Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy
Intense Pulsed Light Therapy
Eye M.D. Monterey is excited to announce our newest method of treatment: Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy. While this therapy is new to our clinic, it has been accepted as effective treatment for chronic dry eyes and rosacea for over five years. Using IPL, we also have the ability to treat sun spots, age spots, hair removal, telangiectasia, hyperpigmentation, hemangioma, port wine stains, acne, and melasma. The ResurFX setting treats wrinkles, surgical scars, stretch marks, acne scars and early signs of aging.
Intense Pulsed Light Therapy for Treatment of Dry Eye Disease
Here at Eye M.D. Monterey, we have many treatment options for dry eye disease. Many patients who come to our clinic are familiar with both over the counter and prescription strength eye drops. Some are even already familiar with plugs that can be placed in the tear ducts to keep the tears near the eye. We readily start with these treatments and have had some great success.
Many patients struggle to find relief of their chronic dry eye disease. Many times, the initial treatments of eye drops or tear duct plugs will be the solution. However, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy is another option available to patients to combat the symptoms of dry eye disease. Eye M.D. Monterey is proud to offer this IPL therapy to treat dry eye disease, as well as rosacea, which can lead to dry eye symptoms. When used for rosacea, IPL can decrease the redness and spider veins on the skin as well as treating any associated dry eye symptoms.
When treating dry eye disease, IPL therapy treats the skin below the eyes with a very bright light. It is not a laser treatment and is not painful for most patients. Studies in peer-reviewed journals including Ophthalmology have shown that treatment with the IPL therapy causes significant relief from symptoms of dry eye, such as redness, itchiness, and the feeling that something is stuck in your eye.
If you and Dr. Penrose choose to pursue treatment for your dry eye disease with IPL therapy, you will have a consultation followed by 4 treatment sessions, 3 weeks apart. Each treatment will last about fifteen minutes. During that time, the IPL wand will be gently placed on the skin of your upper cheeks and nose underneath your eyes, starting near one ear and moving across the face. Most patients do not experience pain with this procedure. Your eyes will be protected from the light with a special eye covering.
Adverse effects from IPL are rare and include redness, skin discoloration, and sunburn symptoms. We are happy to discuss the benefits and side effects of IPL therapy with you at Eye M.D. Monterey during your initial consultation.
Intense Pulsed Light Therapy for Treatment of Rosacea
IPL Therapy is a fast, gentle treatment that can decrease visible redness, flushing, small blood vessels, overall skin appearance, as well as dry eyes caused by rosacea.
IPL Therapy enables your clinician to customize the treatment according to your skin type, condition severity, and desired results with maximum safety. Light pulses penetrate the tissue and create heat inside the blood vessels, which closes the vessel’s walls, eventually causing them to disappear.
ResurFX Treatment
Another available setting on our IPL platform is ResurFX, which is a fractional skin rejuvenation solution, enabling your physician to offer you great results for younger, healthier, glowing skin.
ResurFX works by stimulating deep collagen regeneration over a sequence of treatments. It can address the early signs of aging such as fine lines, skin texture, and overall skin appearance.
Scheduling Your Consultation
IPL and ResurFX Therapy is not for everyone. If you are interested in finding out more details and to see if you are a candidate, please call our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Penrose, M.D. or Tiffany Bierbaum, PA-C. Your consultation can be billed to your medical insurance but the treatments are considered cosmetic and therefore are paid for out of pocket. The cost and number of treatments needed will vary so we highly recommend meeting with your provider to discuss all of your options.