IPL for Dry Eye | Medford | Advanced Vision Wellness Center

Relieve Dry Eye and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction with IPL

Dry eye is a stubborn, chronic condition that affects millions of Americans. This condition can lead to dry, irritated, or scratchy eyes, and symptoms may be exacerbated by wind, dry environments, and extended screen use.

One of the most common causes of dry eye is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), which can cause uncomfortable symptoms that are not effectively relieved with over-the-counter eye drops. MGD causes the eyes to produce poor-quality tears and requires treatments that target the root cause of this dysfunction, not just the symptoms.

At Advanced Vision Wellness Center, we provide detailed dry eye evaluations and a variety of treatments, including InMode IPL therapy, designed to provide lasting relief for dry eye. Book your assessment today.

Request Appointment

What Is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is the leading cause of evaporative dry eye, which accounts for 85% of dry eye cases. The meibomian glands are tiny, oil-producing glands that line the eyelids. They produce the oil layer of the tear film and protect tears from evaporating too quickly.

MGD is caused by blockages in the meibomian glands. These blockages can inlcude built up oil inside the glands, inflammation of the eyelids, or debris and bacteria along the opening of the glands on your eyelid margin.

How Does IPL Therapy Treat Dry Eye?

IPL therapy is a noninvasive technology designed to improve eye comfort and tear stability. It uses precise pulses of light that penetrate to a specific depth in your skin. The light targets inflammation in and around the eyelids, and can be used to melt oil blockages in the meibomian glands, restoring oil flow to the tear film.

Our IPL device from InMode also combines radiofrequency (RF) technology for an enhanced dry eye treatment. RF treatments gently heat the skin around the eyes, melting hardened oil in the meibomian glands, improving blood circulation, and stimulating collagen production.

Together, the IPL and RF treatments target the underlying causes of MGD and dry eye, resulting in long-lasting results. Patients will receive a specific treatment schedule recommending the number of sessions and the time period between them after their evaluation.

Is IPL Therapy Right for Me?

We provide a thorough evaluation of your eyes, general health, and tear film to decide whether IPL therapy is the right treatment for you. This evaluation includes taking high-resolution diagnostic images of your tear film and meibomian glands to assess health and function. After your dry eye assessment, your optometrist will provide you with a customized dry eye treatment plan, which may include IPL therapy.

IPL is an effective treatment for individuals experiencing:

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)
Chronic inflammation of the eyelids caused by blepharitis or ocular rosacea
Styes and chalazia (bumps caused by inflamed meibomian glands)
A Demodex mite infestation

IPL may not be right for you if:

You are currently pregnant
You have certain skin conditions
You have a very dark complexion
Your dry eye symptoms are caused by aqueous deficiency (insufficient tear production)
You are currently pregnant

Experience Relief with IPL Therapy

Dry eye can interrupt your daily life. The discomfort caused by dry eye can range from occasionally distracting to consuming all of your attention. Regardless of the extent of your symptoms, it is always a good idea to get a professional assessment from an optometrist whenever your eyes are uncomfortable.

Left untreated, dry eye can lead to damage to the ocular surface (the front of the eye). Treatment is not only important for your comfort and well-being, but also for the health of your eyes and vision. If you’re experiencing dry eye symptoms, don’t push through them. Book your dry eye assessment with our team in Medford and let us help you find an effective solution.

Request Appointment