IPL shows potential benefit for managing dry eye after LASIK

Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy may help improve patient-reported dry eye symptoms after laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), according to a study.

Four studies involving 146 treated eyes were analyzed. Intense pulsed light was associated with a statistically significant improvement in Ocular Surface Disease Index scores (P = 0.005). Improvements in tear breakup time, artificial tear use, corneal staining, lipid layer thickness, and meibomian gland function were also observed but did not reach statistical significance after conservative correction.

Researchers noted substantial variability between studies and limited follow-up periods ranging from 0 to 24 weeks. They concluded that although IPL may improve subjective symptoms of post-LASIK dry eye, larger controlled studies with standardized treatment protocols and longer follow-up are needed to better define its role in clinical practice.

Reference
Lin T, Chao A, Kou M, et al. Intense Pulsed Light Therapy for Post-LASIK Dry Eye: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther. 2026;10807683261442470. doi: 10.1177/10807683261442470. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42050421.