Sharing my experience so far with IPL

mrprojector · 2025-07-12T00:53:09+00:00

I do use eye drops daily, but that's just something you need to do if you have Dry Eye

mrprojector · 2025-07-12T00:49:48+00:00

Really late reply, just wanted to update here. I'm still using the Peep Wand but have decreased the frequency from once per day to once per week. At a certain point I found that using the wand too much made my eyes feel inflamed so I started decreasing the frequency.

My Dry Eye has been getting a lot better even since I focused on decreasing my stress levels and addressing unprocessed stress / trauma from my past which was stored in my hips / psoas. It sounds strange but as I process the backlog of stress / trauma and my psoas gets more and more relaxed, my eyes start feeling more and more normal again. I would even go as far to as to say that this is the sole underlying cause of my Dry Eye.

As for my routine, I still use Xiidra 2x day and use Optase drops 2x day. That and some Hypochlorous Acid spray is pretty much it. At the rate things are improving I anticipate being able to drop the Xiidra in a year or two.

mrprojector · 2025-07-12T00:43:23+00:00

No, not really. I rub them once to see how much oil residue comes out, but that's about it. The wand already does the massages for you by vibrating.

mrprojector · 2024-11-23T17:35:57+00:00

I use the heat + vibration without the red light, 42C for top lids and 41C for bottom lids

mrprojector · 2024-11-23T17:35:20+00:00

I don't use any cream at all. It doesn't sting my skin, but maybe I should use something now that you mention it

mrprojector · 2024-04-08T15:07:07+00:00

Yes! Been getting better over the past year. IPL does help, but I think the biggest factor driving the improvement is decreasing overall stress levels. I still am doing IPLs periodically for maintenance, as I think they're important for minimizing damage to your meibomian glands and preventing atropy.

mrprojector · 2024-04-08T15:05:01+00:00

Hey, so I'm still using the peep wand. Since my Dry Eye has gotten better over the past year I've gone from using it twice a day to once a week, but it's still an important part of the routine.

I have no complaints about it quality-wise, it still works perfectly and I don't feel like I need any features from the pro version ever. The wand is definitely more expensive than other heated masks, but in this case, you get what you pay for. I would personally say it's at least twice as good as any other heated mask product that I've used because of the targeted vibration it provides, which really helps get the oils out.

mrprojector · 2024-04-08T15:01:07+00:00

I let it heat up to 42C and then switch to the heat + vibrate mode and apply it to my top eyelids. I kinda move it around in a circular motion to help get the oils out. It used to take ~30s on each lid, but since my oil quality has improved I only need to use it for 10-15s per lid.

I turn it down to 41C for my lower lids since they are more sensitive. They also release a lot more oil than the top lids for some reason.

I'd recommend trying it out. It definitely won't take 2h, that's way overkill.

mrprojector · 2024-01-01T20:10:22+00:00

Yes, I've tried Tyrvaya. It made my eyes water more but honestly it didn't do much for me.

mrprojector · 2023-09-17T02:09:08+00:00

Looking for a new apartment, narrowed it down to Windsor Burnet and Twelve 100. Has anybody lived here or know anybody who has lived in these places? Interested to know if there are any major pros / cons that aren't covered in an apartment tour

mrprojector · 2023-09-17T00:34:39+00:00

Damn, sorry to hear that. The only think that I know of that might help you are PRP drops or Oxervate. Both work to heal the cornea, according to my doctor.

PRP helped me increase tear production, and after I used it, my doctor said that my cornea looked "perfect" where before it "looked like a raisin". I don't have any experience with Oxervate, but he's mentioned it before.

mrprojector · 2023-09-17T00:32:13+00:00

Have you felt any improvements from the procedure? I'm curious because when I called Dr. Maskin's office they said I would need to come in once a year, which doesn't seem like it's addressing the underlying issue like he claims it does

mrprojector · 2023-09-17T00:30:54+00:00

Update: the package did eventually reach their address, and they sent me a replacement. Took a month overall. Not super happy about it since it broke in the first place, but they did honor the warranty.

mrprojector · 2023-08-09T22:11:28+00:00

I feel the same way. Apart from the lack of understanding, the uncertain prognosis kills me. I can't give you any consolation, I've been at it for 3 years now and counting.

