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Michigan Oculofacial Specialists offers the most up-to-date and innovative treatments for eye conditions, including Intense Pulsed Light therapy in Troy. This treatment can address dry eye disease and skin conditions in the ocular region.
What Is Intense Pulsed Light Therapy?
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy is an in-office technology that uses thermal energy to treat inflammation around the eyes. This allows the oil-producing meibomian glands to produce more lubrication for the eyes, reducing the effects of dry eye.
In addition, this therapy targets ocular rosacea and spider veins, which can cause inflammation in the tissues around the eyes.
IPL Therapy for Dry Eyes
Michigan Oculofacial Specialists offers the Lumenis OptiLight IPL treatment to address dry eye symptoms caused by meibomian gland dysfunction. This non-invasive procedure is the first and only FDA-approved Intense Pulsed Light therapy treatment for dry eye management.
The benefits of this treatment for dry eyes include:
- An overall increased relief from dry eye symptoms
- A reduction in the amount of Demodex mites and bacteria living around the eyes
- Elimination of blood vessels that contribute to inflammation
IPL Therapy for Skin Conditions
IPL therapy was originally developed to treat skin conditions like rosacea. Patients found that it not only helped even out their skin but also improved their dry eyes.
This breakthrough helped determine that some forms of dry eye are not caused by disease but instead occur due to skin conditions, aging, genetics, pregnancy, and/or sun exposure. Broken blood vessels around the eyes can cause irritation and at times lead to ocular conditions.
Intense Pulsed Light therapy not only provides the benefit of improved dry eye management, it also gives your skin a smoother, more youthful, and glowing appearance.
IPL therapy’s benefits include:
- Improved meibomian gland functionality
- Elimination of blood vessels that contribute to inflammation
- Diminishing of pigmentation, sun spots, broken capillaries, and discoloration
- Diminishing of the appearance of inflammatory lesions
- Reduction of the patient’s dependency on eye drops
What to Expect
If your eye doctor has recommended the OptiLight treatment, they will go over everything you can expect before, during, and after your appointment.
Preparing for Your Appointment
To prepare for your appointment, you should avoid:
- Using skin-brightening agents or serums for the week before your appointment
- Using tanning beds one month prior to your appointment
- Getting Botox for at least three months before your appointment
- Taking oral isotretinoin, tetracycline, or doxycycline in the three months prior to your appointment
The OptiLight Treatment
This Intense Pulsed Light therapy treatment is fast and simple, taking only 10 to 15 minutes. During your treatment, your doctor will apply a cool gel on the treatment area and cover your eyes with shields to protect them. As light is applied to the skin, you may experience a warm feeling or a tapping sensation, but you shouldn’t feel any pain.
Post-Procedure Care
While side effects are uncommon, your eyes may feel slightly drier or grittier for the day following your procedure. If you do experience dry eyes, you can use preservative-free artificial tears. Following your treatment, your skin will be sensitive, so we recommend avoiding sun exposure and wearing sunscreen.
Am I a Good Candidate for OptiLight by Lumenis?
How do you know if OptiLight Intense Pulsed Light therapy is the right treatment for you? During an eye exam, your doctor can determine whether or not it is the right option for you. In general, OptiLight isn’t recommended for patients who:
- Are taking certain medications, like Accutane
- Have active acne
- Suffer from certain skin disorders
- Are susceptible to keloid scarring
- Have severe scarring
- Have been severely sunburned recently
Contact Us to Learn More
For more information on Intense Pulsed Light therapy in Troy, contact Michigan Oculofacial Specialists. Drs. Handler and Pearce will assess your eye health and appearance and then provide a treatment plan. Schedule your informative consultation today to get started.