Blog:What to Expect During an IPL Session

If you’ve been struggling with burning, watering, or gritty eyes, you may be dealing with chronic dry eye disease. While traditional treatments like artificial tears offer temporary relief, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) therapy targets the root cause of the condition - meibomian gland dysfunction. At Texas State Optical Pearland, we provide advanced dry eye treatment in Pearland using IPL technology to help restore lasting comfort and tear film balance. Here’s what you can expect during your session.
Before your IPL session begins, your Pearland optometrist will review your eye and skin health to ensure you’re a good candidate. You’ll be asked to remove any makeup or skincare products, and protective shields will be placed over your eyes to prevent light exposure. A cooling gel is applied to the treatment area to help improve comfort and light transmission.
During the treatment, your provider uses gentle pulses of light around the eyelids and upper cheeks. These flashes of light reduce inflammation, eliminate abnormal blood vessels, and help unclog the meibomian glands responsible for producing the oily layer of your tears. Patients often describe the sensation as a quick, warm snap - generally well-tolerated and lasting about 15-30 minutes.
After the session, your provider may express your meibomian glands to clear out any remaining blockages. Mild redness or warmth in the treated area is normal and usually subsides within a few hours. Most patients begin to notice improved tear stability and relief from dry eye symptoms after a series of 3-4 treatments spaced a few weeks apart.
IPL not only addresses immediate symptoms but also works to improve long-term eye health. By targeting inflammation and restoring gland function, patients often experience reduced dependency on artificial tears and improved overall comfort. This makes IPL in Pearland a preferred treatment for those seeking lasting dry eye relief.
If you struggle with chronic dryness, irritation, or redness, dry eye treatment in Pearland through IPL may offer the long-term relief you’ve been looking for. Our team uses advanced technology and a personalized approach to help you see and feel better.