Dry Eye Disease (DED) is a progressive disease that occurs when your tears are not able to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes. It is a chronic disease and will get worse if left untreated.
The symptoms include itchy, stinging, sore, gritty, watery, red eyes; blurred vision, eyes that are sensitive to light; difficulty driving at night, using a computer or in windy conditions. Most people are unaware they have Dry Eye despite regular visits to their optometrist. The root cause of DED is inflammation.
In 2020, Optometry Australia reported that 77% of Australians suffer with Dry Eye symptoms. Eye drops are only a ‘band–aid treatment’, which allow your eyes to feel more comfortable while your condition deteriorates.
There is a revolutionary treatment available for Dry Eye Disease called Intense Pulse Light (IPL). IPL is a calibrated series of light pulses, precisely set at a specific energy and frequency. Treatment with IPL stimulates the glands which make tears, and helps them recover their function, breaking the vicious cycle of Dry Eye Disease and it provides long lasting results.
Lumenis–patented Optima IPL technology is the only IPL with approval of both FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and the Australian TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) for the treatment of Dry Eye. It is registered as a medical device in Australia.
Lumenis IPL also treats ocular rosacea, rosacea, blepharitis, demodex (eyelash mites) and chalazion (tear gland cyst).
What happens during treatment?
An initial assessment by a specialised optometrist to determine suitability is then followed by a course of IPL treatment. The treatment is performed by an optometrist.
All make–up/creams/oils are removed from skin Patients are fitted with adhesive IPL eye–shields to cover the eyes. Clear conductive gel is then applied to the area to be treated 2 passes of IPL (flashes) are applied safely beneath and above the eyelids (to stimulate the normal functioning of the Meibomian glands) After IPL treatment, the optometrist will express the Meibomian glands to release blockages which contribute to inflammation.
The FDA and TGA–IPL approved protocols were pioneered by ophthalmologist Dr Rolando Toyos (USA). Dr Toyos is the world–leading specialist in the treatment of Dry Eye Disease and has completed over 20 years of research and teaching in the field. The Toyos Protocols consist of a minimum of 4 treatments, 2 weeks apart, and subsequent treatments as needed. Long standing conditions may require more treatments. Once the glands are functioning normally a single ‘top–up’ treatment is usually once every 6 months. IPL sessions usually take about 30 minutes. The Toyos Protocols also include diet and lifestyle changes, as the disease needs to be addressed with a multi–faceted approach and IPL is the key to finding relief from symptoms.
How fast does treatment work?
Treatment is safe and non invasive. Patients can experience relief after one treatment, however it is more typical after the 3rd treatment. In a 3 year study 93% of patients were happy with results. After 4 treatments, the Tear Break Up Time (TBUT) is 89% improved and 95% improved after 5 or more treatments.
What are the side effects of Lumenis IPL treatment?
There is no down time after treatment. It is gentle with minimum discomfort. The main ‘side effect’ is a more even tone appearance of the skin. IPL is very effective in reducing the appearance of sun spots (hyperkeratosis), broken capillaries, freckles, fine lines, uneven skin tone and pigmentation. IPL stimulates collagen production, which restores the skin’s youthful look.
Dry Eye Solution at Erina provides the only FDA & TGA approved treatment for Dry Eye Disease on the Central Coast, and on the North Shore at Chatswood. Call 4312 4273 or 9188 7763 to book or visit www.dryeyesolution.com.au