Dry eye disease is more than just an occasional irritation—it’s a chronic condition that can impact your vision, comfort, and quality of life. At Blaine Family Eyecare, we offer advanced treatment options such as IProX Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy to help patients find lasting relief.
Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or when the tears evaporate too quickly due to an imbalance in the tear film. This leads to symptoms such as:
Burning or stinging sensations
Redness
Blurred vision
Sensitivity to light
A gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes
A major contributor to dry eye is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), which causes blockages in the oil glands along the eyelid. Without these oils, your tears evaporate too quickly, worsening dry eye symptoms.
IProX IPL is a non-invasive, light-based treatment designed to target the root cause of dry eye, particularly Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). This condition is one of the most common contributors to dry eye, and addressing it effectively can lead to significant symptom relief.
During an IProX IPL session, pulses of broad-spectrum light are applied to the skin around the eyes. This gentle yet powerful light therapy works in several important ways. It helps reduce inflammation in the eyelids and surrounding tissues, which is a major driver of dry eye discomfort. It also works to unclog the meibomian glands, allowing them to function more effectively.
By restoring healthy oil flow in the tear film, IProX IPL helps stabilize tears and prevent rapid evaporation. This improved balance leads to enhanced comfort and clearer vision. Many patients begin to notice a significant improvement in their dry eye symptoms after completing a series of treatments.
Most patients begin with an initial series of 3 to 4 IProX IPL sessions, spaced about 3 to 4 weeks apart. This foundational series helps to reset the meibomian glands and reduce inflammation. After the initial series, maintenance sessions may be recommended every 4 to 6 months, depending on your symptoms, eye health, and response to treatment.
Everyone’s eyes are different, and several factors can influence how often you may need IProX IPL therapy:
Severity of your dry eye or MGD
Response to initial treatments
Environmental exposure (screen time, dry climates, etc.)
Underlying health conditions like rosacea or autoimmune disorders
Use of medications that can contribute to dryness
At Blaine Family Eyecare, we tailor each treatment plan to your individual needs. Your optometrist will monitor your progress and make personalized recommendations to help you maintain long-term comfort and vision.
IProX IPL is a highly effective solution for managing chronic dry eye, especially when caused by MGD. By following a customized treatment schedule and staying consistent with maintenance sessions, you can experience significant and lasting relief.
If you're struggling with dry, irritated eyes, schedule a dry eye evaluation with Blaine Family Eyecare to find out if IProX IPL is right for you. Visit our office in Blaine, Minnesota, or call (763) 717-0072 to book an appointment today.