If you’ve been living with dry, burning, or watery eyes, you know how frustrating and persistent dry eye disease can be. Over-the-counter drops may only offer temporary relief—and for many patients, they don’t get to the root cause of the problem.
One of the most advanced and effective treatments available today is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy. Originally developed for dermatology, IPL is now transforming how we treat certain types of dry eye disease—especially when caused by inflammation or meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
Let’s explore how it works and whether it might be right for you.
What Is IPL?
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to target inflammation in and around the eyes. The light pulses are applied just below the eyes on the skin (not directly in the eyes) and penetrate deep into the tissues to:
- Reduce abnormal blood vessels
- Target inflammatory markers
- Improve oil gland function in the eyelids
- It’s quick, safe, and performed right in our office—with no downtime afterward
Why IPL Works for Dry Eye
Most chronic dry eye symptoms stem from meibomian gland dysfunction—when the tiny oil glands in your eyelids get clogged or sluggish. These glands are responsible for producing the oil (lipid) layer of your tear film. Without this oil, your tears evaporate too quickly, leaving your eyes dry, irritated, and inflamed.
Here’s how IPL helps:
- Unclogs the oil glands in your eyelids, improving natural tear quality
- Reduces inflammation that’s damaging the tear film
- Targets abnormal blood vessels (telangiectasia) that worsen inflammation in conditions like rosacea or ocular rosacea
- Improves comfort and reduces dependence on artificial tears
What to Expect During IPL Treatment
Each IPL session takes about 15–20 minutes and is performed with you comfortably reclined. Here’s what you can expect:
- We apply a cooling gel under the eyes and use protective eye shields.
- Pulses of light are delivered to the skin below the lower eyelids.
- You may feel a mild snapping sensation (like a rubber band), but it’s quick and well-tolerated.
- Afterward, we may perform a gentle expression of the meibomian glands to release blockages.
- Most patients receive a series of 3–4 treatments spaced 2–4 weeks apart, depending on severity. Maintenance sessions may be recommended every 6–12 months for long-term relief.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
IPL is especially helpful if you:
- Have meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)
- Suffer from ocular rosacea or facial rosacea
- Use artificial tears frequently but still experience symptoms
- Have tried other treatments with limited success
It’s not recommended for patients with very dark skin tones or certain skin conditions, so a proper evaluation is essential.
Results You Can Feel
Most patients report a noticeable improvement in symptoms after their IPL series:
- Less burning and dryness
- Reduced redness and eye fatigue
- Improved visual clarity
- Less dependence on drops or warm compresses
It’s not just symptom relief—IPL addresses the inflammatory root cause, making it a powerful long-term solution for chronic dry eye.
Ready to Find Relief?
At Lake Norman Eye Care in Mooresville, NC, Dr. Angela Harris and Dr. Mason Williams specialize in advanced dry eye care—and IPL is one of our most effective tools. If you’re tired of dealing with constant irritation or blurry vision from dry eye, schedule a dry eye evaluation today to see if IPL is right for you.
Lake Norman Eye Care & Dry Eye Center
197 Medical Park Road, Suite 101, Mooresville, NC 28117
Call: 704-799-2233
