Dry Eye Treatment in Pittsburgh

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a treatment that can alleviate the discomfort and irritation associated with dry eyes. The Aesthetic Skin & Laser Center is one of the only practices in the Pittsburgh area to offer the latest technology to treat chronic dry eye and the root cause of dry eye disease (Meibomian Gland Dysfunction).

Dr. Barad is an expert in lasers including working with IPL. She is an active fellow of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. She completed her residency in ophthalmology at the prestigious Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, followed by fellowship training at Harvard. Contact our office today to set a time to see Dr. Barad.

What is Dry Eye?

Dry eye is a chronic condition, with symptoms that generally worsen with age. The ocular condition is accompanied by burning, grittiness, crusting, tearing, and sometimes redness of the eyes or foreign body sensation.

Although there are many causes of dry eye, treatment generally starts with the use of artificial tears.

For those individuals whose condition is due to meibomian gland dysfunction or Rosacea, IPL has been proven to be an effective treatment to supplement the use of eye drops. Dr. Barad has extensive experience diagnosing and effectively treating dry eye with Intense Pulsed Light therapy.

How IPL Works to Treat Dry Eye

IPL is proven technology that can treat meibomian gland disease and inflammatory dry eye. It delivers pulses of specific light energy that help dissolve hardened oils that clog glands in the eyelid margins. Patients with dry eye due to inflammatory causes have found significant and long-lasting relief with this  treatment.

IPL can improve the quality and function of the tear film, as well as the function of the meibomian glands – the glands that help maintain a healthy tear film. IPL can also decrease the population of bacteria on the eyelids, reduce the chance of infection and offer additional skin benefits.

Benefits of IPL for Dry Eye

The IPL device delivers quick bursts of light in a controlled manner. These flashes of light are at a precise wavelength and duration of time. IPL benefits include:

• Precise & comfortable treatment
• Durable visible results
• The management of dry eye disease that is due to meibomian gland dysfunction or Rosacea
• Provides long term relief of dry eye, although duration can vary based on dry eye cause
• Treats both chronic dry eye disease and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)

Side-Effects and Risks

As with any laser or surgical procedure, a slight chance of risk may occur. In studies, a small percentage of patients experienced red and swollen eyes.

Why Choose Dr. Barad for IPL Dry Eye Treatment in Pittsburgh

While many traditional dry eye treatments, such as hot compresses, artificial tears, and eyelid scrubs may temporarily relieve symptoms, IPL therapy focuses on the root cause of chronic inflammatory dry eye. This focused treatment option allows Dr. Barad and her specially trained staff, to offer long-term symptom relief and slow the progression of dry eye.

Dr. Barad is one of a few doctors in Pittsburgh who has extensive training and experience in both eye care and in the use of IPL. Call 412-683-3358 to make an appointment and relieve your dry eye symptoms.