Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a treatment for dry eyes, brown spots, redness, age spots, broken blood vessels, and rosacea.

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 is tailored to the individual patient’s skin. 

IPL reduces dryness in the 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.

Interested? Schedule an appointment with one of our eye care providers to learn more.

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. A cool gel is applied to the area being treated. 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 will help release oil from the eyelid glands to help them begin to work better.IPL procedure Treatments usually take approximately 10 – 15 minutes, depending on which area is being treated.

How many treatments will I need?

In general patients have a series of 4 treatments over a 4 – 6 month time frame.

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. If you are taking any medication for acne you should not have an IPL procedure while on the medication.

How long does the improvement in the skin last?

We like to say, you ‘turn the clock back’ with this type of procedure, but the clock keeps ticking! Most people complete the initial series of treatments and then return for a maintenance treatment once or twice a year.

Want to learn more about your options? Schedule an appointment at Vision Source Eyecare to see if IPL  is right for you.