Dry Eyes: What Is Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL)?
Do your eyes constantly feel dry, gritty, or irritated — even after a full night’s sleep? Do you rely on artificial tears that barely work? If so, you’re not alone. Millions of Americans struggle with dry eye disease, a condition that can dramatically affect your comfort, vision, and quality of life.
At Mi Vision Eye Care, we’re excited to offer a groundbreaking solution: Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy, a non-invasive, light-based treatment that tackles dry eye at its source.
$344
(1 hr. service)
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What Is Dry Eye Disease?
Dry eye disease occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough quality tears to stay properly lubricated. The result? Itching, burning, redness, blurred vision, and a heavy, tired feeling in the eyes.
One of the most common causes of dry eye is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) — a condition where the oil glands along your eyelid margins become blocked or stop working properly. Without a healthy oil layer, your tears evaporate too quickly, leading to dryness and inflammation.
What Is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy?
IPL is a light-based treatment that has long been used in dermatology for rosacea and skin rejuvenation. Now, this same technology is being used in eye care — with exciting results.
IPL delivers controlled pulses of light to the skin below your eyes, targeting inflammation and stimulating the Meibomian glands to resume normal oil production. The result: improved tear film stability, reduced symptoms, and better eye comfort.
How IPL Works: Step-by-Step
Here’s what you can expect during a typical IPL session:
1. Evaluation: We’ll assess your eye health and confirm that your dry eye symptoms are caused by MGD.
2. Preparation: You’ll wear protective eyewear, and we’ll apply a cooling gel to your skin.
3. Treatment: Our specialized IPL device delivers gentle light pulses under your lower eyelids and cheeks. The light targets abnormal blood vessels and inflammation that contribute to dry eyes.
4. Meibomian Gland Expression: After your IPL, we’ll gently massage and express the oil glands to clear any blockages.
Each session takes about 15–20 minutes, and most patients require 3–4 treatments spaced about 2–4 weeks apart for optimal results.
Benefits of IPL Therapy for Dry Eye
Reduces inflammation and redness
Improves oil gland function and tear quality
Relieves burning, itching, and blurred vision
May reduce dependency on artificial tears or medications
Non-invasive with minimal downtime
Also improves skin tone and treats rosacea (bonus!)
Many of our patients notice significant improvement after just a few sessions — especially when combined with other treatments like Radiofrequency (RF) or Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT).
Real Results from Real Patients
“I struggled with dry eyes for years. After trying countless drops and even punctal plugs, I finally tried IPL. I couldn’t believe the difference. My eyes feel so much more comfortable now — and I even cut back on my drops.”
— Maria R., San Antonio
“As someone who wears contacts and stares at screens all day, I was desperate for relief. IPL gave me real results. The whole team at Mi Vision was professional, kind, and explained everything clearly.”
— Luis A., Stone Oak area
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Does IPL hurt?
A: Most patients describe it as a warm snap — similar to a rubber band. It’s quick, well-tolerated, and doesn’t require anesthesia.
Q: How many sessions will I need?
A: Most patients benefit from 3–4 sessions spaced a few weeks apart, with occasional maintenance every 6–12 months.
Q: Is IPL covered by insurance?
A: At this time, IPL is considered an elective procedure and isn’t covered by most insurance plans. We offer flexible payment options to help make it accessible.
Q: Can I drive after treatment?
A: Yes! There’s no downtime, and you can return to normal activities right away.
Q: Is IPL safe for all skin types?
A: IPL is generally safe, but results can vary depending on skin tone. We’ll assess this during your consultation.
What About RF and LLLT?
At Mi Vision Eye Care, we also offer:
Radiofrequency (RF): Uses gentle heat to stimulate collagen, tighten eyelid skin, and improve gland flow.
Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT): Uses red and near-infrared light to promote healing at the cellular level.
We often combine these therapies with IPL for a comprehensive, customized dry eye plan that gives you the best possible outcome.
Take the First Step Toward Real Dry Eye Relief At Mi Vision Eye Care in San Antonio, TX. Call or Book Online!
If you’re tired of dry, irritated eyes and want a modern solution that works, IPL therapy may be exactly what you need.
Schedule an appointment today to discover the convenience of IPL for dry eye relief at Mi Vision Eye Care. Call 210-923-2020 or book online!
Why Mi Vision Eye Care?
We are proud to serve the San Antonio community with:
Bilingual staff (English & Spanish)
State-of-the-art technology
Personalized dry eye evaluations
Compassionate, expert care in a warm environment
Our clinic, located in the heart of San Antonio, is trusted by patients across Stone Oak, Sonterra, Dominion, and surrounding areas for high-quality care — especially for advanced dry eye treatments.
As a locally owned family optometry practice, we take pride in serving patients of all ages throughout Bexar County and nearby areas, including Balcones Heights, Medical Center, Castle Hills, Leon Valley, and beyond.
