Dry Eye Treatments

IPL/ Optilight

What Is IPL?
IPL, or Intense Pulsed Light therapy, has been safely used in dermatology offices for decades to treat skin conditions such as rosacea, dark spots, and inflammation. More recently, IPL has been shown to be highly effective in treating dry eye caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)—a condition in which the oil glands in the eyelids do not produce healthy oils needed to keep tears from evaporating too quickly.

How Does IPL Help Dry Eye?
IPL works by gently warming the skin around the eyes, helping to melt thickened oil trapped in the eyelids. It also reduces inflammation, treats abnormal blood vessels, and decreases bacteria and mites that can worsen eyelid irritation. As a result, the oil glands can function more normally, improving tear quality and comfort.

Is IPL FDA-Approved?
The Lumenis OptiLight system is the first and only IPL device FDA-approved to manage the signs of dry eye disease due to MGD.

What Does Treatment Involve?
Treatment consists of four sessions, scheduled about 2–4 weeks apart. IPL is applied to the skin around the eyes, and protective eye shields are worn during the procedure.

When Will I See Results?
Most patients notice improvement by the second or third treatment, with over 90% experiencing significant relief. Maintenance treatments may be recommended every 6 to 12 months, depending on individual needs.

Optilift

What is Optilift and how does it help relieve dry eye?

OptiLift helps relieve dry eye by improving the function of the muscles and tissues around the eyes that play an important role in blinking and tear distribution. Using gentle radiofrequency energy and deep muscle stimulation, OptiLift tones and strengthens the eyelid and facial muscles, supporting more complete and effective blinking. Better blinking helps spread tears evenly across the surface of the eye and encourages healthy oil release from the eyelid glands, reducing tear evaporation. The treatment also increases circulation and reduces muscle tension around the eyes, which can help decrease inflammation and eye fatigue. Together, these effects support more stable tears and improved eye comfort.

What is the Optilift treatment experience like?

It is a non-invasive treatment that is performed in the office with your eyes closed, and does not require downtime. Many patients notice improved comfort and a feeling of refreshed, more supported eyes.

How long does Optilift take and how many sessions are recommended?

It takes about 14 minutes and works best on a schedule of 4 sessions spaced out by 1 week at a time.

LLLT

What is LLLT?

Low-level light therapy (LLLT) is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that uses specialized LED lights to reduce inflammation and support healing in the eyelids. It has been safely used for many years in aesthetic care, acne treatment, pain relief, wound healing, and hair restoration.

What is involved?

During treatment, a comfortable, contoured device is placed over the face. The device emits blue, red, and near-infrared light, which work together to improve results.

Blue light helps reduce bacteria on the skin
Red light increases blood flow, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to the area to support healing and healthier tissue
- Red light also helps reduce redness and inflammation and supports natural drainage of waste from the skin
Near-infrared light helps reduce pain and deeper inflammation

Together, these light wavelengths help calm the eyelids, improve tissue health, and support overall eye comfort.

How long does it take and how many sessions?

It can be used for up to 30 minutes at a time and maximum results are when it is used 1-2 times weekly over 6+ weeks

We also offer many other treatments such as:

Prescription dry eye medication
Punctal Plugs
Amniotic Membrane Therapy
Biologic eye drops
Over the counter/ non-prescription supplements

FAQ

How do I know what is the right protocol for me?

1. Schedule a consultation with one of our doctors for a full dry eye evaluation and we will review your best options

2. If you see a different eye doctor, ask them what they recommend and for a referral to us for treatment (comanagement)

What does this dry eye treatment technology cost?

We are currently charging patients per session.

A 1 hour session is $250
Up to 2 different treatments can be combined into a single session
The exception to this is for LLLT:
- If you schedule a single session for 30 minutes of LLLT, it is $50

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