Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects three million Canadians. Individuals with this condition will notice redness around their cheeks, nose and forehead. The redness is caused by the proliferation of blood vessels on the surface of the skin.
Scientists believe that rosacea may be caused by various factors such as:
- A family history of rosacea
- Certain medications
- Abnormal inflammatory response in the body
Rosacea mainly affects the facial area, but it can also travel to the eyes and cause symptoms such as grittiness and redness. This specific condition is called ocular rosacea.
Fortunately, there is an in-office procedure called Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), that can target ocular rosacea and reduce your dry eye symptoms.
What is IPL?
IPL is a medical device that utilizes broad wavelengths and light pulses to decrease pigmentation, acne and unwanted hair.
IPL is also a safe and effective way to reduce dry eye symptoms and it is customizable for almost every skin type. In the dry eye world, it targets the blood vessels (telangiectasia) and reduces the vascular appearance.
How does IPL reduce dry eye symptoms?
If you have ocular rosacea and inflammation in the eyes, IPL addresses the abnormal blood vessel growth and constricts them. With each pulse of light, it reduces the high level of inflammation on the surface of the eye and leaves your eyes feeling back to normal. Patients will also notice their redness slowly disappearing as the IPL targets the vascular lesions.
IPL also has a secondary mechanism where it heats and unclogs the thick oil in your oil glands. As more oil is released into the tear film, the tears will regain their balance and become more moist and less dry.
Wonder how IPL works? Watch this video!
How long does IPL last?
Since dry eye is a chronic condition, most doctors will recommend a touch-up to maintain dry eye symptoms and signs. Generally, IPL results last anywhere from 6 months to 1 year and the maintenance follow ups fall within this range.
It is also absolutely vital for patients to continue their at-home dry eye care when they finish their IPL sessions. Patients may have to come back for their IPL maintenance sooner than indicated if they were not diligent with their dry eye regimen.
Want to try IPL for Dry Eyes? Contact a Clinic Near You
There are several in-office procedures that can help reduce your dry eye symptoms. Look for a qualified dry eye doctor today and ask if IPL is the right choice for you. Contact your nearest MyDryEye doctor and search for treatments if you want to give IPL a try.
