What to Expect During OptiLight IPL Treatment for Dry Eye

February 18th, 2026

Dry, burning eyes at the end of the day? Do your eyes water constantly - even though they feel dry and irritated? If you’ve tried artificial tears, warm compresses, or prescription drops without lasting relief, you’re not alone. At Northwest Eye Center, we offer OptiLight IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatment as an advanced, non-invasive solution designed to target the underlying cause of dry eye. If you’re considering this treatment, here’s what you can expect.

Understanding OptiLight IPL for Dry Eye

OptiLight IPL is the first and only FDA-approved IPL treatment specifically designed for managing dry eye disease caused by meibomian gland dysfunction.

The meibomian glands, located along the edges of your eyelids, produce the oil layer of your tears. When these glands become blocked or inflamed, tears evaporate too quickly - leading to dryness, irritation, and inflammation.

OptiLight uses carefully controlled pulses of light applied to the skin around the eyes to:

• Reduce inflammation
• Improve meibomian gland function
• Decrease abnormal blood vessels contributing to irritation
• Stabilize the tear film

The result is healthier tear production and long-term relief from dry eye symptoms.

Before Your Treatment

Your journey begins with a comprehensive dry eye evaluation at Northwest Eye Center. During this visit, our doctor will:

• Assess your symptoms
• Evaluate your tear film and gland function
• Determine whether OptiLight IPL is right for you

If you are a candidate, we’ll explain the treatment plan. Most patients require a series of four treatments spaced approximately two to four weeks apart for optimal results.

You may be advised to:

• Avoid sun exposure before treatment
• Arrive without makeup or lotions around the eyes
• Inform us of any medications or recent skin treatments

What Happens During the Procedure?

OptiLight IPL treatments are performed right in our office and typically take about 15-30 minutes.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Preparation: You’ll relax comfortably while protective shields are placed over your eyes. A gel is applied to the treatment area to ensure comfort and protect your skin.
• Light Pulses: Our doctor will deliver precise pulses of light to the skin below your eyes and across the upper cheek area.
• Gland Expression (If Recommended): In some cases, your doctor may gently express the meibomian glands after treatment to help clear blockages and improve oil flow.

There are no incisions, needles, or downtime involved.

After the Treatment

One of the biggest advantages of OptiLight IPL is that it requires little to no downtime. After your appointment, you may notice mild redness or a slight warmth in the treated area. These effects are temporary and typically resolve within a few hours.

Most patients are able to return to their normal daily activities immediately following treatment. As part of your aftercare instructions, you’ll be advised to wear sunscreen, avoid direct sun exposure, and continue any prescribed dry eye care routine to support your results.

Improvement in symptoms is usually gradual. While some patients notice changes sooner, many begin to experience meaningful relief after multiple treatment sessions.

How Long Do Results Last?

Because dry eye disease is chronic, maintenance treatments may be recommended after your initial series. Many patients enjoy long-lasting symptom relief and significantly improved comfort with routine follow-up care. By treating the root cause of inflammation and gland dysfunction, OptiLight offers a proactive solution rather than temporary symptom management.

Ready to Experience the Difference with OptiLight IPL?

Living with dry eye can affect your comfort, productivity, and overall quality of life. OptiLight IPL offers a modern, clinically proven solution designed to treat the underlying cause of dry eye disease—not just the symptoms.

With quick, in-office treatments and minimal downtime, patients can experience meaningful, long-term relief and improved tear stability. If you’re ready to move beyond temporary fixes and address the root cause of your dry eye symptoms, OptiLight may be the solution you’ve been looking for.
 

Contact Northwest Eye Center to schedule your dry eye evaluation and get started with OptiLight IPL treatment. Visit our office in Barrington, Crystal Lake, or Elgin, Illinois. Please call (847) 382-3640, (815) 455-4222, or (847) 888-2020 to book an appointment today.