IPL & ZEST
Clear Vision | Comfort | Style
IPL and ZEST: In Office Treatments for Dry Eye
Are Dry Eyes Disrupting Your Life?
That scratchy, gritty feeling? The constant urge to blink? If you're tired of the daily discomfort of dry eyes, you're not alone. Often, the culprit isn't just a lack of tears, but a problem with the oily layer of your tear film, produced by tiny glands in your eyelids called meibomian glands. When these glands aren't working well – a condition known as Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) – your tears evaporate too quickly.
At Comly Eye Care, we offer advanced treatments, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Zocular Eyelid System Treatment (ZEST), to target the root causes of dry eye and bring you lasting relief.
IPL - Intense Pulsed Light
ZEST
IPL - A Dry Eye Medical Device
What is IPL?
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a non-invasive treatment that uses broad-spectrum light pulses to stimulate gland function and reduce inflammation.
Originally developed for cosmetic purposes, it has been found to be highly effective in treating certain eye conditions related to dry eye, particularly ocular rosacea and dry eye caused by Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD).
The light pulses target melanin and blood vessels it reduces redness, swelling, and bacterial growth in the area, and improve the meibomian glands on the eyelid to produce more oil
How Does IPL Work for Dry Eyes?
By delivering controlled pulses of light to the skin around your eyes and eyelids, IPL can:
Melt Stubborn Oils: The heat softens and liquefies the hardened oils that often clog your meibomian glands, allowing them to function properly again.
Reduce Inflammation: IPL can help calm inflammation in the eyelids, a common contributor to dry eye.
Improving Gland Function and Morphology: IPL causes photomodulation, which stimulates cell activity and intracellular changes within the glands, improving mitochondrial function. By doing so improves the actual function of the glands.
Combat Demodex Mites: In some cases, tiny skin mites called Demodex can exacerbate blepharitis and dry eye. IPL can help reduce their numbers.
Improve Blood Flow: The treatment can enhance circulation to the eyelids, supporting overall gland health.
Reducing Abnormal Blood Vessels: IPL can target and eliminate small, abnormal blood vessels around the eyelids that can contribute to inflammation. This is also very useful with ocular rosacea that leads to dry eye.
Aesthetic Benefits: Reduces redness and improves skin tone around eyes, leading to a more refreshed and youthful appearance.
What to Expect During an IPL Treatment:
Preparation: You will be asked to avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and certain skincare products for a period before your treatment. On the day of your appointment, ensure your face is clean and free of makeup or lotions. Protective shields will be placed over your eyes to ensure safety from the light pulses. A cooling gel may be applied to the skin around your eyes.
The Procedure: Your practitioner will use a handheld device to deliver pulses of light to the skin around your eyelids. You may feel a slight warming, tingling, or pinching sensation with each pulse. The treatment typically takes about 15-60 minutes, depending on the area being treated.
Post-Treatment: Immediately after the treatment, you may experience some mild redness, swelling, or a sensation similar to a mild sunburn in the treated area. This usually subsides within a few hours to a few days. You may also experience temporary blurred vision, which is a sign that your meibomian glands are releasing more oil.
Aftercare: You will be advised to avoid direct sun exposure and to use sunscreen with a high SPF. Your practitioner may also recommend using artificial tears, warm compresses, or other treatments to complement the IPL therapy.
How Many IPL Treatments Are Needed?
Most patients require a series of treatments to achieve optimal and long-lasting results for dry eye. Typically, this involves 3-6 sessions spaced about a three to four weeks apart. Following the initial series, maintenance treatments may be recommended every 6-24 months, depending on your individual needs and the severity of your condition.
Benefits of IPL Therapy for Dry Eyes:
Provides long-lasting relief from dry eye symptoms.
Addresses the underlying cause of evaporative dry eye (MGD).
Reduces inflammation around the eyes.
Improves the quality and stability of the tear film.
Can reduce the need for frequent use of artificial tears.
It is a non-invasive and relatively comfortable procedure with minimal downtime.
