A woman gets an eye scan during a dry eye exam.

Advanced In-Office Treatments for Dry Eye

Overview

Dry eye isn’t just annoying—it can be persistent, painful, and disruptive.

And for many people, home remedies like drops or warm compresses only offer short-term relief.

That’s because they don’t address the root cause: meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD); which affects the oil layer of your tears.

If your dry eye symptoms keep returning, it may be time for a more effective solution.

In-office treatments go deeper than home remedies. They help to restore gland function and stabilize your tear film for lasting relief.

At eye. Optometry, our team uses advanced, clinically proven technology to deliver professional care that targets dry eye at the source.

What to Know Before You Start

Chronic dry eye usually involves meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD); a progressive condition that home remedies have difficulty resolving, and may worsen if left untreated.

Early dry eye treatment helps prevent permanent gland damage, protects the ocular surface, and can support better outcomes for surgeries like cataract or laser vision correction.

  • In-office treatments at eye. Optometry are non-invasive and are designed to restore oil gland function over time.
  • Results are gradual, with relief typically building over a series of treatment sessions.
  • Every care plan is customized—our team tailors treatments to your eye health and walks you through each step.

In-Office Dry Eye Treatments at eye. Optometry

At eye. Optometry, we offer advanced in-office treatments that go beyond symptom relief to address the root causes of dry eye.

Each treatment is selected based on your eye health, comfort level, and treatment goals.

IRPL Treatment (E>Eye Technology)

Intense Regulated Pulsed Light (IRPL) therapy uses targeted light pulses to stimulate the meibomian glands which is key to maintaining a stable, healthy tear film.

What patients can expect from treatment:

  • Stimulates meibomian glands to restore healthy oil production
  • Helps reduce tear evaporation and improve long-term eye comfort
  • Helps to reduce inflammation related to rosacea and can help with treating styes
  • Comfortable light-based sessions with no recovery time
  • E>Eye is a globally trusted IRPL device developed specifically for dry eye relief

IRPL treatment is especially helpful for patients whose symptoms are linked to gland dysfunction and tear film instability. 

Many patients experience long-lasting relief, with maintenance sessions once or twice a year to keep symptoms under control.

InMode Radiofrequency (Forma-I)

Forma-I is a radiofrequency treatment that gently heats the eyelids to soften and clear blocked oil glands that also offers skin-tightening benefits.

InMode Radiofrequency treatment is comfortable, non-invasive, and supports both eyelid health and cosmetic outcomes. 

Here’s how it helps:

  • Gently melts clogged oils to improve meibomian gland flow
  • Reduces symptoms of evaporative dry eye
  • Stimulates collagen production for improved eyelid tone and texture
  • Usually performed as a series of 4–6 sessions, with maintenance as needed
  • Delivered by trained providers in a calm, in-clinic environment

Forma-I is especially beneficial for patients with aging skin, lid laxity, or persistent gland blockages.

IPL Therapy (Lumecca)

Lumecca IPL therapy uses light pulses to reduce inflammation, clear bacteria and mites, and treat dry eye symptoms caused by skin or eyelid conditions.

  • Targets ocular rosacea, blepharitis, and chronic inflammation
  • Reduces redness, calms irritation, and manages demodex mites
  • Supports healthier eyelid margins and can improve surrounding skin tone
  • Most effective when done as a series of 4 or more sessions
  • Lumecca IPL is a high-precision light therapy used in both dermatology and eye care

This therapy is ideal for patients with inflammation-based dry eye or rosacea around the eyes.

Treating meibomian gland dysfunction early not only helps preserve long-term gland function but can also protect the ocular surface. 

This is especially important for patients who may be considering future surgeries like cataract removal or laser vision correction, where a healthy tear film can support better outcomes.

Who Benefits from These Treatments?

In-office dry eye treatments are ideal for patients who need more than short-term relief.

If you've tried at-home remedies without success, these clinically guided options may offer lasting comfort and results.

You may be a good candidate if:

  • You experience chronic or severe dry eye symptoms like burning, grittiness, or blurry vision
  • You’ve been diagnosed with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), blepharitis, or ocular rosacea
  • You struggle with inflamed eyelids, recurring styes, or visible redness around the eyes
  • Over-the-counter solutions no longer provide relief
  • You’re looking for a longer-lasting, clinically proven solution
  • You’re also interested in improving the appearance of your eyelids and surrounding skin

Not sure what’s right for you? Our team will evaluate your symptoms and eye health to build a custom care plan.

What to Expect During and After Treatment

One of the biggest benefits of in-office treatments is how convenient and comfortable they are. Each session is designed to fit into your routine with minimal interruption.

Many patients feel reassured knowing these sessions are short, comfortable, and guided every step of the way.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • No downtime: You can return to daily activities right away
  • Mild side effects: Some experience warmth or light sensitivity, which fades quickly
  • Steady improvement: Relief builds gradually with each session
  • Long-lasting results: Many patients experience relief that lasts for months or even years, with optional yearly maintenance
  • Progress monitoring: Your plan is adjusted based on how your eyes respond

Early treatment can help preserve gland function and prevent long-term complications.

Your provider will walk you through the process, so you feel comfortable and informed throughout your care.

Ready to Treat Dry Eye at the Source?

You don’t have to keep living with dry, irritated eyes—especially when over-the-counter options no longer work.

eye. Optometry offers advanced in-office treatments that target the root causes of dry eye, using clinically proven technology and personalized care.

Our offerings include:

  • IRPL (E>Eye): Stimulates oil gland function and stabilizes the tear film
  • Radiofrequency (Forma-I): Clears blocked glands and improves eyelid structure
  • IPL Therapy (Lumecca): Reduces inflammation and restores eyelid and skin health

Ready for real relief? Book your personalized consultation today.

FAQ: In-Office Dry Eye Treatments

What is the best in-office treatment for dry eyes?

It depends on the root cause. At eye. Optometry, we assess your symptoms, tear quality, and gland health before recommending IRPL, radiofrequency, IPL—or a combination.

Are these treatments safe?

Yes. All options are non-invasive, clinically backed, and performed by trained providers. They are safe for long-term use and well-tolerated by most patients.

How long until I feel relief?

Most people notice improvement after 2–4 sessions. Full results build over several weeks, depending on the treatment and severity of symptoms.

Can I stop using eye drops after treatment?

Many patients reduce or stop using artificial tears after completing treatment, though this depends on the underlying condition and how your eyes respond.

Can I combine different treatments?

Yes. Some patients benefit most from a combination approach. Your provider will explain the options and recommend the right sequence based on your needs.

What is meibomian gland dysfunction, and how is it treated?

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) occurs when the oil glands in your eyelids become blocked or underactive, leading to faster tear evaporation. 

In-office treatments like IRPL and radiofrequency help restore gland function and improve tear stability.

Is IRPL safe for everyone?

IRPL is safe for most people with fair to medium skin tones (types I–IV on the Fitzpatrick scale) and is not recommended for individuals who are pregnant or have very dark skin tones.

During your consultation, we’ll assess your skin and health history to ensure it’s the right fit for you.

Learn more about our eye services and treatments.