Table 2.

Advantages and disadvantages of IPL and LipiFlow

Characteristics	IPL	LipiFlow
Automated system	✔	✔
Treatment tool	Pulsed light	Thermal pulses and vectored massage
Number of sittings	Need 2-4 sessions to obtain optimal results	One session (12–15 min) only
Topical anesthesia	X	✔
Pain	X	X
Cost	Lesser cost	High cost of each treatment
Use of postprocedure medications for a lasting relief	✔	✔
Type of eye dryness	Moderate to severe	Mild to moderate
Improvement of symptoms	Yes	Yes (less consistent)
Antimicrobial effect	✔	X
Long-term effect	✔	✔
Reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and rosacea	✔	X
Type of skin	All skin types if paired with LLLT treatment	All skin types
Post-treatment recovery time	None	None
Need for post-treatment artificial tears	Significantly reduced	Necessary
Contraindicated in a patient using photosensitizing drugs	Yes	No
Use in pregnant patient	X	✔