Preparing for Your First IPL Session: What You Should Know

If your eyes often feel dry, gritty, or irritated, you may be dealing with dry eye disease. At Eye Trends Southlake, we provide IPL in Southlake as part of our advanced dry eye treatment services to help patients find lasting relief from uncomfortable symptoms. If you’re preparing for your first IPL session, here’s what you should know to make the most of your experience.
 

Understanding IPL for Dry Eyes

IPL therapy uses gentle pulses of light to target inflammation and unclog the meibomian glands in the eyelids - the glands responsible for producing the oily layer of your tears. When these glands are blocked, tears evaporate too quickly, leading to dryness and irritation. IPL works by improving gland function, reducing inflammation, and restoring tear film balance for healthier, more comfortable eyes.
 

Before Your Appointment

Before your first IPL session in Southlake, your eye doctor in Southlake will perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether you’re a good candidate for treatment. In the days leading up to your appointment:

• Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds. IPL targets pigment, so it’s important to minimize recent UV exposure.

• Discontinue certain skincare products. Stop using retinoids or chemical exfoliants that can increase skin sensitivity.

• Arrive with clean skin. Remove all makeup, lotions, and sunscreen before your session.

• Inform your doctor of any medications. Certain prescriptions may affect your skin’s light sensitivity.
 

What to Expect During the Session

During the procedure, you’ll wear protective eyewear while gentle pulses of light are applied to the area beneath your eyes. The process usually takes about 30 minutes and is generally well tolerated. Patients often describe the sensation as a mild warmth or light snap on the skin. Your optometrist in Southlake may also perform a meibomian gland expression immediately following the IPL treatment to help clear blockages and promote oil flow.
 

Aftercare and Recovery

After your session, you might notice slight redness or warmth in the treated area, which typically subsides within a few hours. You can return to your normal routine right away, but be sure to:

• Avoid direct sunlight and use sunscreen.

• Skip makeup or heavy skincare for 24 hours.

• Follow any post-treatment instructions provided by your doctor.

Most patients require a series of sessions, typically spaced a few weeks apart, to achieve the best results. Many report noticeable improvement in dryness, comfort, and overall eye health after completing their IPL treatment plan.
 

Ready to Treat Dry Eyes at the Source?

If you’re tired of battling dry, irritated eyes, IPL therapy could be the solution you’ve been looking for. We offer personalized dry eye treatment in Southlake tailored to your unique needs.

Schedule your dry eye evaluation at Eye Trends Southlake to learn more about IPL therapy and take the first step toward long-lasting relief. Visit our office in Southlake, Texas, or call (817) 900-EYES (3937) to book an appointment today.