GENERAL EYE CARE

Dry Eye Treatment

In many cases, the cause of dry eyes is related to dysfunction of the oil glands within the eyelids. These glands are located directly behind your eyelash line and there are approximately 20 of them per eyelid. These glands and the surrounding skin can become inflamed for various reasons such as the buildup of bacteria and other organisms and the development of microscopic abnormal blood vessels. This problem typically worsens unless the inflammatory cycle is controlled and the organisms are eliminated.

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One Possible Solution: Lumenis Optima^TMIPL Treatment

Lumenis Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a non-invasive treatment for skin and eyelid inflammation, which in many cases is the root cause of the dry eye problem. Light pulses penetrate the tissues near the eyelid glands, targeting the abnormal blood vessels that are contributing to the inflammation. The body’s natural reaction to the treatment removes the abnormal vessels and heals the inflammation threatening the skin and eyelid. IPL has also been shown to reduce or eliminate bacteria and other organisms and can even be used for treating styes (chalazion or hordeolum) and rosacea.

To ensure utmost comfort, your physician will apply coupling gel on the treatment area. For your eyes’ safety, you will be wearing IPL protective goggles/pads and/or corneal light shields during the whole treatment session. During the treatment, you might experience a warm sensation as light is applied to the skin, but the treatment is gentle and should not feel uncomfortable.

What Should I Expect After Treatment?

Immediately following treatment, you may experience some redness around the treated areas that will usually disappear within a few hours. In most cases, makeup may be applied immediately and daily activities can be resumed the same day. You will be advised to stay out of direct sunlight for a few days following the treatment. Sunscreen should be applied before you go outdoors.

Treatment Schedule

Some patients may notice a benefit after only one treatment but most will require at least 2 treatments before noticing improvements in their symptoms and typically 4 treatments are required for a maximum effect. Approximately 80% of patients will benefit from IPL so not everyone will experience a positive effect. Treatments are applied approximately 2 weeks apart and take only about 10 minutes each although you should anticipate a total appointment time of 30 minutes. For ongoing maintenance, an annual session will typically be needed.

Planning for Your Treatment Day

6 months prior avoid Accutane (or isotretinoin products).
4 weeks prior
- Avoid unprotected sun exposure and apply sunscreen daily to the area being treated.
- No sunbathing, tanning booth or self-tanners for the area being treated.
1 week prior do not use any retinol products, products containing tretinoin or exfoliants on the area to be treated.
3 days prior discontinue any photosensitizing medications including doxycycline and minocycline.
Notify your doctor if you have any of the following:
- History of hyperpigmentation or fever blisters.
- Cosmetic tattooing on or near the area to be treated.
Anticipate some social down-time of 2-5 days before any redness or swelling has subsided.

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Caring For Your Skin After Your Treatment

You may have a mild sunburn (burning) sensation following the treatment that is usually gone within a few hours. Skin redness is normal and may last a few days. There may be slight swelling. Crusting or blistering is uncommon and not serious. Pigmented areas may begin to flake after a few days.
Cold compresses may be useful for the first 24 hours.
For 2-3 days your skin could be fragile. Use gentle cleansers (we recommend Elta MD Foaming Facial Cleanser), do not rub the skin and avoid hot water during this time. Do not use Clarisonic or a loofah for one week.
For 1 week do not use any retinoids, tretinoins, alpha or beta hydroxy products, vitamin C products, scrub, exfoliate or have chemical peels performed.
Use moisturizer daily. We recommend Elta MD PM Therapy moisturizer.
Makeup can be applied immediately (if the skin is not broken).
For 4 weeks avoid excessive sun exposure and use sunscreen (min SPF 45) on the treated area. We recommend Elta MD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46.
For 2 weeks avoid excessive heat or friction to the treated area.
If applicable, sunspots and age spots will DARKEN with the IPL treatments BEFORE they begin to respond and resolve. This is to be expected and a normal part of the IPL process. Do not pick these spots once they become dry. They will lift and fall off on their own.
If you experience any blistering, increased pain or redness that does not resolve in a few days please contact us at (704)-540-9595 as soon as possible.

Schedule a Treatment

To schedule an appointment, call 704-540-9595 or complete the short form below.

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