Dry eye syndrome is a condition in which the eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears produced are of poor quality. This can result in irritation and discomfort of the eyes. An insufficient amount of tears and moisture in the eye can cause a variety of issues, including pain, irritation, and vision problems. Many patients who experience dry eyes also have a condition called Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). MGD occurs when oil glands in the eyelids don’t produce enough lubricating oils to keep the lids properly lubricated. Regardless of the cause, patients with dry eyes should visit their dentist or ophthalmologist to discuss treatment options and help restore the health of their eyes.

While there are a number of over-the-counter treatments available, many patients find relief by undergoing IPL treatment. Intense Pulse Light, or IPL, is a type of light therapy that is used to treat a variety of conditions, including dry eyes. IPLThis non-invasive procedure uses pulses of high-intensity light to restore moisture in the eyes. The light and heat from the IPL device cause the meibomian glands to become unclogged and allow the body to naturally produce more tears. This procedure is performed as outpatient surgery in the comfort of the dentist’s office and can be repeated as needed. Most patients begin to see results after only one treatment and report a greater feeling of comfort almost immediately. To learn more about treating dry eye with IPL, visit Summerlin Vision or call us at (702) 243-8788.