Is IPL safe for my skin?
For most people, yes. IPL is suitable for skin types 1 to 4 on the Fitzpatrick scale, which doctors use to grade skin from very fair (type 1) to Black (type 6). On types 5 and 6 it can mark the skin, so we use red light instead, which is safe for every skin type. At your free consultation we check your skin type before anything starts.
Who shouldn’t have IPL?
We don’t use IPL if you’re pregnant, have a recent tan or fake tan on the area, or take medicines that make skin sensitive to light. Tell us everything you take and we’ll check. If IPL isn’t right for you, EyeClean with red and blue light is the gentle alternative.
Why is IPL done with red light, Blephasteam and gland clearing?
IPL melts the set oil deep in the glands and calms the inflamed vessels along the lid, where a warm mask can’t reach. Low-level red light then calms inflammation, the Blephasteam goggles soften what’s left, and your optometrist clears every gland by hand. Done together in one visit, the glands empty properly, so the result lasts.
How soon can I start treatment?
The same day. Book your programme, and if the checks at the start of your first visit show nothing that rules IPL out, your first IPL treatment follows straight after. If IPL has to wait, for example because of a recent tan or a medicine, we start that day with warm steam, gland expression and a lid clean, and book your IPL for when it is safe.
Will IPL cure my dry eye?
Dry eye is a long-term condition, and it rarely goes away completely. IPL treats the cause, the inflamed and blocked glands, so your symptoms can be greatly improved. We then help you keep them that way, with a home routine, a yearly check and a top-up visit if you need one.
How many IPL sessions will I need?
EyeRelief has 4 IPL visits two weeks apart, plus 1 EyeClean visit and your follow-up: 6 visits over about 3 months. EyeRelief Max has 5 IPL visits and 4 EyeClean visits, plus your follow-up: 10 visits over about 6 months. If you need a little more at your follow-up, a single IPL visit is £295.
How soon will I notice a difference?
Many people feel more comfortable after the first visit, because the glands are expressed at every visit. We measure the change at your end-of-treatment follow-up.
Do you offer red light therapy (LLLT)?
Yes. Red light therapy, also called LLLT (low-level light therapy), is part of every IPL visit, and is available on its own at all our practices. If another of our practices is nearer, we assess you there and book you in at Cheadle or Middleton. On its own, a red and blue light session is £95.
Do you offer LipiFlow?
No. We melt the oil with red light and warm steam, then express every gland by hand, and IPL also calms the inflamed vessels that keep blocking the glands. See the comparison above.
Is IPL a laser?
No. It is a bright flash of filtered light on the skin below your eyes. Your eyes are covered with shields throughout.
Can I have IPL if I have dark skin?
Not if your skin is type 5 or 6 on the Fitzpatrick scale (brown to dark brown or Black skin), as the light can mark it. We use EyeClean with red and blue light instead, which has no skin-type limit.
How much does IPL cost?
EyeClean is £480, EyeRelief (with IPL) £900, EyeRelief Max £1,495, and a single IPL visit £295. You can book any of these directly. If you would like an assessment first, it is £145 (£225 with gland photographs), and £50 of either goes towards your programme. You can pay in full, or half today and half at your next visit.
Is IPL available on the NHS?
No. IPL for dry eye is a private treatment in the UK. Our prices are above, and there are no hidden extras.
Where can I have IPL?
At our Cheadle and Middleton clinics. If Heald Green or Winsford is closer, your checks and lid treatments can be there and your IPL visits at Cheadle. From Heckmondwike, IPL is at Middleton.
Is there anything I need to do before a visit?
No sun, sunbeds or fake tan for two weeks, no make-up or contact lenses on the day, and tell us about any new medicines, especially antibiotics or acne treatments.
