If your eyes often feel dry, irritated, or gritty, it could be more than occasional discomfort. It may be a sign of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), one of the most common causes of dry eye disease.
At Family Eye Care, we offer dry eye treatment in Bristol, including intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy. This advanced treatment helps restore healthy tear production and improve your overall comfort. Here are five key benefits of IPL therapy and why it’s an effective solution for managing chronic dry eye.
1. Targets the root cause of dry eye
Many cases of dry eye are caused by inflammation and poor oil production from the meibomian glands1. IPL therapy uses pulses of light to gently heat and unclog these glands, restoring their ability to produce the oil layer that keeps your tears from evaporating too quickly. It treats the condition at its source, not just the symptoms.
2. Reduces inflammation and improves tear quality
IPL light therapy also reduces inflammation around the eyes, which is a leading cause of dry eye symptoms. It can shrink abnormal blood vessels and calm the skin around your eyelids, creating a healthier environment for tear production and stability.
3. Enhances results with radiofrequency
At Family Eye Care, we pair IPL with radiofrequency therapy to further enhance results. Radiofrequency uses gentle heat to stimulate collagen production and improve skin and gland function. It also helps tighten the skin around the eyes, which may improve lid position and blinking, two important factors in healthy tear distribution.
4. Quick, comfortable, & non-invasive
IPL treatments are fast and comfortable, often lasting less than 20 minutes per session. There’s no downtime, and most patients describe the feeling as warm pulses of light on the skin. Many people start noticing relief after just a few treatments, with continued improvement over time.
5. Long-lasting dry eye relief
Unlike artificial tears, which provide temporary moisture, IPL therapy offers long-term relief by improving the health and function of your tear glands. With consistent treatment, many patients experience reduced dependence on eye drops and enjoy lasting comfort throughout their day.
Is IPL right for you?
If you’ve tried eye drops, warm compresses, or other treatments with little to no success, it may be time to consider IPL. It’s a great option for people with:
- Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)
- Rosacea-related dry eye
- Inflammation of the eyelids (blepharitis)
- Chronic dry eye symptoms despite using eye drops or compresses
During a comprehensive eye exam, our optometrists will evaluate your eye health, discuss your symptoms, and determine if IPL and radiofrequency therapy are right for your needs.
Ready to find lasting dry eye relief?
Dry eyes can affect everything from reading and driving to enjoying your day-to-day life. If you’re tired of temporary fixes, IPL could be your answer. Schedule an eye exam at Family Eye Care in Bristol today and get the relief you have been looking for.
References:
1. Lazarus, R. (n.d.). Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. Optometrists Network. Retrieved July 16, 2025, from https://www.optometrists.org/general-practice-optometry/guide-to-eye-conditions/dry-eye/eyelid-conditions/meibomian-gland-dysfunction