Low Level Light Therapy (LLLT) for Dry Eyes counteracts the obstruction or malfunction of the Meibomian glands by unclogging the oils needed to keep eyes healthy, moisturized and comfortable. 85% of patients who have received the treatment report noticeable improvements after just 1 application. According to Dr. Santrell Hart-Moreland & Dr. Ayana Robateau, patients with severe symptoms should undergo multiple treatments to ensure better, longer-lasting results.
What is Low Level Light Therapy (LLLT)?
The treatments are gentle yet effective tools for treating Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and Dry Eyes. Within just a few hours, patients report noticeable improvements in their symptoms. This treatment applies low-level (low-power) lasers or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with absolute precision to clear blocked meibomian glands.
If you’re looking for Low Level Light Therapy near McDonough, Georgia, Dr. Santrell Hart-Moreland & Dr. Ayana Robateau from Elevated Eyecare will provide you with the information and relief that you seek.
What is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?
Our tears are made up of three layers: the lipid (oil) layer, aqueous (water) layer, and the mucous (sticky) layer. These layers work in unison to lubricate and coat the eyes, keeping them moist and comfortable.
Your meibomian glands control the lipids in the eye, called meibum, which combine with other substances in the eye area to create a thin film that consistently lubricates your eyes. Meibum is an essential part of your eye’s makeup as it prevents the evaporation of the eye’s tear film.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction occurs when the meibomian glands fail to provide enough meibum. This can be triggered by various factors and causes the tear film to evaporate at a quicker rate, leading the eyes to feel dry and uncomfortable. 80% of Dry Eye is due to MGD.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction can also cause a clogging of the meibomian glands, resulting in an overgrowth of bacteria on the eyelid and the appearance of an unsightly bump known as a chalazion. This chalazion will not go away on it’s own, and without treatment it can begin to press on the eye, causing a worsening of vision.
How Does Low Level Light Therapy Work?
Light pulses are applied to the periorbital ( the region surrounding your eyes, including the eyelids, eyebrows, and upper cheekbones) and cheekbone areas of the face, gently warming the eyelids. This causes the meibomian glands to unclog and release oils, thus reducing the rapid evaporation of tears typically associated with MGD.
Low Level Light Therapy treats both the upper and lower eyelids simultaneously. Based on your unique needs, the doctor will examine the severity of your condition and provide you with a customized treatment plan.
Q&A: Low Level Light Therapy (LLLT)
Toyos R, McGill W, Briscoe D. Intense pulsed light treatment for dry eye disease due to meibomian gland dysfunction; a 3-year retrospective study. Photomed Laser Surg. 2015;33(1):41–46. doi:10.1089/pho.2014.3819
