How Many IPL Treatments Do I Need for Dry Eye Relief?

Dry eye is a common concern for many people living in San Ramon, where our busy lifestyles and long hours on digital devices can leave eyes feeling irritated, gritty, or constantly tired. While over-the-counter drops may provide temporary comfort, lasting relief often requires a deeper approach. At Optometric Center & Eyewear Galleria, we offer advanced solutions like Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy to help you find real, lasting relief from dry eye symptoms.
 

Understanding Dry Eye

Dry eye occurs when your eyes either do not produce enough tears or the quality of your tears is poor, leading to discomfort, redness, and sometimes visual disturbances. Common symptoms include stinging, burning, a sensation of something in the eye, and fluctuating vision. Left untreated, dry eye can interfere with daily activities and impact your quality of life.
 

One of the primary causes of chronic dry eye is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). The meibomian glands line your eyelids and secrete oils that help keep your tears from evaporating too quickly. When these glands become blocked or inflamed, the tear film breaks down faster, resulting in dry, uncomfortable eyes.
 

What Is IPL Therapy?

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that uses pulses of light to target inflammation and unclog the meibomian glands. During an IPL session, light energy is applied to the skin around the eyes, which helps break down blockages in the glands and reduces inflammation. Over time, this restores the normal flow of oils into the tear film, providing lasting dry eye relief.
 

How Many IPL Sessions Do I Need?

The number of IPL treatments required for dry eye relief can vary depending on the severity of your symptoms and how your eyes respond to therapy. Most patients see noticeable improvement after a series of 4 sessions, typically spaced about 2-4 weeks apart.
 

Are Maintenance Sessions Needed?

For ongoing dry eye relief, maintenance sessions are often recommended. After your initial series, your optometrist may suggest periodic touch up treatments, usually every six to twelve months, to keep your meibomian glands functioning properly and help prevent symptoms from returning.
 

Schedule Your Dry Eye Evaluation with Optometric Center & Eyewear Galleria Today

IPL therapy is a proven and effective way to address the root cause of dry eye, particularly when MGD is involved. Most patients benefit from an initial series of 4 treatments, followed by occasional maintenance sessions to keep their eyes feeling comfortable and healthy.
 

If you’re experiencing dry eye symptoms and want a long-term dry eye solution, schedule a consultation with Optometric Center & Eyewear Galleria to discover if IPL treatment is the right option for you. Visit our office in San Ramon, California, or call (925) 744-7900 to book an appointment today.