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Pulse light treatment effectively treats dry eye related to meibomian gland dysfunction
ROME — Intense Pulse Light, more commonly used as a treatment for skin rejuvenation, might become a revolutionary way of treating meibomian gland dysfunction, a leading cause of evaporative dry eye, according to a study presented here.
"IPL closes the blood vessels that secrete the inflammatory cytokines that cause chronic blockage of the glands. Once the glands are then no longer inflamed, they start working again, secreting the lipids that allow tear film stability," Rolando Toyos, MD, said at the annual joint meeting of Ocular Surgery News and the Italian Society of Ophthalmology.
Four treatments at 4-week intervals are sufficient to produce good, stable results.
In a study, Dr. Toyos evaluated 100 symptomatic patients who had not responded to all other available treatments. They all reported immediate relief from symptoms after the treatment, and the effect lasted for 4 to 6 months after the last treatment.
IPL can be used before LASIK or any treatment that might affect tear secretion. It can also treat dry eye symptoms after LASIK and improve tolerance to contact lenses in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction.
The IPL machine is produced by DermaMed and is commercially available. Its use in ophthalmology requires specific training, Dr. Toyos said.