Dry Eye Treatment in Phoenix, AZ

Common Dry Eye Factors & Causes

Dry eye is often caused by multiple factors, including:

• Reduced tear production: Age, certain medications, and autoimmune diseases can decrease tear production.
• Tear film instability: Changes in the composition of your tears can disrupt the tear film, leading to rapid evaporation and eye dryness.
• Blocked oil glands: Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) can prevent the proper flow of oil into your tears, causing them to evaporate more quickly.
• Eyelid inflammation: Blepharitis or ocular rosacea can cause inflammation that disrupts normal tear production and flow.

Understanding Dry Eye & the Tear Film

Every time you blink, a thin film of tears spreads across your eye, creating a smooth surface essential for clear vision. For some, the tear film isn’t produced in the right amount or quality to keep their eyes comfortable and healthy—a condition called dry eye.

The tear film has 3 layers: oily, watery, and mucus. These layers work together to retain moisture, nourish the eye, and keep the surface clean. Maintaining a balanced tear film is key to healthy, comfortable vision.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy

Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy targets and treats inflamed oil glands around the eyelids. The gentle light energy helps reduce inflammation and unclog blocked glands, restoring proper oil production.

The treatment itself is quick, with no downtime. You may experience mild warmth during the procedure. Some patients even notice improvements after the first session, though the number of treatments you’ll need depends on the severity of your condition.

Many people see significant, lasting relief from dry eye symptoms with IPL, including reduced redness, less irritation, and clearer vision.

Radiofrequency (RF) Treatment

Radiofrequency (RF) technology uses controlled heat to gently treat the eyelids, stimulating collagen production and improving the function of the meibomian glands. RF can also help tighten skin and is offered as a skin rejuvenation treatment through our Reflejo Med Spa.

RF treatments are tolerable and require no downtime—you can return to your routine immediately. Your eye doctor will recommend the right number of treatments based on your specific needs. 

RF therapy helps improve tear quality, reduce inflammation, and alleviate symptoms, providing longer-lasting relief.