IPL treats INFLAMMATOY Dry Eye. Ultimately, all dry eye is inflammatory in nature. However, some people have more significant inflammation that drives the dry eye and is not quieted with typical dry eye treatments.
Many patients have Ocular Rosacea driving their inflammatory issues. Some can even see their thickened, pink lid margins in the mirror without magnification. You do not have to have facial rosacea to have ocular rosacea.
Performing IPL is much like treating the tree trunk instead of just the branches. It helps limit the inflammation driving the ocular symptoms, instead of just trying to keep up after the inflammation has occurred.
Inflammatory cells replicate very quickly, making it difficult to get under control. Many treatments are better at preventing inflammation than stopping current inflammation. IPL is excellent at both.
There is a tremendous amount of physician skill required to maximize the benefits of IPL to the eyes and face. We have been performing IPL for more than 4 years since 2017, mastering our technique, and the have had results have been nothing short of astounding.
I call the IPL the great STABILIZER because IPL is incredible at stabilizing ocular surface signs and symptoms over time. The IPL continues to work over time, so when patients return for their 6 month follow up, they often feel better and are doing less work than when they were last seen. This is What a remarkable statement! to be able to make!
The IPL +RF protocol includes 4 treatments performed 2 to 4 weeks apart. To maintain the beneficial effect, it is important to have a single “booster” treatment every 6 to 8 months.
Thin laser grade shields will be inserted under the eyelids to protect the eyes during the procedure. Please arrive without products or make up on your face. Your face will be cleansed and ultrasound coupling gel applied. This keeps the skin cool and helps the light transmit better.
The light is administered in very quick pulses. The traditional IPL used by others is considered painful, similar to being snapped with a hot rubber band, and the face can become quite red during the treatment. With the iProX, there is no pain or flushing. Most patients look better immediately after the treatment, and the cosmetic benefit continues to develop for weeks afterwards.
Not all IPL treatments are the same.
At Dry Eye Equation we use an advanced system from Optometric Aesthetics that delivers simultaneous IPL and bipolar radiofrequency (RF)— a technology known as ELOS (Electro-Optical Synergy)
Most practices use IPL alone. Our system goes a step further.
This dual-energy approach treats inflammation and improves eyelid tissue quality, helping the glands function better and the blink work more effectively — not just calming symptoms, but addressing the underlying contributors to dry eye.
When used together, IPL and RF complement each other — addressing both inflammation and tissue quality, not just surface symptoms.
By combining IPL with RF, we can:
This means the treatment isn’t just calming the eyes — it’s helping improve the structures that support a stable tear film.
Another key difference:how we use the technology
Your IPL treatment is:
Our IPL isn’t just light therapy.
It’s a combined IPL + RF approach, used strategically as part of a comprehensive dry eye treatment plan — designed to improve comfort, function, and long-term results.
Most patients describe the sensation as a quick, warm snap or pulse. The addition of radiofrequency creates a deeper warmth but less SNAP, so it is generally much more tolerable than IPL alone. We use cooling and comfort measures, and treatments are brief.
Yes. IPL and RF are applied to the peri-ocular skin, not directly into the eye. Protective eye shields are used, and treatment parameters are carefully selected based on your skin type and anatomy. Please arrive without products or make up on your face. Your face will becleansed and ultrasound coupling gel applied.
Standard IPL targets surface inflammation and abnormal blood vessels.
Our system delivers IPL and radiofrequency simultaneously, allowing us to treat inflammation and improve eyelid tissue quality and firmness. This can enhance blink mechanics and support better oil release from the glands.
Most patients benefit from a series of 4 treatments, typically spaced 2-4 weeks apart. The exact number depends on your dry eye severity, gland function, and response to treatment.To maintain the beneficial effect, it is important to have a single maintenance treatment every 6 to 8 months.
Some patients notice symptom relief within a few weeks. Others experience more gradual improvement as inflammation decreases and tissue health improves over time. Results often continue to build with each session.
Downtime is minimal. You may experience temporary redness, warmth, or mild swelling that usually resolves within hours to a day. Most patients return to normal activities the same day.
Absolutely. IPL + RF is often part of a comprehensive dry eye plan and may be combined with treatments like gland expression, Tixel, TearCare, LipiFlow or prescription therapies for optimal results.
IPL + RF may be especially helpful if you have:
Dry eye is typically a chronic condition, not a one-time problem. IPL + RF is designed to improve comfort, function, and stability of the tear film and eyelids. Maintenance treatments may be recommended to sustain results.
The best way to determine candidacy is through a Dry Eye Evaluation, where we assess gland function, inflammation, eyelid anatomy, and blink dynamics to create a personalized treatment plan
710 Military Cutoff Rd Suite 130, Wilmington, NC 28405
(910) 447-2020 | info@dryeyeequaton.com
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