IPL Treatment for Dry Eye

​​​​​​​

If you suffer from dry, scratchy, or burning eyes, you’re not alone. Millions of people experience dry eye disease, especially when the oil glands in the eyelids (called meibomian glands) don’t work properly. This common condition is called Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), and it’s a leading cause of dry eye symptoms. One of the most effective modern treatments for MGD-related dry eye is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy.

What Is IPL?

IPL is a FDA-approved light-based treatment originally developed for skin conditions like rosacea, but it's now used in eye care to treat dry eye caused by inflammation and blocked oil glands. The gentle pulses of light help:

• Unclog and stimulate the meibomian glands

• Reduce inflammation along the eyelid margins

• Improve oil flow in the tear film

• Relieve symptoms like burning, stinging, redness, and blurred vision

What Happens During the Treatment?

IPL is a quick, in-office procedure that usually takes about 15–20 minutes. Here's what you can expect:

1. Eye protection: We'll place protective shields over your eyes.

2. Cooling gel: A cool gel is applied to the skin around the eyes.

3. Light pulses: We deliver a series of gentle light pulses to the skin just below the eyes (and sometimes to the upper cheek area).

4. Gland expression: After IPL, we may manually express the eyelid glands to help release built-up oil.

Patients typically need a series of 3–4 treatments spaced 2–4 weeks apart, depending on the severity of symptoms.

Is IPL Safe?

Yes. IPL is FDA approved and safe when performed by trained professionals. Most patients tolerate the procedure well with minimal discomfort. Some experience mild redness or warmth after the procedure.

Who Benefits from IPL?

IPL is especially effective for patients who:

• Have Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)

• Experience chronic dry eye symptoms

• Have inflammation or redness around the eyelids

• Have not found relief with artificial tears or medications

It’s also helpful for patients with skin conditions like rosacea, see the Aesthetics tab for more information. 

IPL + RF: A Dual Approach to Lasting Dry Eye Relief

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) can be combined with Radiofrequency (RF) to enhance dry eye treatment by targeting different aspects of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. When used together, IPL and RF work synergistically. IPL calms the eyelids and restores healthy circulation, while RF improves gland function and promotes long-term tear film stability. Together, they offer a more comprehensive and effective approach to dry eye relief.

Want to Know if IPL Is Right for You?

At Luxe Eye & Wellness, we offer advanced diagnostic testing to determine the cause of your dry eye and whether IPL can help. Many of our patients report significant improvement in comfort, vision, and quality of life after completing a course of IPL.

Schedule with us today for your dry eye evaluation. Relief could be just a few light pulses away.

​​​​​​​