IPL and RF Dry Eye Treatment in Houston, TX
IPL and RF Dry Eye Treatment in Houston, TX: Dry eye syndrome or disease is a condition that occurs when you don’t have enough tears to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes. Dry eyes may occur if your tear film is affected.
The tear film protects and covers the surface of your eyes. If the tear film is affected, it will not be able to produce a sufficient amount of tears and could lead to uncomfortable symptoms like inflammation, burning, itching, or blurred vision.
Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome is caused by various factors that disrupt the tear film. The tear film has three layers: fatty oils, aqueous fluid and mucus.
The tear film keeps the eyes’ surface lubricated, smooth and precise. If there’s any problem or disruption with the tear firm, it can cause dry eye syndrome.
Various reasons, including autoimmune disease, inflamed eyelid glands, hormone changes, or allergic eye disease, can cause tear film dysfunction. Decreased tear production or increased tear evaporation can also cause tear film dysfunction.
Risk factors
Risk factors for dry eye syndrome include:
Ageing
As you grow older, tear production in your eyes declines. People who are above the age of 50 are more prone to dry eyes.
Low vitamin A
Eating foods low in vitamin A can increase the risk of dry eyes.
Being a woman
Hormonal changes that usually occur in women for various reasons make dry eyes more common in women.
Wearing contact lenses
Wearing contact lenses can increase the risk of dry eyes. A history of refractive surgery can also increase the risk of dry eyes.
Symptoms and Impact on Daily Life
Symptoms of dry eyes include:
- Increased sensitivity to light
- The feeling of a stinging, burning, or itching sensation in your eyes
- Having a sensation of something in your eyes
- Eye redness
- Having stringy mucus in or around your eyes
- Watery eyes caused by irritation of the eyes
- Blurred vision
- Eye fatigue
- Difficulty driving at night
Diagnosis and Assessment of Dry Eye
Diagnosis of dry eye usually involves assessment of your eyes and conducting some eye tests. A complete history of your overall health and eye health will be reviewed.
Tests that may be conducted include:
Test to measure the volume of your tears
A test known as the Schirmer tear test is used to measure the production of your tears. Another test to measure tear volume is the phenol red thread test.
Test to assess the quality of your tears.
The quality of your tears will be assessed by using special dyes in eye drops to assess the surface condition of your eyes.
A tear osmolarity test
This test measures the composition of particles and water contained in your tears.
IPL and RF Treatments for Dry Eye
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and RF (Radiofrequency) treatments are effective for dry eye syndrome. They can help increase the production of tears and reduce symptoms of dry eye syndrome.
What is IPL eye treatment?
Intense Pulsed Light uses gentle pulses of light to target the skin around the eyes. The light breaks down or melts the oil that has accumulated and blocked the meibomian glands.
It helps to reduce inflammation and bacterial growth in the area around the eyes. It also helps to treat meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), a common cause of dry eye that can become chronic.
How Does IPL Work to Treat Dry Eye?
Intense Pulsed Light delivers gentle pulses of light to target and break down the buildup of oil and other debris blocking the meibomian glands.
It involves placing an IPL device over the eyelids and using the light emitted from the device to melt the buildup blocking the meibomian glands.
Once the meibomian glands have opened, oil can flow through them quickly.
Intense Pulsed Light treatment for dry eye is not a one-time treatment. You will need to have repeat treatments to continue to improve your symptoms.
Benefits and Advantages of IPL Treatment
- It is relatively painless.
- The treatment allows reduced dependency on eye drops
- It is proven to be effective.
- Low or negligible risk.
- It provides long-lasting results.
- The treatment is quick.
- There is no recovery or downtime.
What is RF Treatment for Dry Eye?
Radiofrequency (RF) treatment uses radiofrequency heat to melt the oily substance and other debris blocking the meibomian glands, allowing oil to flow through the meibomian glands.
How RF Works to Treat Dry Eye
RF works to treat dry eyes by using a radiofrequency applicator to send a high-frequency electrical current into the skin around the eyes.
The electrical current heats the inner layer of the skin. The heat melts the oily substance that has a buildup and blocks the meibomian glands to help restore the function of the meibomian glands.
Benefits and Advantages of RF Treatment
- It improves the function of the meibomian glands
- It improves the elasticity of the skin around the eyes
- It is relatively painless
- No recovery or downtime
- Low risk
Before Treatment: Assessment and Preparation
Before undergoing IPL or RF dry eye treatment, you must prepare adequately.
