Dry eye syndrome (IPL)

Dry eye syndrome is a common phenomenon affecting about one-fifth of the population, with a higher prevalence among women. This syndrome occurs when the eye does not produce enough tears, or when tears evaporate too quickly and fail to provide the necessary moisture for the eye. To better understand the phenomenon, it is important to know the role of tears in the eye and the various ways to treat it, including the innovative technology IPL (Intense Pulsed Light).

Dry eye syndrome can be caused by many factors, including age, smoking, chronic diseases, use of contact lenses, working in front of a computer, and exposure to environmental factors such as sun and dust. Dry eye symptoms include pain, burning sensation, eye fatigue, blurred vision, and red and irritated eyes. A defect in the function of the lipid layer of tears is one of the central causes of the syndrome, as this dysfunction leads to increased evaporation of tears and blockage of tear glands with fatty plugs.

Tears cover the eye with an important layer that keeps the eye moist, cleans it from dirt, and provides clear vision. The tear structure includes three main layers:

1. Mucin layer – the inner layer that connects the tears to the eye surface and maintains a smooth surface.
2. Water layer – the middle layer whose role is to wash the eye and protect it from excessive moisture.
3. Lipid layer – the outer layer that prevents tear evaporation, produced by the meibomian glands.

Every time we blink, tears cover the eye again with these layers, which helps maintain moisture and cleanliness.

The risk factors for dry eye syndrome are diverse and related to physiological, medical factors and lifestyle. As we age, especially after the age of 50, the risk of eye dryness increases due to a natural decline in the ability to secrete tears and their function. Chronic and autoimmune diseases, such as diabetes and arthritis, are also considered significant risk factors. These diseases affect the body’s ability to maintain eye moisture, causing chronic and troublesome dryness.

In addition, people suffering from chronic blepharitis often deal with blockages in the fat glands of the eyelids, which prevents maintaining moisture on the eye surface and leads to its drying. Modern lifestyle is also a significant factor in the onset of the syndrome; prolonged use of digital screens such as computers, smartphones, and tablets, along with staying in air-conditioned or dusty spaces, adversely affect eye health. In these situations, the tendency to blink less causes faster evaporation of tears and increased dryness.

When each of these factors comes into play, the risk of developing dry eye syndrome increases significantly, and therefore it is important to be aware of the various factors and treat the symptoms appropriately, especially when it comes to a lifestyle that requires a lot of time in front of computers and in conditions that increase dryness in the eyes.

Dry eye has varying symptoms and includes:

• Feeling of itching, burning, and dryness.
• Redness in the eyes.
• Blurred vision that improves after blinking.
• Excess tearing – when the eye tries to compensate for dryness.
• Increased sensitivity to light and persistent pain.

Traditional treatments include the use of artificial tears, eyelid cleaning, warm compresses, eyelid massage, antibiotic or steroid treatments, and sometimes also mechanical opening of blocked glands. These treatments provide temporary relief, but in many cases, the syndrome returns and requires additional treatment.

The innovative IPL treatment offers an effective treatment for dry eye that addresses the root of the problem and treats it more effectively than other temporary solutions. Unlike traditional treatments, IPL not only relieves symptoms but also works to continuously improve eye health, which helps maintain natural moisture and prevent chronic dryness.

How does IPL treatment work?

IPL treatment for dry eye is based on concentrated, multi-wavelength light flashes directed at the eyelid area and the sebaceous glands in the eyelids. The light flashes heat the meibomian glands, which are responsible for secreting the lipid layer that prevents tear evaporation. The heating allows the blocked glands to open and stimulates the glands to function more efficiently. As a result, tears are retained longer on the eye surface, which improves the quality of moisture in the eye and the overall health of the eye.

Benefits of IPL treatment

1. Reduction of eyelid inflammation: IPL helps reduce inflammation in the eyelids and the surrounding area, which helps improve the general feeling of the eye and reduce the burning sensation and pain.
2. Removal of skin bacteria: IPL flashes also help reduce skin bacteria that can cause inflammation in the eyelids, thereby helping maintain eye hygiene.
3. Long-term efficiency: IPL treatment is considered more effective than temporary treatments such as artificial tears or antibiotics. Patients report prolonged improvement in symptoms after a small number of treatments.
4. Scientifically proven safety: Many scientific studies have shown that IPL treatment is safe and effective in the long term for treating dry eye syndrome, with a high level of satisfaction of between 88% and 92%.

The IPL treatment process

Dry eye treatment begins with an initial assessment of the condition of the eye and eyelids, after which the doctor will use the IPL device to radiate focused light flashes to the eyelid area. The device is personally adjusted to each patient, according to the level of dryness and the severity of the syndrome. Each treatment lasts between 15 and 20 minutes, and in most cases, a series of treatments including between 3 and 4 sessions is required.

Is the treatment suitable for everyone?

IPL treatment is suitable for most people suffering from dry eye syndrome, especially in cases where traditional treatments have not achieved satisfactory results. However, it is important to perform a professional diagnosis to ensure that the treatment is suitable for each specific case. There are cases where the treatment cannot be performed, such as in certain conditions of skin inflammation or other eye problems that do not respond well to heat.

Dry eye syndrome, caused by impaired tear function or their rapid evaporation, is manifested by irritation, burning, and dryness in the eyes. Risk factors include age, chronic diseases, and environmental influences such as prolonged use of screens. IPL treatment offers an innovative solution that will improve your quality of life.

If you are looking for professional and effective dry eye treatment, the experienced team at the Dr. Levinger Surgery Medical Center is here to provide advanced solutions tailored to your needs. We are here to answer any questions and guide you every step of the way to improving your quality of life.