If you’ve been struggling with dry eyes, you may have heard of IRPL (intense regulated pulsed light) therapy as a potential solution. This advanced treatment is designed to target the root cause of dry eye symptoms, providing effective and long-lasting relief.
But what exactly is IRPL, and how can it help manage your dry eye condition? Let’s take a closer look.
What is IRPL?
IRPL is a safe and non-invasive treatment that uses gentle pulses of light to target and improve the function of the meibomian glands in your eyelids.
These glands produce the oily layer of your tear film – your tear film is the layer of liquid that coats and lubricates your eyes. The oily outer layer of your tear film helps prevent your tear film from evaporating too quickly.
Consequently, when your meibomian glands become blocked or aren’t working properly, dry eye symptoms can occur.
IPRL vs Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy
Though IRPL and IPL therapy are often mentioned together, they are not the same thing.
While both treatments use pulses of light to improve dry eye symptoms, the key difference lies in how the light is delivered.
IRPL uses regulated pulses, which are more precise and targeted compared to the less controlled light pulses used in IPL.
This makes IRPL a more accurate and effective treatment, offering better control over the results.
How Does IPRL Work?
IRPL works by using light pulses to stimulate your meibomian glands, encouraging them to produce the oil needed to keep your eyes properly lubricated.
The treatment is delivered through a handheld device that emits pulses of light into the areas around your eyes.
Who can Benefit from IRPL Treatment?
IRPL treatment is ideal for anyone who suffers from dry eye symptoms, particularly if those symptoms are caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), which is the most common cause of dry eye.
It is also suitable if you have not found relief using other treatments, such as eye drops or over-the-counter products.
Additionally, if you spend long hours on digital devices, are exposed to dry environments or wear contact lenses, IRPL can offer significant long-term benefits in managing your dry eye symptoms.
This treatment is not suitable for pregnant women.
What to Expect During Your IRPL Treatment?
IRPL therapy is simple, painless and non-invasive, with each session lasting just a few minutes. To start, your optometrist will apply a protective gel around your eyes and give you goggles to wear for safety. They’ll then use a handheld device called TearStim to gently deliver pulses of light to the affected areas.
Expected Results
IRPL is effective in around 85% of cases. What’s more, 9 in every 10 patients report feeling satisfied after just 2 sessions. Many notice dry eye relief after the first treatment, with results improving and lasting longer after each session.
IRPL can also improve the health of the surface of your eye, stabilise and enhance the quality of your vision and tighten the skin around your eyes by rejuvenating the connective tissue in this area.
Finally, IRPL not only treats existing dry eye symptoms but also helps prevent future problems.
Potential Side Effects
While IRPL is generally very safe, potential short-lived side effects include:
- discomfort
- tingling/warming sensations
- sensitivity to direct UV light
- light mucus discharge
- redness
- mild inflammation from unblocking your meibomian glands.
Ready to Try IRPL?
To learn more about whether IRPL is right for you, book a consultation with our expert team to discuss the best treatment plan for your needs.