We are proud at Pinder Eyecare to be the first in Scotland offering the latest technology in IPL treatment for Dry Eye Disease management.

Dry Eye

Dry Eye is one of the most common eye conditions and it is estimated that huge one third of the UK population suffer from Dry Eye disease. 

It is a chronic and progressive condition meaning early intervention is likely to be beneficial. The tears in our eyes are more important than what you may think! Roles include: flushing bacteria allergens and debris out, lubricating our eye to allow us to blink, providing nutrients the underlying ocular structures to maintain good eye health and providing a stable healthy ocular surface to maintain clear crisp vision.

The tears have 3 layers which different roles. In our consultation we will carefully assess the layers of the tear film to properly diagnose the type of dry eye and be able to tailor the management plan for effective treatment.

What causes dry eye?

There is a long list of possible causes of dry eye disease. In our consultation in practice, we will discuss various factors such as lifestyle and environmental, which may be modifiable to improve symptoms and signs of dry eye.

Common risk factors are:

• Certain environments
• Medications
• Age
• Allergies
• Hormonal changes or imbalances
• Systemic health conditions
• Smoking
• Eyelid irregularities and inflammation (also known as MGD or Blepharitis)

MGD (Meibomian Gland Dysfunction) and Blepharitis is the leading cause of evaporative
Dry Eye

MGD predominantly affects the lipid (oily) layer of the tears. The meibomian glands fail to work properly, become clogged and prevent oil being released into the tears. This results in the watery part of the tears evaporating or drying up. 

This is an ongoing condition which can progress and in some cases lead to permanent damage to the eyelid. There are various self directed treatments which can be effective for treating MGD such as heat and lid cleansers.

We are also proud to offer BlephEx treatment, which is an effective deep clean of the eyelids. More info on Blephex.

IPL works by destroying the inflammatory blood vessels on the eyelid, which reduces the inflammatory mediators which contribute towards dry eye. The energy from the IPL light is also converted to heat which softens gland and allows meibum to be expressed out the gland easily.

What is IPL?

IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light and is a type of light therapy which uses intense pulses of light to the skin. Although similarities to laser, laser light only delivers a single wavelength of light, whereas IPL flashes a broad spectrum of light and has a range of filters to control the wavelengths delivered to the skin which makes it suitable for different skin types. IPL was first approved for treating vascular lesions and skin conditions. but now is successful in treating a range of conditions including dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction.

Other benefits of IPL include stimulating the lacrimal gland and sac, reducing the load of demodex mites that live within the eyelids which contribute to inflammation, improving collagen production therefore improving structure of eyelids, altering the cells within the glands which produce the oil, to prevent future blockage.

Thermaeye Plus

We are very proud to be the first practice in Scotland to be able to offer IPL treatment with the Thermaeye plus, which is the latest technology.

How is it different?

The Thermaeye plus has interchangeable filters to allow for the optimum wavelength of light to be delivered. This makes it suitable for all skin types where previously other technology has only been suitable for lighter skin tones. With this latest technology, there is also a reduced risk of thermal damage due to the advanced integrated air cooling system. This prevents increased temperature of the skin which makes it more comfortable and safer for the patient.

Who is suitable?

Most can benefit from IPL for dry eye treatment. While lubricant drops and eyelid products are very effective in treating dry eye symptoms, many feel that this is not a long term fix, or feel they do not get enough relief. Every patient must attend a dry eye consultation before treatment to assess suitability.

Those not suitable include:

• Patients with active infections particularly herpes infections or history of ocular
  herpetic infection
• Skin tumours, moles or tattoos in the surrounding ocular skin
• History of keloids
• Pregnancy
• Currently taking anticoagulant medication
• Patients with photosensitive disease such as epilepsy, or on photosensitizing medications

What is involved in IPL?

IPL is a safe and well tolerated procedure. It is quick with average treatment time of 10-15 minutes. 

The treatment begins with eye protection being applied with an ultrasound gel being applied around the eyelids followed by the patient putting on opaque eye patches. 

4 flashes of IPL are then delivered around each eye. 

The treatment will be completed by the optometrist applying a mild pressure to the eyelids to express the softened meibum oil out of the glands. 

Most patients will require 3 treatments (spaced 2 weeks apart). The efficacy has been shown to reduce after ~9 months therefore it is recommended to have a top up session annually.

Get in touch or click below to contact us to arrange your consultation.