Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy is more effective and safer than conventional medication for treating dry eye syndrome after SMILE surgery, with sustained long-term benefits, while diabetes remains a key factor that can worsen outcomes and increase adverse events, according to a study.
Researchers compared IPL treatment with conventional medication in post-SMILE patients, analyzing outcomes over 6 months. The study found that IPL significantly improved key measures of eye health, including ocular surface disease index scores, tear breakup time, Schirmer test results, eye dryness scores, and meibomian gland function. Intense pulsed light also reduced the risk of adverse events compared with conventional therapy.
Diabetes emerged as a major factor influencing treatment outcomes, increasing both dry eye severity and the likelihood of complications. However, IPL therapy’s benefits were sustained over time, showing superior long-term efficacy and safety.
Reference
Lai M, Zhong J, Lu Z, et al. Clinical study on the safety and efficacy of intense pulsed light in the treatment of dry eyes after full femtosecond small incision lenticule extraction. Medicine (Baltimore). 2025;104(37):e44161. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000044161. PMID: 40958233; PMCID: PMC12440531.
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