The bags under your eyes may have more tales to tell than the details of your latest sleepless night.
However,dry eyeis usually the culprit, she tellsAllure.
However, these treatments tend to be temporary fixes for dry eye.
Getty Images / Bella Geraci
For something more substantial, optometrists and ophthalmologists have been bringing in a gadget traditionally used by dermatologists.
But rest assured, they’re actually qualified to do so.
But that’s not the only reason why IPL is rising in popularity as a dry eye remedy.
The fact that IPL rejuvenates the skin around the eyes in the process is the kicker.
In this story:
What is dry eye?
When these glands become inflamed and clogged, dry eye strikes.
It can also cause a constant gritty feeling and ocular fatigue.
“It is debilitating,” Dr. Rose adds.
“Studies showdry eye can be more life-altering than a fractured hip.”
They’re also not fans ofretinoidsandtightliningas both can easily clog meibomian glands.
Here are some other common causes of dry eye:
What is IPL?
Intense Pulsed Light (aka IPL) is an in-office treatment that’s been used by dermatologistssince 1996.
Although it’s typically grouped with laser treatments, IPL isn’t technically a laser.
The wavelengths can be adjusted by the doctors administering the treatment via filters.
Certain wavelengths can even be used toremove tattoosandunwanted hair.
It also minimizes theappearance of poresand helps treat acne.
How did IPL become a dry eye treatment?
In other words, it heats up the stagnant oil clogging your meibomian glands.
Dr. Tsai compares this process to melting down frozen butter.
In April 2021, the FDAfinallyapproved the use of IPLfor managing dry eye.
What else can you expect in an IPL session for dry eye treatment?
“The shorter the wavelength, the higher the intensity of the energy,” she explains.
Luckily, your eyes will be numbed with drops first, so it’s painless.
The whole procedure takes about 20 minutes.
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Typically, a series of four IPL sessions need to be done for lasting results.
They’ll be scheduled two to four weeks apart.
Then, you’ll only need one maintenance treatment a year, Dr. Rose says.
Each session rings up at about $400 per session.
Unfortunately, IPL dry eye therapy is not covered under insurance as the treatment is considered elective and cosmetic.
What is the future of eyes and aesthetics?
Reason being: Radiofrequency tightens, firms, and lifts skin withthermal energyinstead of light to trigger collagen production.
“So many skin conditions dermatologists treat can result in dry eye.”
