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Low Level Light Therapy (LLLT) & Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

Low Level Light Therapy (LLLT) and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment for Dry Eye

Low Level Light Therapy (LLLT) and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment are safe, painless, in‑office procedures that effectively treat the cause of Dry Eye Disease, with studies demonstrating symptoms improving up to 96%1

During IPL, gentle pulses of light are delivered to heat the skin around the meibomian glands to melt any obstructions present in the glands. This stimulates the natural flow of oil into the tears, which stabilizes the tear film.

Similarly, LLLT uses low‑level light to stimulate cellular activity and improve the function of the meibomian glands, enhancing tear production and quality.

While artificial tears, warm compresses, and eyelid scrubs can help soothe dry eyes, they only provide short‑term relief, whereas IPL and LLLT treat the underlying cause to ensure long‑lasting relief from dry eye symptoms.

Either treatment can be incredibly beneficial for dry eye symptoms and your optometrist will work with you to recommend combination or individual treatments.

Preparing for LLLT and IPL

Four LLLT and IPL applications are recommended in one full course of treatment. Each application takes approximately 15 minutes.

Before application:

  • Avoid direct exposure to sun or artificial tanning in the leading up to each application.

  • Remove any skin cream or make‑up from the face.

After application:

  • There is no downtime following an IPL application and patients can resume normal activities immediately.

  • Avoid direct sun exposure or use SPF on your face for the following day after application.

Treatment Schedule

To achieve long‑lasting and optimal results, four applications are recommended.

  1. Application 1 & 2

    Short term improvements expected.

  2. Application 3

    Medium term improvements expected.

  3. Application 4

    Long term improvements expected.

  4. Maintenance

    Following your treatment course, a maintenance application is recommended every 6‑12 months.2

Dry Eye Disease and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Dry eye disease is a common condition that is generally caused by a combination of blocked eye glands and a lack of tears.

It can profoundly impact eye comfort, vision function, quality of life, work productivity and triggers a cycle of ocular surface damage, inflammation and worsening dry eye symptoms such as:

  • Burning, gritty, red, tired, itchy eyes,

  • Sensitivity to light,

  • Blurry vision,

  • Excessive tearing,

  • Difficulty wearing contact lenses.

You can read more information about dry eye disease / dry eye syndrome here.

What is the best dry eye treatment for me?

Your optometrist will assess what is causing the dry eye and based on their findings will recommend a treatment that will usually help to relieve the symptoms.

Treatments may include eye drops to lubricate your eyes, medications to reduce inflammation or they may suggest in room treatments to provide long lasting improvements and relief.

If necessary, a referral for surgery can prevent tears from draining away too easily. Your optometrist will go through a dry eye plan with you to effectively create your treatment.

Specsavers' qualified optometrists are here to help

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LLLT and IPL FAQs

Specsavers stores currently offering LLLT and/or IPL treatment:

We’re here to help

If you’ve noticed a change in your vision, or have experienced any symptoms mentioned above, it’s worth booking an appointment with one of our optometrists.

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