Our Optometrists in Winnipeg Provide Dry Eye Treatment
There are many people who are suffering from dry eye. Finding the right optometrist for dry eye treatment can provide dry eye relief. If you fall into this category and live in Winnipeg, visit our optometrist in Winnipeg at Eyes in the Village.
Intense Pulsed Light Therapy for Dry Eye Relief
Intense pulsed light therapy, also known as IPL therapy, is a common treatment in dermatology that is used to address a variety of skin conditions, including acne scarring, sun damage, and rosacea. It is now available as a treatment for chronic dry eye disease, as well as Meibomian gland dysfunction of the eyelid.
Intense pulsed light therapy for dry eye uses pulses of light to liquefy and then release hardened oils within the Meibomian glands in the eyelids. When these oil glands are clogged, releasing the trapped oils can be very helpful. This therapy also has an effect on vascularization and inflammation within the eyelids, meaning that it can decrease redness in the eyelids and stimulate functioning of healthy glands.
When you go in for this treatment, your doctor will start by putting shields over your eyes in order to protect your eyes from the pulses of light. Then, a thin layer of cooling gel will be applied to the area, and a small device will be used to administer pulses of light to the area that surrounds the eyelids. These pulses will help to heat, liquefy, and loosen hardened oils in the glands. After the treatment is done, our optometrist will be able to manually express oil from your glands and restore the normal flow of oil in your tear film. Oil is a crucial component of your tears and will prevent your tears from evaporating, which can lead to dry eye.
Most people who have this treatment done will notice a significant improvement in their dry eye symptoms after one or two treatments. Our optometrist recommends at least four IPL treatments to start with. This is meant to give you the best chance of long-term success. After this initial series of treatments, most people only need an occasional treatment for maintenance, depending on how severe their dry eye condition is.
Don’t Live with Dry Eyes
If you need dry eye treatment or dry eye relief in Winnipeg, contact our optometrist in Winnipeg at Eyes in the Village. We can answer your questions about dry eye and any types of eye care that may be beneficial to you.