Treating the Source of Dry Eye - Not Just the Symptoms

Dry eye disease is often more than simply not producing enough tears. For many patients, it is related to dysfunction of the meibomian glands, tiny oil-producing glands along the edges of the eyelids. These glands release oils that help prevent tears from evaporating too quickly.

When the meibomian glands become blocked or don't function properly, the tear film can become unstable, leading to symptoms such as burning, irritation, redness, fluctuating vision, watery eyes, and a gritty or tired feeling.

Our combined Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Radio Frequency (RF) therapy is designed to address several of the underlying factors contributing to meibomian gland dysfunction.

What Is IPL?

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) uses carefully controlled pulses of light applied to the skin around the eyes and face. We generally treat the entire face, rather than just the area immediately surrounding the eyes. This allows us to address inflammation across the areas that may contribute to meibomian gland dysfunction.

IPL may help reduce inflammation associated with meibomian gland dysfunction and improve the environment around the eyelids and meibomian glands. It may also help address abnormal blood vessels and inflammatory factors that can contribute to chronic eyelid inflammation and dry eye symptoms.

An added benefit of treating the entire face is the aesthetic improvement IPL can provide to the skin. IPL is commonly used to improve the appearance of sun damage, uneven skin tone, redness, and other signs of skin aging, leaving the skin looking brighter, smoother, and more even.

What Is Radio Frequency?

Radio Frequency (RF) uses gentle, controlled thermal energy to warm the tissues around the eyes. This heat can help soften thickened oils within the meibomian glands, making it easier for the glands to release their contents.

RF treatment is also designed to support healthy meibomian gland function and improve the quality of the oil layer of the tear film.

Why Combine IPL + RF?

While IPL and RF work differently, they can complement one another when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for meibomian gland dysfunction.

IPL helps target inflammation and the surrounding eyelid environment, while RF provides therapeutic heat to help improve meibomian gland function.

Together, the treatments are intended to improve the stability of the tear film, support healthier meibomian glands, and reduce the symptoms associated with evaporative dry eye.

Because, at Las Poas Eyecare, we generally treat the entire face with IPL, patients may also enjoy the added aesthetic benefits of more even skin tone, reduced redness and sun-related pigmentation, and an overall refreshed appearance.

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