Intense Pulsed Light Therapy

The most common form of dry eye disease is evaporative disease.

The most common cause of evaporative dry eye is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). MGD may be triggered by skin disorders such as Acne Rosecea, blepharitis, microbial infection and ocular surgery. These increase the melting temperature of meibum, block gland openings and cause inflammation and atrophy of the meibomian glands. This causes tear film instability, exacerbating ocular surface disease.

Treatment methods include homeopathic treatments, topical and oral antibiotics, debridement, and application of heat to the glands. Homeopathic methods include supplementation of omega fatty acids, lid scrubs, and hot compresses. Topical azithromycin and oral doxycycline and azithromycin have been successful, but some patients prefer to avoid antibiotics. Debriding the lid margin, exfoliating using Blephex or heating the glands with compression also work well. They do not, however, address the underlying cause of the lid disease. A new procedure, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy, may.

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