Intense Pulsed Light Alleviates Keratoconus...

 

Intense pulsed light alleviates KC by improving the local corneal microenvironment.

Hypothesized mechanisms suggest that IPL may be therapeutically effective against KC. IPL is believed to offer promise as a treatment for KC through six potential mechanisms, as detailed in the accompanying text. 

In summary, IPL is expected to: (1) reduce chronic inflammation on the ocular surface in KC patients; (2) decrease oxidative stress levels in KC patients; (3) lower MMPs levels to prevent ECM degradation; (4) stimulate ECM synthesis; (5) alleviate itchiness and reduce eye rubbing in KC patients; and (6) relieve dry eye symptoms and mitigate associated ocular surface damage. By specifically targeting these mechanisms to counteract harmful interactions in the ocular microenvironment of KC patients, IPL has the potential to improve the ocular microenvironment. T-shaped “arrows” indicate inhibition.