Some patients may also experience cosmetic benefits such as reduced redness and improved skin appearance around the eyes.
Potential Side Effects:
While IPL therapy is generally safe, some potential side effects may include:
Temporary redness and swelling.
Mild discomfort or stinging sensation during or immediately after the treatment.
Temporary changes in skin pigmentation (more common in individuals with darker skin tones).
Increased sensitivity to sunlight.
In rare cases, bruising or blistering.
It is important to discuss any concerns you have with your eye care professional before undergoing IPL treatment.
Is IPL Right for You?
IPL therapy is often recommended for individuals with moderate to severe dry eye, particularly those with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, demodex and/or ocular rosacea. Our eye care professionals will conduct a thorough evaluation of your eye health and discuss your symptoms to determine if IPL is a suitable treatment option for you.
Some factors that may prevent you from getting IPL treatment are:
Having a history of skin cancer, keloids, or photosensitivity
Having a dark skin tone or a recent tan
Having an active infection, inflammation, or wound in the treatment area
Having a pacemaker, implantable device, or metal allergy
Being pregnant or breastfeeding
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how IPL therapy can help you find relief from dry eyes!
ZEST - A Thorough Eyelid Cleansing
What is ZEST?
ZEST is a gentle and effective in-office treatment that cleanses and exfoliates the eyelids and lashes. It specifically targets the root causes of many types of dry eye, including:
Blepharitis: Inflammation of the eyelids, often caused by bacteria and debris buildup.
Demodex: Microscopic mites that can live on the eyelids and lashes, contributing to inflammation and irritation.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD): A condition where the oil glands in the eyelids don't function properly, leading to poor tear film quality.
The ZEST treatment utilizes a natural okra-based gel that is applied to the eyelids and lashes. This gel gently lifts and removes debris, bacteria, biofilm, and Demodex mites, helping to restore the natural balance of your eyelids and improve tear production.
The Benefits of ZEST for Dry Eye
Choosing ZEST for your dry eye can offer numerous benefits, including:
Symptom Relief: Many patients experience a noticeable reduction in dryness, irritation, burning, and foreign body sensation.
Improved Tear Quality: By addressing the underlying causes of dry eye, ZEST can help your eyes produce healthier, more lubricating tears.
Reduced Inflammation: Cleansing the eyelids helps to reduce inflammation associated with blepharitis and Demodex.
Comfortable and Quick Procedure: The ZEST treatment is typically well-tolerated and takes only about 10-15 minutes.
Long-Lasting Results: While the number of treatments needed can vary, many patients experience sustained relief after a series of ZEST procedures.
Improved Contact Lens Comfort: For contact lens wearers, ZEST can improve comfort and reduce lens-related dryness.
What to Expect During Your ZEST Treatment
The ZEST treatment is a simple and comfortable in-office procedure. Here's what you can expect:
Preparation: Your eye care professional will gently cleanse the area around your eyes.
Application: The natural ZEST gel will be carefully applied to your eyelids and lashes.
Gentle Cleansing: Using a specialized tool, your eyelids and lashes will be gently massaged and cleansed to remove debris and buildup.
Rinsing: Any remaining gel will be gently rinsed away with a saline solution.
The entire process is typically quick and painless. You may experience a mild cooling sensation during the treatment.
Is ZEST Right for You?
If you are experiencing symptoms of dry eye, ZEST may be a beneficial treatment option for you. It is particularly helpful for individuals with:
Chronic dry eye
Blepharitis
Demodex infestation
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
Contact lens discomfort related to dryness
During a comprehensive eye exam and dry eye evaluation at [Your Clinic Name], our experienced eye care professionals will determine if ZEST is the right solution to address your specific needs and help you find long-lasting relief.
Schedule Your ZEST Consultation Today!
Don't let dry eye control your life any longer. Take the first step towards clearer, more comfortable vision. Contact us today to schedule a dry eye evaluation and learn more about how ZEST can help you find relief.