Book appointment Call +91 749 107 3667

IPL for dry eye

Gentle pulses of light near the eyelids to help the oil glands work better. It may help some people with dry eye.

Book appointment
Side view of the lower eyelid. The oil glands run as vertical tubes with blocked, amber caps. A shield protects the eye, a soft pulse of light sweeps along the lid, the blockages clear, and oil flows out onto the tear film.Eye, under a protective shieldOil glandsblocked, then open and flowing

At a glance

  • Duration

    About 15 to 20 minutes per session

    Usually.

  • Anaesthesia

    None needed

    Eyes are shielded.

  • Going home

    Straight away

  • Back to routine

    The same day

    Dr. Kumar will advise.

What IPL is

IPL means intense pulsed light. Light flashes are applied to the skin around the eyes. It is used for dry eye caused by blocked oil glands (meibomian gland dysfunction).

What happens

Your eyes are covered with shields. Gel is applied on the skin below your eyes. A small hand-piece gives a series of quick flashes along the lower lids. Some people feel a warm snap, like a rubber band. The warmth and light are thought to help the oil glands release their oil again.

Who it is for

People with dry eye caused by blocked oil glands, when lid care and drops are not enough. IPL does not suit everyone. Skin type, a recent suntan, some medicines, a history of some skin conditions, and pregnancy can matter. Dr. Kumar will tell you what applies to you.

What to expect

You usually need a few sessions, a few weeks apart. Many people feel better, but results vary and relief may need top-up sessions. IPL does not cure dry eye. You still need lid care and good habits.

Honest risks

  • Common: redness or warmth on the skin for a few hours.
  • Less common: a mild burn or blister, a change in skin colour, or lost eyelashes where the light hits.
  • Rare: damage to the eye if shields are not used correctly.
  • Call us at once if: you have eye pain, a drop in sight, blistering, or swelling that does not settle.

Before, on the day, after

The usual order of things. Dr. Kumar will tell you what applies to you.

  1. Before

    Eye and skin check

    Dr. Kumar checks your lids, oil glands and skin type, and tells you if IPL is suitable.

  2. Before

    Preparation

    Avoid sun tanning before treatment and tell us about medicines and skin conditions. Remove makeup and contact lenses.

  3. On the day

    The session

    Eye shields on, gel on the skin, flashes along the lids. Then the lids may be gently massaged.

  4. After

    Going home

    You go home straight away. Use sunscreen and avoid strong sun.

Recovery

How healing usually goes.

  • First day

    Warm skin

    The skin may be pink and warm for some hours.

  • First week

    Care at home

    Continue warm compresses and lid cleaning as advised. Avoid sun, hot baths and rubbing.

  • Four to six weeks

    Review

    Dr. Kumar checks how you feel and whether more sessions are needed.

Questions about ipl for dry eye

Does IPL hurt?

Most people feel a warm snap. It is usually tolerable. Tell us if it is too much.

How many sessions will I need?

Often a few, a few weeks apart. Dr. Kumar will tell you what applies to you.

Is IPL suitable for dark skin?

Skin type matters. Darker skin has more risk of burns or colour change, so settings must be careful and it may not suit some people. Dr. Kumar will assess you.

Will it cure dry eye?

No. It can help comfort, but dry eye is usually long term and needs continued care.

Can I wear makeup after?

Please avoid makeup around the eyes for the rest of the day, and ask Dr. Kumar when it is safe.

Your eyes deserve one doctor who knows them.

Book a visit with Dr. Kumar, or call and we will help you choose a time.