IPL: Intense Pulsed Light

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Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy

At Family Focus Eyecare, we know a thing or 2 about dry eye disease and offer various treatment methods. Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy is an option for people whose dry eye disease is caused by meibomian gland dysfunction.

Originally developed for use in dermatology, IPL uses light energy to warm the meibomian glands. This gentle warming liquefies any blockages, softening them so they can be expressed. The light targets the blood vessels around the eye, decreasing inflammation.

We’ll evaluate your specific situation and adjust the light, wavelength, and duration of treatment accordingly.

IPL therapy offers several benefits:

  • Noninvasive
  • Very few complications
  • Results that can be maintained
  • Well-tolerated by most people

What does IPL Treat?

Intense Pulsed Light penetrates down to the second layer of your skin (dermis) without harming the top layer (epidermis) causing less damage to your skin. IPL can minimize or remove the following:

Dry Eye Disease

If your eyes don’t produce enough tears, you might end up with dry eye disease. Reasons for decreased tear production might include:

  • The normal aging process
  • Medications like antihistamines or antidepressants
  • Contact lens wear
  • Medical conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or Sjögren’s Syndrome
  • Nerve damage caused by eye surgery
  • Vitamin A deficiency

With age comes different blemishes, spots, sun damage and unwanted freckles. IPL can help smooth out your complexion and reduce or totally remove unwanted signs of aging on your face or body.

Varicose veins & broken blood vessels can make you self conscious. Find out if our IPL treatment can help get your skin looking more like how you’d like it.

From frustrating rosacea & acne to unwanted hair or tattoos that no longer reflect who you are — IPL can be the answer you’ve been looking for. Repeat sessions can help patients reach the desired results they are looking for.

Dry Eye Disease Is More than Just a Nuisance

How often do you think about your eyes? Probably rarely unless they’re hurting you. The painful, irritating symptoms of dry eye disease are certainly enough to make you pause and consider your sight.

Dry eye disease symptoms are not only annoying but can hamper productivity and seriously decrease the quality of life for many Americans. It’s hard to get things done or enjoy fun activities with itchy, burning eyes.

During your annual eye exam, we’ll ask you about any dryness or irritation. Of course, if your eyes are dry and uncomfortable, don’t wait until your next exam to seek relief. At Family Focus Eyecare, we have several treatment methods for dry eye disease. So please book your eye care appointment today.

Symptoms of Dry Eye Disease

If you have any of the following symptoms, dry eye disease might be the culprit:

  • Red eyes
  • Itchy or stinging sensation
  • Watery eyes
  • Light sensitivity
  • Foreign body sensation
  • Stringy mucus
  • Difficulty driving at night

If left untreated, dry eye disease can lead to more serious vision conditions like corneal ulcers, eye infections, eye inflammation, or corneal abrasions

You’ll want to get a comprehensive eye exam if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of dry eye disease. Your optometrist can rule out any eye diseases that may present with similar symptoms.

Visit One of Our Locations

Columbia

We are in Westbury-1.5 miles further west from our old W. Broadway location, near Toasty Goat and the new Club Carwash

  • 725 S. Scott Blvd Suite 101
  • Columbia, MO 65203

Eldon

Our Eldon location is on Oak Street, two blocks north of the post office and between North and High Street.

  • 115 N Oak St
  • Eldon, MO 65026

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