What Is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) for Dry Eye?
Intense pulsed light (IPL) is a treatment that delivers controlled flashes of light to the skin around the eyes to treat evaporative dry eye. Originally developed for dermatology, it’s now one of the most effective tools against Meibomian gland dysfunction, the leading cause of dry eye.
Its effect works on three fronts: it calms inflammation in the area, closes off the abnormal blood vessels that keep that inflammation going, and reactivates the Meibomian glands so they go back to producing the oily layer that keeps tears from evaporating too fast.
Who Is It For?
- Dry eye caused by Meibomian gland dysfunction
- Dry eye linked to ocular rosacea (where it’s especially effective)
- Cases where artificial tears and eyelid hygiene aren’t enough on their own
- As part of a combined dry eye treatment plan
A diagnosis with objective measurements at the Dry Eye Spa confirms whether you’re a good candidate.
How the Treatment Works
- Eye protection throughout the session.
- Light flashes applied to the cheekbones and the skin around the eyes.
- Meibomian gland expression, which usually accompanies the session.
The treatment is painless (it feels like small, warm flashes), requires no anesthesia, and takes 15 to 20 minutes. You can return to your normal activities the same day.
A Treatment Done in Cycles
The typical protocol includes several sessions spaced weeks apart, followed by periodic maintenance cycles. That’s because dry eye is a chronic condition: the goal is to keep it under control long-term, not to cure it in one shot. The exact number of sessions depends on severity, which is measured objectively.
Why Choose Centro Láser for IPL
At Centro Láser, IPL for dry eye is performed within the Dry Eye Spa, using equipment built specifically for this purpose and preceded by a diagnosis based on objective measurements that confirms it’s the right treatment for you. We pair it with Meibomian gland thermal therapy and eyelid hygiene as part of a complete plan for ocular surface health.
