Dry eye disease is caused by a myriad of factors, with almost all of them creating inflammation. The most common cause of dry eye disease is meibomian gland dysfunction. This is a condition that affects the oil glands in our eyelids, which are responsible for the oil component of the tear film. Helping to unclog these oil glands with intense pulse light (IPL) has proven to be an effective treatment in reducing dry eye disease and improving associated symptoms.

Many patients with dry eye have been diagnosed with rosacea, a common condition that causes redness and visible blood vessels in your face. This can result in flareups that can last weeks or months. In patients with facial rosacea, it’s common to see this redness and inflammation along the cheeks or brow. Many patients that have facial rosacea as well as those that have no signs on their face, can have ocular rosacea. With ocular rosacea, the abnormal blood vessel growth in the eye lids can lead to inflammation, resulting in dry eye.

Intense pulse light has been around for a long time as a non-invasive treatment that delivers high intensity light into the layers of the skin. By using specific wavelengths of light, dermatologist can improve fine lines, wrinkles, sunspots, and redness. Our doctors adapt the wavelengths of light to treat the abnormal blood vessels, reducing inflammation and improving dry eye symptoms. The cosmetic improvement is an added benefit of IPL treatment.