Patient evaluation and consultation
You will need to schedule a consultation with your eye specialist. Your health and the condition of your eyes will be evaluated to know if the treatment is right for you. Your eye specialist will conduct a thorough eye exam to assess the situation of your eyes.
Pre-treatment instructions and precautions
There are no specific preparatory instructions for IPL and RF treatments for dry eyes. Both treatments are outpatient procedures that you can have during your lunch break.
Before the treatment commences, your eyes will be protected by placing protective goggles or glasses over your eyes.
Process of IPL & RF Dry Eye Treatment in Houston, TX
IPL treatment is a quick treatment that takes 10-20 minutes to be completed.
After the protective goggles are placed over your eyes to protect your eyes, a cooling gel will be applied over the area where the IPL will be directed.
The IPL device will be placed over your eyelids, and light will be directed into the area to melt the oil buildup blocking the meibomian glands.
When the meibomian glands have opened up, a small amount of oil will be used to stimulate the natural oil production in your eyes.
RF Treatment Process
RF treatment for dry eyes is also an outpatient procedure that takes 10-20 minutes to be completed.
Like IPL treatment, protective goggles protect your eyes before the treatment commences.
The RF device will be placed over your eyelids, and a high-frequency electrical current will be directed into the skin around your eyes to melt the oil and debris buildup blocking the meibomian glands to allow the free flow of oil into your tears.
After the Treatment
Both treatments are relatively painless. You shouldn’t feel any pain or serious discomfort during any of the treatments.
You can return to work and continue your daily activities after your treatment.
You may notice minor redness and swelling around your eyelids that lasts a few hours. Afterwards, you can moisturize the area around your eyes gently.
Post-Treatment Results and Recovery
There’s no downtime or recovery after Intense Pulsed Light or RF treatment for dry eye.
Your symptoms will start to improve shortly after your first or second treatment. Doctors usually recommend four treatments with IPL or RF done once a month to achieve the best results.
The results are temporary. You may need to go for repeat treatments after some months. Your doctor will advise you when to visit the clinic for repeat treatment.
You will need to keep to your follow-up appointments so that your doctor can monitor your progress.
Conclusion
IPL and RF treatments are effective and safe treatments for dry eyes. They help improve symptoms of dry eyes by improving the function of the meibomian glands.
If you have dry eyes or are experiencing symptoms, we encourage you to visit an eye specialist for proper evaluation and treatment. These treatments are proven effective for dry eyes that can significantly help improve your condition. We encourage you to seek treatment as early as possible.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Who is a suitable candidate for IPL and RF dry eye treatment in Houston, TX?
Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a common cause of dry eyes. If MGD is the cause of your dry eyes, you’re a suitable candidate for this treatment. Consult your eye doctor to assess your eyes to know if you’re the right candidate for dry eyes treatment.
How long does each IPL and RF session for dry eye treatment typically last?
Each session of IPL and RF for dry eye typically lasts 10-30 minutes.
Are IPL and RF treatments for dry eye painful?
They’re relatively painless.
How many IPL and RF sessions are usually required to see results?
2-4 treatment sessions are usually required to see the best results.
What are the potential side effects or risks associated with IPL and RF treatments?
Potential side effects for dry eyes include:
- Redness and swelling around the eyelids
- A tingling sensation in the eyes
- Tears or discharge from the eyes.
Is there any downtime or recovery after IPL and RF dry eye treatment?
There’s no downtime or recovery period. They’re both outpatient procedures you can have during your lunch break and still return to work after your treatment.
How long do the effects of IPL and RF treatments for dry eye last?
The results can last anywhere from 6 months to 3 years.
Can IPL and RF treatments be combined with other dry eye therapies?
Yes. It can be combined with other dry eye therapies for better, longer-lasting results.
Does insurance cover IPL and RF treatments for dry eye treatment?
No. They are not covered by insurance for dry eye treatment.
What should I expect during the initial IPL and RF dry eye treatment consultation?
Your health and the health of your eyes will be assessed. Your eye doctor will ask you questions to understand your eye condition better. Some tests may be ordered to determine your suitability for the treatment.
Clariti Aesthetics & Wellness: Best Medspa To Get IPL and RF dry eye treatment in Houston, TX
If you’re experiencing symptoms of dry eyes, you should seek treatment from a reputable provider. The best medspa to get IPL and RF dry eye treatment in Houston, TX, is Clariti Aesthetics & Wellness.
At Clariti Aesthetics & Wellness, we have qualified and experienced eye specialists that can help improve your symptoms and condition.
Contact us today or book a consultation to find a lasting solution to dry eyes.
