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Intense pulsed light seen as novel treatment for dry eye

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WAIKOLOA, Hawaii — Intense pulsed light therapy may be used as a non-ablative laser therapy for dry eye, according to a speaker here.

Speaking at the Oculoplastics Symposium: Principles of Aesthetic Oculoplastics at Hawaiian Eye, Roger A. Dailey, MD, told colleagues that, although intense pulsed light is not a laser, it still uses some of the same principles of selective photothermolysis.

Roger A. Dailey

“IPL seems to liquefy the abnormal viscous meibum and dilate the gland,” he said. “Then apparently it’s better to massage the gland afterward.”

Dailey noted IPL for dry eye was first observed by Rolando Toyos, MD, in 2002.

Evidence of the success of the treatment modality has been largely anecdotal, according to the presentation. Even so, a study conducted by Katherine M. Whipple, MD, of Envision Eye & Aesthetics, and presented at the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 2015 annual meeting, concluded that decreased symptoms were seen in 30% of 21 patients with refractory dry eye disease who were treated with three applications of intense pulsed light therapy at 21- to 31-day intervals. Meibomian glands were milked at the conclusion of each treatment. Visual acuity remained stable, and 86% of the patients reported they would repeat the treatment. No complications were noted.

“The main thing about this is that you have to protect the eyes with some sort of shield,” Dailey said.

Pigmented iris absorbs light in the same wavelength range as intense pulsed light, and periorbital intense pulsed light treatment may permanently affect pigmented intraocular structures, according to the presentation. – by Patricia Nale, ELS

Reference:

Dailey RA. Lights and lasers for the ophthalmologist. Presented at: Hawaiian Eye; Jan. 16, 2016; Waikoloa, Hawaii.

Whipple K. A novel intense pulsed light treatment for refractory dry eye disease. Presented at: American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Annual Meeting. Nov. 13, 2015. Las Vegas, Nevada.

Disclosure: Dailey reports no relevant financial disclosures.