If you suffer from dry, irritated, or watery eyes — particularly in the winter or after screen time — you're not alone. Dry eye is one of the most common complaints we see at OCULA, and it can seriously impact your comfort, focus, and overall quality of life. But there's good news: Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy is changing the game when it comes to long-term dry eye relief.
What Is IPL Treatment?
IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light, a safe and non-invasive technology originally used in dermatology to treat skin conditions like rosacea. At OCULA, we've adapted this advanced technology to target one of the key causes of dry eye: meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
The meibomian glands — located along your eyelid margins — produce the vital oils that stabilise your tear film. When these glands become blocked or inflamed, tears evaporate too quickly, leaving your eyes dry, gritty, and uncomfortable.
IPL works by delivering precise pulses of light to the skin around your eyes, gently warming and unclogging the meibomian glands, improving oil flow, and reducing inflammation at the root of the problem.
How Does It Work?
IPL treatment at OCULA is quick and comfortable. Here’s what to expect:
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Preparation: Protective goggles are placed over your eyes, and a cooling gel is applied to the treatment area.
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Light Pulses: Your optometrist uses the IPL device to deliver short bursts of light to the skin beneath your lower eyelids.
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Gland Expression: After the treatment, gentle pressure may be applied to help express the oil from your glands and maximise the effect.
The full treatment plan typically involves a series of four to five sessions, spaced a few weeks or months apart. Most patients notice improvements after the first couple of sessions, with optimal results building over time.
Why Choose IPL for Dry Eye?
Unlike temporary fixes like drops or wipes, IPL addresses the underlying cause of dry eye, making it a truly game-changing solution for many patients. Key benefits include:
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Long-lasting relief from dryness, burning, and irritation
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Reduced reliance on lubricating drops
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Improved tear quality and comfort
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Enhanced skin texture around the eyes
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Non-invasive and fast — sessions typically take less than 20 minutes
Is IPL Right for You?
IPL is ideal for people with chronic dry eye, meibomian gland dysfunction, or inflammation-related eye discomfort. It’s particularly effective if your symptoms haven’t responded well to drops or other at-home treatments.
Before starting, your OCULA optometrist will carry out a thorough eye health assessment to determine if IPL is suitable for you.
Start Your Journey to Comfortable, Clear Vision
At OCULA, we’re committed to offering cutting-edge treatments backed by clinical research — and IPL is one of the most exciting options available for dry eye sufferers. If you’re ready to get to the root of your eye discomfort, book an appointment with us and find out if IPL could be the solution you’ve been looking for.
