Dry Eye Treatment with IPL and LLLT
Learn about dry eye treatments offered at Vision Source Alamo Heights.
Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT)
Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) is a treatment for dry eye and meibomian gland disease.
Developed by NASA, LLLT has proven effective at treating dry eye disease. LLLT uses specially designed LED lights to gently warm up the eyelids, causing the meibomian glands to unclog and release oils.
- Safe, non-invasive procedure
- 15 minutes per session
- No recovery time needed
- No side effects or discomfort
It’s quick and painless! Simply lay back with the Equinox mask on and relax as the warm light clears your glands.
May also help decrease the appearance of facial wrinkles, acne, and rosacea.
Is LLLT covered by medical insurance?
No, Unfortunately at this time, it is not a covered service with medical insurance. Patients can purchase single treatments or a bundle package for multiple treatments.
How long does the improvement in the skin last?
Most people complete the initial series of treatments and then return for a maintenance treatment once or twice a year.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a treatment for dry eyes by reducing inflammation in the oil glands in the eyelids.
This allows the oil glands to produce the oil that keeps our tears from evaporating quickly, thus reducing evaporative dry eye which is known to be causative in 85% of dry eye cases. IPL devices use multiple wavelengths of light to tighten the skin and reduce redness in the face. IPL is also used to treat the facial changes of rosacea, including redness and broken blood vessels.
IPL may be used for these changes on the hands, neck, and chest as well. It is safe, non-invasive, and tailored to the individual patient’s skin.
IPL is also a treatment for brown spots, redness, age spots, broken blood vessels, and rosacea.
Is IPL painful?
When the pulses of light are applied to the skin, patients feel some mild stinging, similar in sensation to the snapping of a small rubber band against the skin. These pulses are very short and the discomfort is minimal.
How is IPL performed?
The treatment area is cleansed. Eye shields are worn to protect the patient’s eyes from the light. With the patient in a comfortable, relaxed position, the IPL hand-piece is gently applied to the skin and light pulses are applied. For dry eye sufferers, after the procedure the doctor may also release oil from the eyelid glands to help them begin to work better. IPL procedure Treatments usually take approximately 10 – 15 minutes.
Is IPL covered by insurance?
No, unfortunately at this time it is not covered by medical insurance.
How will I look after each treatment?
Most patients experience a few hours of redness and possible pinpoint bruising after the IPL procedure. Some brown spots may appear darker for a few days, then peel off. You can apply makeup immediately after IPL treatment if necessary.
What is my skincare before and after IPL treatment?
It is imperative that the area being treated is not tan the day of the procedure. Other areas on the body can be tan but not the treatment site. Afterwards, it is important to protect your skin from the sun using a sunscreen daily. You should use a sensitive skin cleanser and moisturizer for about a week, then you can resume your normal skin care routine.
How long does the improvement in the skin last?
Most people complete the initial series of treatments and then return for a maintenance treatment once or twice a year.