Figure 1.

MGD, when treated with IPL, helps reduce the Demodex as well as bacterial load. Whereas in the meibomian gland, IPL helps to soften, melt, and dissolve the meibum. IPL helps create a relative hypoxic state in the MG, which stimulates the expression of SREBP-1 in differentiating IHMGECs, thereby improving the quality of lipid content in meibum. IPL also helps to reduce the abnormal vasculature in the eyelid, thus inhibiting the release of inflammatory factors. Intracellular calcium concentration is increased, which leads to an increase in cell proliferation and collagen synthesis. These mechanisms help in relieving the symptoms of DED.