IPL for Dry Eyes Providence Effective Care With IPL
- 20+ Years of Experience
- Board-Certified Ophthalmologist
- State-of-the-Art Solutions
- Virtual Consultations
A Prime Choice
for Providence
A Leader in the Field
Dr. Ezra Galler is a board-certified ophthalmologist who has always been at the forefront of the field, adopting new eye care treatments into his practice before other doctors in Rhode Island. He was the first practitioner in the state to treat a patient using laser vision correction and to offer EVO ICL.
Cutting-Edge Tech
Dr. Galler uses intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy for the treatment of dry eye. This virtually painless, noninvasive treatment unclogs the oil glands in the eyes using light energy. Dr. Galler also offers eye drops, artificial tears, LipiFlow®, and the TearCare® System.
Protect Your Vision With IPL Contact Dr. Ezra Galler for a Consultation in Providence Today
Since 1995, Dr. Galler has been providing Rhode Island patients with dependable care, making his practice a trusted cornerstone of the Providence community. Patients choose Dr. Galler for their care because he:
- Completed a fellowship in Cornea and Refractive Surgery at the New England Eye Center in Boston
- Has performed the most LASIK surgeries in the state (over 20,000)
- Is part of a team of board-certified eye doctors to provide patients with everything they need to protect and improve their vision
If you’re struggling with the irritation and general discomfort of dry eye disease, request a consultation at Galler Eyecare Associates. Dr. Galler will be happy to explore your treatment options with you.
Advanced Dry Eye Treatment With IPL
When compared to traditional eyelid gland massage paired with a hot compress, IPL therapy was found to be more effective for the treatment of dry eye, with a success rate of about 90%.
Exploring Candidacy for IPL
Dr. Galler typically recommends more conservative and cost-effective treatment options like warm compresses, eye drops, and artificial tears before exploring IPL. If these treatments don’t work, he may then recommend IPL. You may be a good candidate for IPL if you’re experiencing symptoms of dry eye such as:
- Eye redness
- Watery eyes
- Blurred vision
- Eye fatigue
- Sensitivity to light
- A gritty or burning feeling
- Difficulty driving at night
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
- The sensation of having something in your eyes
If you have a darker skin tone (Fitzpatrick skin type of IV or higher), you may not be a candidate for IPL as the device could cause discoloration. Dr. Galler has other treatment options for dry eye he may recommend instead.
Paying for Your Treatment
Galler Eyecare Associates wants effective treatment to be within reach for Providence patients. IPL treatment is typically not covered by insurance. To help you manage the cost of your care, you can finance your treatment through CareCredit®. This third-party lender allows patients who qualify to pay for their care in affordable monthly installments with no or low interest.
The IPL Process
IPL treatment is an outpatient procedure that can be completed in under 30 minutes.
Lasting Relief for Dry Eye The Results of Intense Pulsed Light Therapy in Providence
While you may find that your symptoms improve shortly after your first or second appointment, patients typically require four treatment sessions over four months to achieve the desired result. If you have a severe case of dry eye, Dr. Galler may recommend additional treatments.
Dry eye syndrome is a chronic condition, so you’ll likely need repeat treatments about every nine months for long-term relief.
Alternative Treatment Options
If you’re not a candidate for IPL, Dr. Galler may recommend other treatments for dry eye, such as:
The TearCare System combines localized heat therapy with blinking pressure to clear the meibomian glands. Single-use applicators are placed on the eyelids to heat the oil in the glands. Your blinking then releases the oil.
LipiFLow combines massage and a warm compress to unclog the meibomian glands. It uses single-use applicators that are applied to the eyelids to dislodge gland obstructions.
Certain lifestyle changes may help alleviate dry eye symptoms. Dr. Galler may suggest taking breaks when reading or using a computer, wearing wraparound sunglasses, quitting smoking, and using a humidifier.
FAQ About Dry Eye
What causes dry eye?
Dry eye occurs when you don’t produce enough tears or when your tears evaporate too quickly. One of the most common reasons for dry eye is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), a condition in which the glands in your eyes aren’t producing oil properly.
How is IPL different from other dry eye treatments?
Eye drops, artificial tears, eyelid scrubs, and warm compresses may provide you with temporary relief, but IPL targets the source of your dry eye for long-term relief. IPL can alleviate your symptoms and slow the progression of chronic dry eye.
Does IPL hurt?
Some patients report that intense pulsed light therapy can feel like a warm sensation or the slight snapping of rubber bands against the skin. Dr. Galler makes treatment more comfortable by applying a cooling gel at the treatment site.
What if my dry eye goes untreated?
When left untreated, dry eye can make it difficult for you to read, wear contacts, drive at night, and see in general. Further complications of untreated dry eye include damage to the surface of the eyes, corneal ulcers, and vision loss. Even the early symptoms of dry eye can make your day-to-day life uncomfortable. Prompt treatment can allow us to improve your quality of life quickly.
“An excellent clinician.”
“Dr. Galler is an excellent clinician who communicates clearly and has always gone the extra distance to make sure my family and I are well cared for. We trust his medical judgment 100% and we benefit greatly from his gentle and thorough approach to treatment and the high quality of service he and his staff provide.”
Dr. Naami T.
