Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments are a form of therapy that can help relieve dry eyes and can also improve the colour and texture of the delicate skin around your eyes. IPL uses intense bursts of light which are converted into heat energy. This heat energy causes oils to break up and the skin to get rid of unwanted cells. Unlike lasers, IPL sends out more than one type of wavelength of pulsating light, making it possible to treat more than one type of condition. IPL targets blood vessels in the facial tissues to offer relief from dry eyes as well as to reduce the look of wrinkles, fine lines, and even bags under the eyes.
IPL For The Eyes And Face
IPL Dry Eye Treatment
One of the common causes for dry eye syndrome is that the oils produced by the meibomian glands within the eyelid become clogged. These oils are needed to lubricate the eyes, otherwise the water within the tears will evaporate too quickly and leave the eye feeling irritated or painful. The heat energy from the pulsed light helps to break up these blocked oils to get rid of the blockage. As an advanced dry eye treatment, IPL also reduces inflammation, breaks down bacteria, and inhibits the release of proinflammatory mediators. IPL dry eye treatments best benefit those with dry eyes caused by inflammation.
IPL Fine Line And Wrinkle Reduction
In the same way that the pulsed light breaks up oils within the meibomian glands, the light also targets and breaks up cells within the skin. IPL breaks up skin pigmentation and speeds up skin cell turnover. IPL also stimulates the collagen in the skin near the eyes. Collagen is the protein that is responsible for the elasticity in the skin, so when the production of collagen is stimulated it causes the skin to naturally become firmer, reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Unlike other laser skin resurfacing options that target the underlying layer of skin (dermis), ILP targets the blood vessels close to the surface of the skin. Targeting these blood vessels reduces the look of dark circles under the eyes.
Lasting Benefits For The Eyes And Skin
IPL does more than alleviate surface-level symptoms, it addresses the cause of the problems. IPL dry eye treatment creates long-lasting results. While several treatments may be required to get the best long-term results, you will start to see improvement after just one treatment. IPL treatment benefits both the eyes and the skin and can help prevent future dry eye symptoms and skin discolouration. IPL also limits the need for artificial tears or for other skin treatments for several years.
IPL At My Optometrist In Calgary And Three Hills
To receive top-quality IPL dry eye treatment and to reduce the look of wrinkles and fine lines, contact My Optometrist in Calgary or Three Hills. At My Optometrist, we offer advanced dry eye treatments and technologies that are fast and effective. Our highly skilled Calgary optometrists and team members will work with you to customize your treatment to meet your specific needs. To book a comprehensive dry eye consultation at one of our three locations at Health First in SE Calgary, Sunridge in NE Calgary, or Three Hills, AB, you can call us or fill out the online contact form.
FAQ
Q: What is Inmode Lumecca Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment? Is it different from other types of IPL treatment?
A: The Lumecca IPL device by Inmode offers the most intense IPL treatment available and it is more effective than other IPL devices on the market. This is the type of advanced IPL dry eye treatment offered at My Optometrist.
Q: How long do the results from IPL treatments last?
A: It is recommended you have four sessions to notice sustained improvement. Appointments are conducted on a monthly basis and results typically last anywhere from 6 months to 3 years after a fourth treatment.
Q: Does IPL treatment hurt?
A: IPL is non-invasive. You may experience slight discomfort and redness in the treated areas, but same-day recovery is normal. Your optometrist will advise you of the possible side effects such as:
- Mild mucus discharge
- Slight inflammation
- Lightening of the skin for darker-toned individuals
- Slight discomfort
- Minimal redness
- Possible hair loss at brow and forehead. These symptoms will go away minutes post-treatment.