Advanced Dry Eye Treatment in San Francisco, CA

Tired of dry eyes that drops can't fix?

If you've been relying on artificial tears for months - or years - and your eyes still burn, blur, and ache by the end of the day, you're not imagining it. The drops aren't fixing the problem. They're just managing the symptoms. There's a better way.

Book a Dry Eye Evaluation Take the dry eye quiz

Your evaluation may be covered by insurance - including Aetna, United Healthcare, Cigna, and Blue Shield of California.

Drops treat the symptom. IPL and RF treat the cause.

Most dry eye symptoms stem from meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) - tiny glands in your eyelids that produce the oils that keep your tear film stable. When those glands get blocked or stop functioning, no amount of artificial tears will restore them.

If any of these sound familiar, MGD may be the cause:

Eyes that feel gritty or sandy, especially in the morning
Burning or stinging that worsens with screen time
Blurry vision that clears when you blink
Redness, watering, or a feeling like something's in your eye
Discomfort with contact lenses you used to wear fine
Relying on drops multiple times a day just to get through

We're helping San Francisco patients find lasting relief.

At Looksie Optometry, we specialize in diagnosing and treating the root causes of dry eye - not just the surface symptoms. We understand how exhausting it is to feel like nothing works, and we've invested in the most advanced treatments available so we can offer you real, longer-term relief.

Dr. Tran - Specializing in advanced dry eye care, including IPL and RF therapy. Patients describe her approach as thorough, clear, and genuinely caring - she takes the time to understand your specific situation before recommending any treatment.

Dr. Slamovich - Experienced in comprehensive dry eye evaluation and management. Committed to helping patients find lasting solutions tailored to their lifestyle and eye health needs.

IPL and RF: advanced therapies that go beyond the surface.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Radiofrequency (RF) are the two most clinically effective treatments for meibomian gland dysfunction. Used together, they target the root causes of dry eye from two different angles - giving you results that drops simply can't provide.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL): Gentle pulses of light heat the skin around your eyelids, melting blockages in the meibomian glands and reducing the inflammation that disrupts your tear film. Clinically shown to improve tear quality and reduce discomfort.

Radiofrequency (RF): Controlled heat applied to the tissues around your eyelids unblocks hardened oil in the glands and stimulates collagen production - supporting long-term gland health and tear production. Feels like a warm compress.

Better together: IPL reduces inflammation. RF restores gland function. Combined, they address dry eye more completely than either treatment alone - and most patients report significantly improved comfort within a few weeks.

Getting started is simple.

Step 1 - Book an evaluation: Your optometrist assesses your dry eye, identifies the cause, and determines if IPL and RF are right for you.

Step 2 - Complete your treatment plan: 4–5 sessions spaced a few weeks apart, each about 30 minutes. No downtime - you can drive home and return to your day immediately.

Step 3 - Enjoy lasting relief: Most patients notice significant improvement in comfort, clarity, and reduced dependence on drops. Maintenance sessions keep results going.

Real results from real patients.

Dr. Tran's IPL treatment has been life-changing. I struggled daily with dry eyes and blurry vision. Now my eyes feel refreshed and moist every morning, and I'm much more comfortable working on the computer. It's made a huge difference - my eyes feel amazing.

Cristy Cope, Livermore, CA

Untreated MGD tends to get worse, not better.

Meibomian glands that go untreated can become permanently damaged over time. The longer MGD goes unaddressed, the harder it becomes to restore full function - which is why early treatment leads to better long-term outcomes. If you've been managing dry eye with drops for months or years, now is a good time to find out if something more effective is available to you.

What most patients want to know before booking.

Is IPL and RF right for me?

Most patients with meibomian gland dysfunction benefit significantly from one or both treatments. The only way to know for sure is a dry eye evaluation your optometrist will assess your specific situation and recommend the right course of treatment.

How many sessions do I need?

The standard course is 4–5 sessions spaced a few weeks apart, completing in about 2–3 months. After that, most patients return once or twice a year for a brief maintenance session.

Does it hurt? Is there any downtime?

Most patients report little to no discomfort - IPL may produce a mild warm or tingling feeling, and RF feels like a warm compress. There is no downtime; you can drive, work, and go about your day immediately after.

What does it cost?

A single session ranges from $450–$550. We offer package pricing with discounts for multiple sessions. IPL and RF are generally not covered by insurance, but your initial dry eye evaluation often is. Contact us at (415) 593-5348 for current pricing and package details.

Are there any side effects?

Most patients experience no side effects. Some report temporary redness, mild sensitivity to sunlight, or a slight stinging sensation that resolves within a day or two. We'll walk you through everything to expect at your evaluation.

When is the best time of year to start?

Winter and spring are ideal, since IPL makes skin temporarily more sensitive to sunlight. That said, you can start anytime - we'll advise you on sun protection throughout your treatment course.

Are there any other benefits to doing IPL and RF therapy?

In addition to improving dry eye symptoms, IPL and RF have long been used to improve skin complexion and elasticity. Dermatologists often use IPL to reverse sun damage, treat scarring and rosacea, and minimize the appearance of pores. Both IPL and RF stimulate collagen production in the skin, so you may see tighter, more radiant skin around the eyes as an extra benefit of treatments!

Ready to stop managing and start healing?

Book a dry eye evaluation at Looksie. Your optometrist will assess the cause of your symptoms and tell you whether IPL, RF, or a combination approach is right for you.

Book a dry eye evaluation Call (415) 778-2834

Your evaluation may be covered by insurance - Aetna, United Healthcare, Cigna, and Blue Shield of California accepted. We'll respond within 1 business day to confirm your appointment.