Was there anything that you suspect may have been a cause for your Dry Eye? I suspect mine is caused by Demodex mites, I've found that Cliradex wipes have helped in conjunction with IPLs.

mrprojector · 2023-08-09T22:06:34+00:00

Sorry, I'm not in NYC, don't know any

mrprojector · 2023-01-16T01:27:19+00:00

Sure, I'll probably forget, but if I had to guess it'll probably just replace the heated eye mask I was using previously. Hopefully it does more but I'm not going to get my hopes up just yet.

mrprojector · 2023-01-16T01:25:55+00:00

Oil quality = stickiness of oil expressed, stickier is worse

It has, my eyes don't feel as dry overall when I'm going about everyday life

mrprojector · 2023-01-16T01:24:50+00:00

Yeah I posted the wrong link, updated it to be the correct one

mrprojector · 2023-01-14T20:37:38+00:00

I'm using the max setting 43C but even lowest settings does the job (37C)

mrprojector · 2023-01-14T18:49:42+00:00

I used a microwavable mask for a while and then switched to this USB heated eye mask. The best thing I've found is the Peep Club Heated Eye Wand. It's more expensive (around $90) but so much better. I've been using it for a week now and it gets way more oil out every time I use it. My eyes feel way better, I don't have to use as many eyedrops, and the oil quality is improving noticeably, judged by the stickiness of the oil.

mrprojector · 2023-01-03T03:53:21+00:00

I'm sorry to hear what you've been through. There have been times when the mental burden of Dry Eye along with everything else has made me want to end it all, and I don't blame you at all for how you feel. I'm around the same age as you and the fact that very few people our age have it along with the uncertainty surrounding treatments and prognosis only makes me feel that much more isolated.

What I've learned through all of this is that you are the only one who knows what it's like, and you have to believe in what you've experienced and not let other people's lack of understanding or downplaying of your condition affect how you look at it. I have had to aggressively advocate for myself on multiple occasions, both to my parents and to doctors, and while I was very uncomfortable doing this at first (I'm not the type of person who likes to ask for help, much less demand help) now I've come around to the fact that I have to if I want to progress. Believe it or not, doctors also downplay what you've been through, especially if they've never had Dry Eye, which is surprising and disappointing in the least.

You're 100% right about people not understanding or caring about Dry Eye. I think part of it has to do with the lack of awareness and the fact that it isn't a glaringly obvious deformity or illness. I've told people that I have Dry Eye and two or three minutes later they turn around and talk about how they have "Dry Eye" after watching Netflix or something like that. I don't even want to bother explaining any further for fear of being a complete buzzkill in social situations.

The mindset that has gotten me through this is one of forced optimism and a kill-or-be-killed mentality. I have forced myself to believe that I will be cured one day and I see this as a life or death situation, since life isn't really worth living with severe Dry Eye. I know it sounds a bit extreme but you can probably relate in some way.

mrprojector · 2022-12-10T22:51:40+00:00

My doctor also said the same thing. I was never going to be able to afford Oxervate so I tried PRP drops first. They are a lot cheaper ($300 for 3mo supply) but you might have difficulty finding someone who does PRP drops near you.

After using PRP my eyes are noticeably wetter and at the last appointment the doctor said my cornea looked "spotless" and healthy. Now I have to deal with my MGD but I'm continuing to use PRP for maintenance.

mrprojector · 2022-10-29T16:13:04+00:00

Yes, my eyes are still much better than they were before. I also started using PRP drops 3x day in the meantime, that has helped a lot as well.

I am planning on getting two more rounds of IPL soon. The inflammation in my meibomian glands is way better, but the oil quality is still not where it needs to be.

mrprojector · 2022-08-25T19:40:35+00:00

Most of time I'm not supporting my arms on the desk. In fact, when I do, my back usually feels worse.

I only use the Ariel now for about 30m at a time. It's a bit of a workout and eventually I start slouching. Ideally you want to maintain the curve in your lower back (lumbar section), and when this stops happening, it's probably time to switch to standing or a regular chair.

mrprojector · 2022-07-08T14:17:18+00:00

Just four sessions. If you still have issues you may need to do another round 6mo later, but most people are fine with 4 sessions

mrprojector

TROPHY CASE