To say having dry eyes makes your life more difficult would be quite an understatement. It’s more than that, though. Having dry eyes is not only uncomfortable in the short-term, it can also lead to irreversible damage in the long-term. This is why a solution is more than just a cosmetic procedure.
Dry eyes are not something to “just live with!” We encourage you to take the time today to learn more about your best options, including IPL and Lipiflow treatment. Which one is right for you will depend on a number of factors, so let’s take a deeper dive.
What is Lipiflow Treatment?
Lipiflow unblocks the microscopic Meibomian Glands within the eyelid margins which frequently become obstructed which then contributes to inflammation, dryness, and irritation of the ocular surface. By removing these obstructions and restoring a more normal flow of these eyelid oil glands we can stabilize the tear film which helps protect and improve the ocular surface.
The Benefits of Lipiflow Treatment
The use of Lipiflow has been authorized since 2011. Lipiflow treatment involves a device which warms and massages the eyelids restoring a more normal function to the eyelids and Meibomian Glands. The treatment itself is comfortable and easy to undergo.
Lipiflow works directly on the eyelid for about 12 minutes with the help of pulsating pressure. With this technology, 76% of patients reported relief from their dry eye symptoms after at least two weeks of treatment. You can think of this more as a soothing, spa-like treatment than an eye surgery. In fact, it is well-known for being almost always completed without the patient feeling any pain.
When is This Not the Right Treatment Option?
There are some occasions when Lipiflow isn’t the right course of action. It is only offered if tests show that lipid deficiency is involved. As well, the higher cost of each treatment puts it out of reach of some patients. As briefly mentioned above, while over ¾ of patients report relief from their symptoms, not all do. This is because it is best for those with mild to moderate eye dryness.
What is IPL?
What if your dry eye condition is moderate to severe? In this case, you’re going to want to consider IPL. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) can help relieve the signs and symptoms of dry eyes by dealing with the root cause, which is often Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). MGD is the leading cause of over 86% of dry eye cases.
The Benefits of IPL
Don’t let the persistent irritation caused by dry eyes take control of your daily life! IPL is a skin treatment, but can also be used to treat the underlying cause of dry eyes. As an added bonus, you will notice a major reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and Rosacea.
IPL is one of the most innovative eye dryness treatment technologies available on the market today. The treatment is both quick and painless. It is done in three or four sessions, spaced between two weeks and a month.
When is This Not the Right Treatment Option?
IPL is a treatment for clear skin only. It cannot be used if the patient uses photosensitizing drugs, and also cannot be used during pregnancy. A main drawback is that patients need several sessions to obtain optimal results, which is not always practical or ideal.
Lipiflow Treatment at Eye Care Professionals of Reno
At Eye Care Professionals, we specialize in dry eye assessment and treatment and will tailor your treatment plan to your specific case and findings. This is why we offer the Lipiflow treatment for dry eye relief.
Chronic dry eyes can be a difficult condition to treat, because of its recurrent nature. It is important to find a team of providers committed to this process to ensure proper treatment over time in order. Only by doing this will you be able to prevent some of the late-term consequences and complications if left untreated. You will find our expert team to be well-versed and ready to help you address this uncomfortable condition.
