The condition of Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) is often ignored or overlooked. Symptoms of temporary irritation are often dismissed as a result of allergies or tiredness and often go untreated for long periods. One-third of Canadians will experience ocular symptoms associated with dry eyes yet less than half will seek professional care from an optometrist. Intense Pulse Light (IPL) treatments are a lasting solution for dry eyes eliminating the need for artificial tears or repeated prescriptions. Calgary’s dry, cold climate makes us more susceptible to dry eyes. Don’t suffer the discomfort and irritation of dry eyes any longer, My Optometrist Calgary provides a state-of-the-art solution with our advanced IPL treatment system.
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE NOW
Do not ignore the symptoms of dry eyes and do not suffer in silence, there are extensive treatment and management plans that can address your dry eye concerns. Our experienced dry eye care team offers innovative and customizable Dry Eye Syndrome treatment plans for your specific vision needs. Protect your vision and soothe your irritated, dry eyes by booking an IPL treatment consultation with one of our experienced optometrists.
Consistent lubrication of the eye is key to keep your eyes healthy, maintain proper vision and eye comfort. Tears are essential lubricants for the eye and function to wash away any debris and microorganisms that may cause infection. Normal tear films consist of three main components:
Each serves an important role in producing, distributing, and maintaining tears on the eyes. If there are deficiencies in any of your tear film components, you may develop Dry Eye Syndrome.
Factors that increase your chances of developing Dry Eye include:
Simply put, dry eyes result from the inability to produce tears. The severity of dry eye symptoms varies from person and person. In some cases, treatment may be quite simple, but in some cases, you may have to seek professional help from an optometrist to assess symptoms and diagnose the condition. Symptoms of DES include:
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, connect with My Optometrist Calgary to receive a diagnosis and explore treatment options.
IPL As Dry Eye Therapy
Intense Pulsed Light or IPL is a laser treatment normally associated with cosmetic dermatology and used to treat the signs of sun damage, uneven skin tone, rosacea, and scarring of the skin. This innovative technology has now been proven to have benefits in eliminating the symptoms that are associated with DES. IPL Treatment works by harnessing pulses of light to loosen and liquefy hardened oils clogged in the meibomian glands in the eyelids. The light produced by IPL is scattered instead of focussed and offers a variety of wavelengths. IPL also stimulates health gland function in the eyelid reducing signs of inflammation and vascularization.
What To Expect During A treatment
Your doctor will begin by positioning disposable shields and follow with the application of a cooling gel. A small device will then be placed over your eyes administering the pulses of light onto your eyelids. After the treatment is complete, your doctor will be able to manually express oil from the glands to encourage normal oil flow in the tear film.
Many individuals see results after 1 or 2 treatments but it is recommended to get a series of 4 IPL treatments performed on a monthly basis to promote long-term success.
If you are interested in IPL treatments and how you can benefit, My Optometrist Calgary has you covered with our advanced eye care and a team of experienced optometrists. Contact one of our My Optometrist Calgary clinics at either 1-403-256-0606 (Health First Optometry), 1-403-291-0923 (Sunridge Vision Centre), or 1-403-443-2040 (Three Hills Optometry) and book your appointment today.
How long do the results from IPL treatments last?
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.
Does IPL treatment hurt?
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:
Will I still need to use eye drops after IPL treatment?
No. IPL will eliminate the need for any eye drops in the future. If your symptoms start to come back, see your optometrist to discuss if there are further treatments required.
Connect With Us Today!
Our Eye Care Professionals are thrilled to serve the Calgary and Three Hills, Alberta area for over 35 years! With our main floor access, vast medical eye care services, and enhanced supplier choice and selection for frames, prescription eyeglass lenses and contact lenses, we've got you covered. Book an appointment online, come see us in person, or shop for your eye care products. Reach out today!