands. Light energy is applied to the skin to help reduce inflammatory cells and warm the thick oil blocking the glands. This allows the oil to flow more freely, improving the quality of your tears.
Can IPL Improve Rosacea Symptoms?
Ocular rosacea is a condition that often goes hand-in-hand with dry eye disease. Because IPL targets the underlying inflammation and visible blood vessels associated with rosacea, it often leads to a reduction in both facial redness and eye-related irritation.
Describe the Sensation Of IPL
The sensations of IPL tend to be brief, and our team is dedicated to your comfort throughout the entirety of each short session. We can always adjust the treatment to match your comfort level.
A Warm Snap Sensation
Most people compare the feeling to a tiny rubber band snap against the skin. You’ll feel a sensation of warmth that disappears almost instantly.
Factors That Influence the Feeling
How you experience the treatment can depend on a few different things. Everyone’s personal tolerance is different, and we take that into account. Factors that may influence the sensation of IPL include:
- Your personal sensitivity
- The area of treatment
- The specific settings used for your dry eye
Steps for Your Comfort & Safety
When you visit us for eye care in Vancouver WA, we take your comfort and safety seriously. We’re happy to answer any questions you have before, during, or after the session.
Protective Eye Shields
Before we begin, we’ll place special shields over your eyes. These shields are designed to protect your eyes from the bright light used during the treatment.
Cool Gel Application
We apply a cool gel to the treatment area on your skin. This gel helps soothe your skin and keeps you comfortable during the session. It also helps the IPL device glide smoothly for an effective treatment.
Is IPL Safe During Pregnancy?
As a precaution, we don’t perform IPL treatment if you are pregnant. We can discuss other options with you to help manage your symptoms safely. Your health is the most important factor in any care plan that we create.
After The Treatment & Potential Side Effects
After your session, you can get back to your day right away. There’s typically no downtime involved. Any effects are usually mild and short-lived, similar to those seen in other modern minimally invasive treatments.
How Long Does The Discomfort Last?
Any warmth or redness on your skin usually fades within a few hours. Your skin might feel slightly sensitive, similar to a very mild sunburn. Most people find that these effects resolve quickly on their own.
What Are The Downsides Of IPL?
The most common side effects of IPL are temporary and mild. Common temporary side effects may include:
- Slight redness
- Mild swelling in the treatment area
- A feeling of warmth on the skin
IPL for Dry Eye & Rosacea Relief
Many people seek out IPL to manage the frustrating symptoms of dry eye disease and ocular rosacea. As your optometrist in Vancouver, WA, we can determine if IPL should be part of your dry eye management plan.
If you’re ready to explore a modern approach to managing dry eye, our team at Precision Eye Care is here to help. Contact our office in Vancouver, WA, to schedule your consultation today.
