How Many IPL Sessions Are Needed to See Improvement in Dry Eye Symptoms?

If you’ve ever experienced red, gritty, or burning eyes, you may be one of the millions dealing with dry eye syndrome. It’s more than just a minor annoyance—it can disrupt daily life, affect your vision, and lead to chronic discomfort if left untreated. Fortunately, modern treatments like Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy offer real relief.

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or when the tears they do produce are of poor quality. This leads to inflammation and irritation on the surface of the eye. One of the most common root causes is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)—a condition where the oil-producing glands in your eyelids become blocked or don’t function properly, leading to faster tear evaporation.

Common symptoms of dry eye include:

• A stinging or burning sensation

• Blurred vision

• Light sensitivity

• A gritty feeling, like something is in your eye

• Eye redness or fatigue

Why Is Dry Eye So Common?

The climate in Utah County plays a significant role in the prevalence of dry eye. The area’s high elevation, dry air, and seasonal winds can accelerate tear evaporation, making it more difficult for your eyes to stay lubricated.

Additionally, with so many residents working in front of screens or spending time outdoors in windy or dusty conditions, the environment can further strain the eyes and worsen dry eye symptoms.

How IPL Helps Treat Dry Eye

IPL therapy works by delivering pulses of light to the skin around the eyes. This light reduces inflammation, breaks up blockages in the meibomian glands, and improves oil flow into the tear film—helping stabilize the tear layer and relieve symptoms. IPL is safe, non-invasive, and typically well-tolerated. It not only targets the root cause of dry eye (MGD) but can also reduce facial rosacea and eyelid inflammation that may be contributing to your symptoms.

How Many IPL Sessions Are Needed?

While every patient is different, most people begin to see noticeable improvement in their dry eye symptoms after 3 to 4 IPL sessions, spaced approximately 2 to 4 weeks apart. The treatment plan may vary depending on:

• Severity of your dry eye

• Presence of MGD or rosacea

• Your individual response to the therapy

Some patients feel better after the first session, while others need the full series to experience long-term relief. Once the initial treatment series is complete, maintenance sessions every 6–12 months may be recommended to keep symptoms under control.

Schedule Your Dry Eye Consultation Today

IPL therapy offers a powerful and lasting dry eye solution by targeting the root of the problem—not just the symptoms. With a customized treatment plan, many patients experience lasting comfort and healthier eyes.

If dry eyes are disrupting your life, schedule a dry eye evaluation with Clear View Vision Center to find out if IPL is right for you. Contact our office in American Fork or Lehi, Utah, by calling (801) 756-4731 to book an appointment today.