IRPL Therapy for Dry Eyes

Intense Regulated Pulsed Light (IRPL) Therapy is a drug-free, drop-free, light-based treatment that delivers precise infra-red light pulses to the periorbital area, targeting one of the root causes of Dry Eye – inflammation. It is particularly effective in treating meibomian gland dysfunction, the most common cause of chronic dry eye.

IRPL targets meibomian gland dysfunction by:

• Reducing inflammation
• Unclogging meibomian glands
• Eliminating abnormal blood vessels
• Improving meibomian gland function

Improvements in meibomian gland function result in better tear film quality and stability, allowing your eyes to feel comfortable and more easily tolerate the environment you live in from day to day.

The E>Eye device is what our office uses to deliver IRPL technology. It was first launched in 2016 and is specifically designed to treat the main source of chronic dry eyes. It was the first registered and certified device for treating dry eye disease and meibomian gland dysfunction in 50 countries outside the US. It generates Intense Regulated Pulsed Light by producing perfectly calibrated and homogeneously sequenced light pulses. The energy, spectrum and time period are precisely set to stimulate the Meibomian glands in order for them to return their normal function.

How does IRPL Treat Dry Eyes?

IRPL treats dry eyes by improving the function of the meibomian glands in the eyelids. These glands serve a very important role in ocular surface health – they produce oil which is an essential part of the tear film that naturally lubricates and protects the surface of your eyes.

When these glands are not functioning properly it ultimately leads to loss or atrophy of the glands. When meibomian glands don’t secrete enough oil, or the quality of the secretions is poor, the tear film becomes unstable, leading to rapid tear evaporation and ocular surface inflammation, causing those all too familiar symptoms of dry eye – burning, tearing, itching, grittiness, redness, discomfort, tired eyes, and unstable vision.

The E>Eye device delivers perfectly calibrated light pulses that target the meibomian glands. These light pulses result in stimulation of the nerves supplying the glands, which helps to improve the amount and quality of the glandular secretions, thus stabilizing the oil layer of the tear film.

The regulated light pulses from IRPL help to break the cycle of ocular surface inflammation, leading to long-term improvement of dry eye symptoms. IRPL also helps preserve the presence and function of the meibomian glands and prevent further loss or atrophy of the glands.

What Happens During IRPL Treatment?

The treatment is performed in the office and takes only a few minutes. During the treatment, you’ll be comfortably reclined in a chair with your head against the head rest. Any facial products will be gently removed, and we will place protective goggles over your eyes. Gel will be applied around the eyes and temple area, and a series of five to six flashes will be applied around each eye. The treatment is gentle and non-invasive. The flashes may appear bright and feel warm but there is no significant discomfort.

The treatment protocol is short and efficient, with three to four treatments depending on the severity of the condition:

Follow-up assessment of ocular surface health and meibomian gland function is performed 30 days after completion of the final treatment.

What Results Should I Expect?

Most patients experience rapid improvement in symptoms from the very first session. The effect of the first two treatments can last a few days up to 2 to 3 weeks.

The full treatment effect is cumulative and provides long-lasting results for months after completion of all prescribed sessions.

For most people, relief lasts anywhere from 6 to 36 months, depending on severity of the condition. Yearly maintenance is recommended to maintain best results.

Additional benefits of the treatment include:

• Improved ocular surface health
• More stable and improved quality of vision
• Tightening of the skin due to connective tissue rejuvenation

After completion of the full treatment protocol,

Over half of patients surveyed were able to stop using eye drops after the treatment.

Is IRPL Safe?

IRPL is extremely safe; No adverse events have been reported with IRPL. When the proper treatment protocol is followed, there is no risk of long-term side effects or unexpected reactions.

There are 2 scenarios in which patients should not be treated with IRPL:

• Pregnancy
• Very dark skin tones (Fitzpatrick Type VI)

There are currently more than 1,500 E>Eye devices in use around the world, and over 150,000 patients have been treated with this technology. Advanced Family Vision Care is proud to be one of the few offices in the United States offering this exciting and advanced technology.

Is IRPL Right For Me?

Your optometrist will likely recommend IRPL if:

• You have chronic dry eye
• You have meibomian gland dysfunction

For any medical treatment, it is best to ask your optometrist. They will be able to accurately diagnose your condition and recommend the appropriate treatment(s).

If you would like to receive an advanced dry eye assessment, please call us at or email at info@AdvancedFamilyVisionCare.com. Make sure to let our receptionist know that you are calling to schedule a specialized dry eye evaluation.