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IPL

Intense Pulse Light for Dry Eye and Ocular Rosacea

A non-invasive technology generating powerful light to lessen the discomfort of redness and inflammation caused by rosacea, and decrease dry eye symptoms.

How does it work?

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) uses a hand-held wand generating a calibrated light. The light is absorbed by target cells deeper in the skin and converted to heat energy. This targeted approach focuses on ruptured blood vessels to gradually tighten the vessel walls; tightening reduces, or eliminates, the passage of inflammatory agents into the tissue, helping to visibly reduce redness and inflammation.

 

When IPL is applied below the lower eye lid, the heat radiates into the meibomian glands, unclogging and opening them to properly secrete the oils that lubricate the eyes. This heat also kills bacteria, which in turn decreases inflammation.

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Treatments last on average 45 minutes, with an average course of 3 sessions, 2 weeks apart. Many patients experience immediate results that gradually increase and last up to 9 months. Subsequent maintenance treatments can be scheduled on an as-needed basis.

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What is Rosacea & Ocular Rosacea?

Rosacea is thought to be caused by blood vessels coming to the surface of the skin and engorging, or rupturing. These vessels are often visible, but can sometimes be deep enough to not be seen.

 

Engorged vessels have thin walls that allow components that cause inflammation to seep through and trigger an immune response in the tissues surrounding the vessel.

 

Over time, the tissues react to the constant presence of inflammatory cells and histamine released from the vessel walls; this reaction creates swelling, roughness in the skin, discoloration, and other discomforts.

 

Ocular Rosacea (rosacea of the eye lids) can pinch closed the glands that produce oil to help lubricate the eye (meibomian glands), causing dry eye syndrome. Symptoms include: itchiness, redness, soreness, fatigue, sensitivity to light, eye strain, blurry vision and dryness.

 

IPL is a safe and effective treatment for Rosacea, Ocular Rosacea, and Dry Eyes.

While the procedure is safe for most patients, please inform your technician if you have an internal pacemaker, permanent implants, a history of cancer, hypertension, epilepsy, diabetes, surgery/injury/infection in the last 3 months in the area being treated, have taken Isotretinoin (Acutane) in the last 6 months, or are pregnant or nursing; discuss your eligibility with Dr. Perryman before having an IPL procedure.

2024 INVESTMENT: $300 per session

IPL is currently an out of pocket cost. No insurance currently allows for direct billing for these visits, though reimbursement may be possible. Contact your insurance company for details and reimbursement requests. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) may be used to pay for IPL treatments.

Ready for Relief?

What to expect?

IPL sessions take place in our relaxation room on a comfortable chaise chair. The technician will first cleanse and dry the treatment area and apply a cool gel; a medical marker may be used to clearly define the area being treated.

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During your session, protective eyewear (specific goggles designed for IPL) will be provided and required for the duration of the treatment. The technician will use a handheld device to deliver pulses of light to the treatment areas. A test area may be treated first with different intensities of light to determine the ideal frequency for your skin.

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You may feel mild discomfort and warming of the skin, or a sensation similar to a small elastic band snapping in short bursts. A feeling similar to a sun or wind burn is a common and normal reaction for treated areas. A cooling gel and sunscreen may be applied after treatment to decrease these sensations.

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Temporary swelling and redness may occur for up to 24-48 hours; cooling gel and a cold compress may help soothe the area. Some darkening or flaking of the skin may also occur, and is also a temporary effect. Aftercare instructions will be given based on your specific results.

 

After 2-5 days, the treated area calms and becomes less red. After 2-3 weeks the skin becomes softer and tighter with a noticeable decrease in redness. You may also notice smoothing in the skin and lessening of smaller wrinkles.

Aftercare

  • Keep skin clean and moisturized with gentle skincare products

  • Avoid strenuous activities, scrubbing the area, exfoliants, and makeup (any potentially irritating products on treated skin) for 24 hours

  • Protect treated area from direct sun exposure with a broad spectrum SPF sunscreen of at least 30

  • A cold compress can be applied to relieve any discomfort or redness to the area immediately after treatment

  • Avoid heat treatments such as saunas or steam rooms for up to 48 hours

Explore what we do:

Comprehensive Eye Exam

A thorough exam to determine the health of your eyes and screen for potential issues.  This annual exam tests your vision and includes an eyeglass prescription if necessary...

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30 minutes; billed to health insurance when possible

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