Dry Eye - Csonka Optometric :: Csonka Optometric

Analyzing Dry Eye

There are various causes of Dry Eye Disease, including not blinking enough with extended computer use, environmental factors, hormonal changes, and side effects of medications. Each of these factors either affects the quality of our tears or obstructs the glands responsible for secreting oils that keep our eyes lubricated.

We can determine the root causes of your Dry Eye to shape the treatment protocol around your eyes’ specific concern areas. Targeting the condition at its source ensures that we deliver the most effective care and ensure the best outcome for your eye health.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

The first line of treatment normally consists of artificial tears, warm compresses, and proper lid hygiene techniques. For patients who are still struggling with Dry Eyes despite attempting the initial treatment modalities, opting for IPL may be a more effective approach.

What Does IPL Treat?

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is the latest innovative therapy for many patients with Dry Eye Disease. IPL targets two key components that contribute to Dry Eye relief:

Inflammation – IPL reduces inflammation in the Meibomian Glands responsible for producing the oily layer of our tears. When these glands are inflamed, they are unable to produce enough oil to keep our tears from evaporating too rapidly.
Blood vessels – IPL targets abnormal blood vessels in the surface of our eyes. These vessels promote inflammation that interferes with a healthy tear film, which causes symptoms of dryness and discomfort.

IPL is also an aesthetic treatment for skin conditions:

Smoothening fine lines & wrinkles
Improving skin texture & even skin tone
Healing facial rosacea
Fading visible blood vessels
Reversing sun damage & dark spots
Alleviating redness & inflammation

How Does IPL Work?

IPL is an effective light-based, non-invasive treatment that is performed on the skin below the eyes. It uses high-intensity light pulses to stimulate and rejuvenate the cells in and around the eyelids. The pulses liquefy and release oils that have hardened and clogged the Meibomian Glands in the eyelids. This effect not only improves the overall structure of our glands, it also improves the quality of our tears. This allows our oils to seamlessly secrete from the glands, thereby lubricating our eyes naturally and rebuilding our system to function properly on its own. This non-invasive procedure is supported by more than 20 clinical studies.

Using Radiofrequency (RF) with IPL

Our IPL technology combines IPL and RF together for a comprehensive approach so that patients can feel more immediate relief from their Dry Eye symptoms. When used together, IPL and RF can maximize the effectiveness of the treatment as they resolve meibomian gland dysfunction as well as rebuild the eyelid skin tissue at the same time.

The added bonus of this two-in-one technology is that patients can enjoy the cosmetic benefits of each device and tackle both external and deep skin concerns. As IPL works to diminish pigmentation, reduce inflammation, and improve skin texture, RF works on skin tightening and lifting any sagging or loosening of the skin of the face.

The IPL Treatment

IPL is an in-office procedure that typically takes 4-6 sessions for optimal results depending on severity. The sessions are set ~3-4 weeks apart. Each session takes about 15 minutes. After the session, you can resume your day as usual.

When Will I Start to See Results?

The exact time may vary from person to person, but patients typically start seeing results in as little as 2-3 sessions.

How Long Does It Last?

The results of IPL are impressive and long-lasting. The first series of treatments is followed by a 6-12 month check-up. Afterwards, just an annual touch-up session for maintenance.

Is IPL Right for You?

IPL is safe for most people but is not suitable for everyone. Pregnant and breastfeeding women and should avoid IPL. Other factors that make people unsuitable for IPL treatment include:

currently or recently taking the acne drug Accutane
current use of photosensitive medications (i.e. doxycycline) or herbs (i.e. St. John’s Wort)
diseases stimulated by light (Lupus)
being susceptible to keloid scarring
history of bleeding disorders and use of anticoagulants
having suffered sunburn recently

If you’ve tried several Dry Eye treatments and struggle to keep up with the regimen on a regular basis, then it might be time to consider a more lasting solution. During your next eye exam, ask us if you are a good candidate for IPL.

Low-Level Light Treatment (LLLT)

What is LLLT?

Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) is a transformative technology that uses non-visible wavelengths of light to activate, repair, and improve the functioning of cells. Its non-ionizing energy stimulates cellular activity, accelerates tissue repair, and reduces inflammation.

LLLT is provided as an effective treatment for Dry Eye Syndrome caused by Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). It can also be used for treating chronic blepharitis of the eyelashes and healing recurrent styes and stubborn chalazion of the eyelids.

Low-light therapy is renowned for its skin rejuvenation properties as it promotes collagen production, which can improve skin texture, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and heal scars.

How does LLLT work?

LLLT uses LED lights to gently warm up the eyelids, causing the Meibomian Glands to unclog.

By restoring its proper function, the glands can now release oils to maintain adequate moisture in the eyes.

LLLT offers Red, Blue, Yellow, and Infrared wavelength light therapies. Our team strategically utilizes these colors in combination as we tailor the therapy to the patient’s specific needs for the most effective results.

Red: The holy grail

Penetrates the skin, stimulates cellular activity & promotes tissue repair. A versatile option for both cosmetic & therapeutic applications.

With an energy output up to 150mW/cm2, our medical-grade Red Light Therapy is 80x stronger than at-home devices and heats the skin up to 109°F, safely ensuring fast & potent treatment outcomes.