Low Level Light Therapy (LLLT)

Low-level-light Therapy is the application of light energy to the body for therapeutic benefits. It promotes a natural reaction and has been shown to enhance cellular metabolism. It can accelerate the repair and replenishment of damaged skin cells, as well as stimulate the production of collagen — the foundation of healthy, smooth skin. The LEDs provide soothing heat to the skin and eyelids. This warming, combined with gentle eyelid expression helps unclog the oil glands located in the eyelids. The treatment is for all skin types, is non-ablative, non-invasive, painless, and requires absolutely no downtime. Patients can return to their normal activity immediately after the treatment.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy helps alleviate dry eyes associated with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Here’s how IPL is thought to work to improve dry eyes:

• Stimulation of Meibomian Glands: IPL therapy aims to stimulate the meibomian glands, improving their function and promoting the secretion of a more balanced and higher quality meibum.
• Heat: The light emitted by the IPL device is absorbed by pigmented cells and blood vessels around the eyes. This absorption results in the generation of heat. The heat is thought to have several beneficial effects:
  • Softening Meibum: The heat helps to soften and liquify the meibum, making it easier for the glands to release the oil into the tear film.
  • Improved Gland Function: The heat may stimulate blood flow to the meibomian glands, improving their overall function.
• Reduction of Inflammation: IPL helps reduce inflammation in and around the meibomian glands, leading to improved gland function and a reduction in dry eye symptoms.
• Clearing Blocked Glands: IPL helps open and clear blocked meibomian glands. Blockages in these glands can prevent the proper release of meibum, contributing to dry eyes.
• Enhancement of Tear Film Stability: By addressing meibomian gland dysfunction and reducing inflammation, IPL may contribute to a more stable tear film. A stable tear film helps prevent rapid evaporation of tears and reduces dry eye symptoms.
• Demodex and Bacterial Regulation: IPL helps lower demodex and bacterial growth that is often out of balance in dry eye patients.

Packages

Our office bundles the IPL and LLLT therapy to treat dry eye disease. Typically, you can expect four treatment sessions, each approximately two weeks apart. After each session your ocular hygienist will perform a manual expression of the lower lid meibomian glands. IPL/LLLT can also be bundled with our I-Lux treatment if recommended by your optometrist and ocular hygienist. This typically occurs after the third IPL/LLLT treatment.

More questions? Feel free to speak with your Optometrist.