What to Expect During IPL or RF Dry Eye Sessions

Dry eye disease can impact your vision, productivity, and daily life. While artificial tears may offer temporary relief, many patients need deeper, more targeted treatment to address the underlying cause. At Sonie Family Eyecare, we offer advanced dry eye treatment in Mansfield, including InMode Envision RF (Radiofrequency) and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), to help restore comfort and improve long-term eye health.

Understanding IPL and RF for Dry Eye

Before your treatment begins, your optometrist will evaluate your symptoms, tear quality, and eyelid health. Most patients experience dry eye due to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) - a condition where the oil glands in the eyelids become clogged or inflamed. IPL and RF are designed to target these glands and restore proper function.

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) uses gentle pulses of light to reduce inflammation, improve meibomian gland activity, and help stabilize your tear film. RF (Radiofrequency) uses controlled heat to liquefy trapped oils, stimulate collagen, and improve eyelid health. It’s especially helpful for patients with significant gland blockage or eyelid inflammation.

What to Expect During an IPL Dry Eye Session

Your IPL experience at Sonie Family Eyecare will be comfortable, precise, and tailored to your needs.

•           Treatment Preparation: You’ll relax in a treatment chair while protective eyewear is placed over your eyes. A cool gel is applied to your treatment area to ensure comfort and enhance the effectiveness of the light pulses.

•           Gentle Light Pulses: Your eye doctor will deliver a series of carefully timed light pulses across the skin near your eyelids. These pulses help reduce inflammation and break up clogged oils in the meibomian glands.

•           Meibomian Gland Expression” Following IPL, gentle pressure is applied to the eyelids to express the newly loosened oils. Most patients feel only mild pressure during this step.

•           Quick and Comfortable: The entire session usually takes 15-20 minutes, and there is no downtime. You may resume normal activities immediately.

What to Expect During a RF Session

InMode Envision RF provides a warm, soothing treatment designed to restore gland function and improve tear stability.

•           Customized Temperature-Controlled Heat: Your doctor will use the RF device to warm the eyelids to a precise therapeutic temperature. Most patients describe the sensation as a warm facial massage.

•           Improving Oil Flow: As the heat softens hardened oils, it becomes easier for the glands to express properly. This step is essential in restoring a healthier tear film.

•           Collagen Stimulation: RF also helps tighten and rejuvenate eyelid tissue, which improves eyelid function and contributes to long-term results.

•           Meibomian Gland Expression: Similar to IPL, the session typically ends with manual gland expression to maximize results.

•           No Downtime: RF sessions take about 20-25 minutes, and you can go right back to work or your daily routine afterward.

How Many Sessions Will I Need?

Most patients benefit from a series of 3-4 treatments, spaced a few weeks apart. Dr. Evelyn Ayidu-Omo will design a plan based on the severity of your dry eye, your symptoms, and how your glands respond to treatment.

Restore Comfort with Expert Dry Eye Care in Mansfield

Dry eye can feel frustrating, but advanced treatments like InMode Envision RF and IPL offer real, lasting relief. With personalized care and a clear treatment plan, you can expect gentle, effective sessions that support long-term results.
 

Contact Sonie Family Eyecare to schedule your dry eye evaluation and learn whether InMode Envision RF or IPL therapy is right for you. Visit our office in Mansfield, Texas, or call (817) 477-6684 to book an appointment today.