Is severe eye pain, blurriness and light sensitivity after IPL permanent?

Question

Hello, I had BBL over my entire face almost 4 months ago. The dermatologist went up to my lower lash line, sideways over the inner lid and on the outside of my eyelid. I had no eyeware on. There was a lot of damage to my face and I started seeing black floaters, my vision was blurry when I tried to focus and light hurt my eyes. It became so painful I went to an eye dr who gave me steroid drops/ointment, neurontin and agreed my iris is much darker, like black marker. It keeps getting worse.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Sadly, your IPL was performed incorrectly and your safety wasn't considered. Your eyesight should be a top priority in any facial treatment. Contact the physicians office that performed the treatment and tell them your experience, especially after speaking with your eye doctor. Good luck.

Jeff Angobaldo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I suggest you follow up with your provider. Always see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon or Dermatologist. Best of luck.

Katherine Dee, MD · Answer

I am so sorry this happened to you. IPL should never be done over the eyes. Protective eye covers should be used for every treatment, but specifically, if the eyelids are to be treated, you must insert metal covers over your cornea and under the lid. IPL targets the pigment in the skin and the light can go through the thin skin of the lids and damage the pigment of the iris. I would see an ophthalmologist (an MD who specializes in eye disease -- NOT an optometrist) to evaluate and find out whether there is anything you can do. Damage to the iris is usually permanent.

Is severe eye pain, blurriness and light sensitivity after IPL permanent?

Answers (3)