How Many IPL Sessions Are Required to See Results for Dry Eye? Learn Intense Pulsed Light Details

If you live in Franklin, Tennessee, and find yourself constantly battling dry, irritated eyes, you’re not alone. Whether it’s the changing seasons, allergies, or long hours in front of a screen, dry eye disease is a growing issue in our community. Fortunately, advances in dry eye treatment have given us Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy—a non-invasive option that helps restore the health of your tear film.

Why Is Dry Eye So Common?

Living in Franklin has a lot of perks—gorgeous parks, a thriving music scene, and a strong sense of community. But the same environment that makes this area unique can also contribute to chronic dry eye symptoms.

Allergy Seasons That Never Seem to End – Pollen is a year-round battle in Middle Tennessee, leading to inflammation that can make dry eye symptoms worse.
High Humidity in Summer, Dry Indoor Air in Winter – Our summer humidity might make you think dry eye wouldn’t be an issue, but indoor air conditioning can zap moisture quickly. And in winter, the opposite problem occurs—dry, heated air that evaporates tears too fast.
Increased Screen Time & Urban Growth – Whether it’s working remotely, scrolling social media, or streaming shows, our screen time is at an all-time high. More screens mean less blinking, and that’s a fast track to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD).

How IPL Therapy Helps Dry Eye

IPL therapy was originally developed for treating skin conditions like rosacea, but eye care specialists have found it highly effective in reducing inflammation and unblocking the meibomian glands—the glands responsible for producing the protective oil layer in your tears. Without this oil, tears evaporate too quickly, leaving your eyes feeling dry, irritated, and uncomfortable.

IPL uses gentle pulses of light to target the blood vessels that contribute to inflammation. It also liquefies hardened oils stuck in the meibomian glands, making it easier for your natural tear film to stabilize.

How Many IPL Sessions Do You Need to See Results?

Most patients need a series of four IPL sessions spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart to achieve optimal results, but the exact number of treatments depends on your underlying condition, the severity of your symptoms, and our doctor’s recommendations. Here’s why:

First Session: Starts breaking down inflammation and gently opens blocked glands.
Second Session: Further reduces redness and improves tear stability.
Third Session: Glands begin producing more oil, and symptoms significantly improve.
Fourth Session: Results are solidified, and maintenance care can be determined.

Some patients start to notice relief after the second treatment, while others see the most improvement after completing four or more sessions. Many people experience long-term symptom relief, and only occasional maintenance sessions may be needed to keep their eyes feeling comfortable.

Schedule Your Dry Eye Evaluation Today

If you’re tired of using artificial tears constantly or feel like your eyes are gritty and uncomfortable no matter what you do, IPL therapy could be the solution. Unlike eye drops that only provide temporary relief, IPL targets the root cause of MGD and helps restore your eye’s natural tear function. At Ascent Eye Care and Eyewear Gallery, we personalize IPL treatment plans based on your specific needs. Whether dry eye is a seasonal battle or a year-round struggle, we can help you find long-lasting relief.

If dry, irritated eyes are interfering with your daily life, schedule a consultation with Ascent Eye Care and Eyewear Gallery to discover if IPL therapy is right for you. Visit our office in Franklin, Tennessee, or call (615) 560-8245 to book an appointment today.