As a primary healthcare practitioner, you probably see patients complaining of ‘dry eye’ symptoms such as eye dryness, itching, irritation, soreness, eye fatigue and blurred vision. The term ‘dry eye’ can also be confusing as it can also give rise to watery eyes that ‘tear up’ owing to the poor quality tear film. It is a common pathology often affecting people with age, especially women in peri and post menopause, as well as those wearing contact lenses. Working on computers and environmental factors can also cause the condition in younger patients.
Treating the root cause of the dry eye
The root cause of the dry eye, (keratoconjunctivitis sicca or keratitis sicca) lies in a poor quality tear film as well as an insufficiency of tears. In most cases, it results from the meibomian glands getting blocked, inflamed and not able to secrete enough of the outer oily lipid film that normally seals the inner tear layers in and stops them from evaporating into the air.
Dry eye sufferers are usually prescribed lubricating eye drops, hot compresses and eyelid wipes that can help if administered correctly and consistently. However, these provide a symptomatic relief and not a long-term solution.
How IPL improves tear quality
The Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treats the primary cause of the dry eye by targeting meibomian glands to improve their function, normalise tear quality and relieve dry eye symptoms. The treatment is administered with a hand-held device that emits brief pulses of broad light (the UV and blue light are blocked with a filter) to skin areas around the eyes thus photo-rejuvenating the meibomian glands, causing them to open up and express the protective oil more readily.
IPL has been shown to improve tear quality, minimise debilitating dry eye symptoms and slow the progression of chronic dry eye. In addition, it can help to improve patient outcomes of vision correction procedures such as laser and cataract eye surgeries.
Who can benefit from this dry eye treatment?
Many patients can benefit from the IPL treatment except those with darker skin tones due to the risk of discolouration of the skin, active infections, skin tumors, moles or tattoos around the eyes, history of keloids, immune system or coagulation disorders, when using anticoagulants and in pregnancy. Caution is advised for patients with a history of herpes simplex near the treatment area. Patients need to be fully assessed by an ophthalmologist specialising in dry eye before undertaking the treatment.
How many treatment sessions is required?
The procedure takes minutes and for optimal results may require up to 4 sessions separated by 2-3 weeks. During the course of the treatment, patients can continue managing their symptoms with eye drops, although they may notice an improvement as early as a few hours after the first treatment session. A top-up annual treatment is usually recommended.
A safe and well tolerated procedure
The IPL treatment is safe and well tolerated by the patients. The eyes are protected with goggles or disposable eye patches. The light pulses may feel like rubber band snaps to the skin depending on skin condition and its sensitivity which is assessed prior to the procedure with a spot test on an inconspicuous area of the face. Patients are recommended to avoid sun exposure and use suncream when outside for a few weeks before and after the IPL treatment.
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Dry eye treatment at Moorfields Private
It is a common condition and becomes more common with age, especially in women.
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Refer your patient to Moorfields Private
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