Dry, irritated eyes are more than just a minor annoyance—they can disrupt your daily life. If you live in San Francisco, the combination of city pollution, coastal winds, and endless screen time can make dry eye symptoms even worse. Advanced treatments like Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Radiofrequency (RF) therapy are revolutionizing the management of chronic dry eyes. At Looksie Optometry, we’re bringing these scientifically supported solutions to our local community, offering long-term relief for patients who have tried everything else.

Why Dry Eye is a Bigger Issue in San Francisco

Dry eye disease is a common condition that affects nearly 10% of people in the US, with chances increasing to 30% for people over 50.  
 

San Francisco’s unique climate and lifestyle can be tough on your eyes. The cool, foggy mornings followed by dry, windy afternoons create an environment where moisture evaporates quickly from the eye’s surface. Add in hours of working from home, commuting through the city, or simply enjoying a weekend at the beach, and you’ve got the perfect storm for dry, irritated eyes. If you’ve relied on artificial tears but still experience burning, grittiness, or blurry vision, it might be time to consider a more advanced treatment.
 

The Science Behind IPL and RF Therapy

IPL is well known in dermatology for treating dark spots, rosacea, and acne scars, and more recently it’s been found to be a game-changer for treating dry eyes. This light-based treatment targets the root cause of evaporative dry eye: dysfunctional meibomian glands. These tiny oil-producing glands along your eyelid margins help keep your tears from evaporating too quickly. When they get clogged or inflamed (often due to conditions like meibomian gland dysfunction or rosacea), your eyes dry out faster than they should.
 

Radiofrequency (RF) therapy is another advanced option that can complement IPL treatment. This therapy uses controlled heat to stimulate collagen production, improve circulation, and gently massage clogged meibomian glands. Think of it as a warm, relaxing treatment that not only promotes better tear stability but can also offer subtle skin-tightening benefits around the eyes.
 

Recent clinical studies have demonstrated IPL’s effectiveness in improving meibomian gland function and reducing inflammation. One review of multiple studies found that IPL was effective at reducing inflammatory markers and improving tear film quality in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction. Improvements were found to be greater with the addition of RF treatments to stimulate long-term health of the meibomian glands.
 

IPL vs. LipiFlow: Why IPL May Be Superior

Many patients ask how IPL compares to LipiFlow, another dry eye treatment designed to improve meibomian gland function. While LipiFlow uses a combination of heat and pressure to unclog glands, research suggests that IPL may offer superior benefits due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
 

Unlike LipiFlow, IPL actively reduces inflammatory mediators that contribute to gland dysfunction. This means IPL not only helps with meibomian gland blockage but also addresses the underlying inflammation that exacerbates dry eye disease. Additionally, IPL is shown to improve vascular function around the eyes, reducing the symptoms associated with ocular rosacea and chronic dry eye.
 

A growing body of evidence suggests that IPL provides more sustainable improvement in tear film stability and overall ocular health compared to LipiFlow. By incorporating IPL and RF therapies, patients may experience more comprehensive and longer-lasting relief from dry eye symptoms.
 

Who Can Benefit from IPL and RF?

If you’re dealing with any of the following, you may be a great candidate for these treatments:

• Chronic dry eye symptoms despite using drops and warm compresses

• Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)

• Red, inflamed eyelids or ocular rosacea

• Sensitivity to wind, screens, or dry indoor air
   

Experience Personalized Dry Eye Care at Looksie Optometry

At Looksie Optometry, we understand that no two cases of dry eye are the same. We take a customized approach, starting with a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis to identify the root cause of your symptoms. By combining the latest technology with a deep understanding of your overall eye health, we create personalized treatment plans tailored to your needs. 
 

Learn more about IPL and RF treatments at Looksie >>