Dry Eye Treatment

Advanced Treatment for Dry, Burning, Irritated Eyes

Dry eye disease can cause much more than occasional dryness. Burning, stinging, redness, fluctuating vision, excessive tearing, contact lens discomfort, and tired eyes can all be signs that the tear film is not functioning properly.

At Iron Horse Optometric Group, we take a comprehensive approach to dry eye treatment. Rather than simply recommending another bottle of artificial tears, our doctors work to identify why your eyes are dry and develop a treatment plan based on the underlying cause.

For many patients, that means treating inflammation and restoring healthy function of the meibomian glands—the tiny oil-producing glands along the eyelids that are essential for a stable, comfortable tear film.

We now offer advanced treatment with the InMode Envision system, including FormaI radiofrequency (RF) and Lumecca-I intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy.

Advanced Treatment for Dry, Burning, Irritated Eyes

We now offer advanced treatment with the InMode Envision system, including FormaI radiofrequency (RF) and Lumecca-I intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy.

What Causes Dry Eye?

Healthy tears contain a carefully balanced mixture of water, oil, and mucin. When there are not enough tears—or when the tears evaporate too quickly—the surface of the eye can become irritated and inflamed.

Common contributors include:

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)
Inflammation of the eyelids and ocular surface
Ocular rosacea
Reduced tear production
Excessive tear evaporation
Blepharitis and eyelid debris
Demodex mites
Contact lens wear
Prolonged computer and digital-device use
Certain medications and medical conditions
Hormonal and age-related changes

Because dry eye has many possible causes, successful treatment begins with determining which components of the tear system are not functioning properly.

Advanced In-Office Dry Eye Treatments

Forma-I Radiofrequency (RF)

Gentle Heat to Restore Meibomian Gland Function

Forma-I is a non-invasive radiofrequency treatment designed specifically for the delicate areas around the eyes.

Radiofrequency energy gently and precisely warms the eyelids and surrounding tissues. This controlled heat can help soften thickened oils within obstructed meibomian glands, improve circulation, and make it easier for the glands to release the oils needed to keep tears from evaporating too quickly.

Forma-I may be particularly beneficial for patients with:

Meibomian gland dysfunction
Evaporative dry eye
Thickened or obstructed meibomian gland secretions
Chronic eyelid inflammation
Dryness, burning, or fluctuating vision related to an unstable tear film

During treatment, patients typically feel a comfortable warming sensation similar to a warm massage around the eyes.

When appropriate, treatment may be followed by meibomian gland expression, allowing our doctors to clear obstructed glands while the oils are warm and more fluid.

Because radiofrequency energy stimulates collagen remodeling, patients will also notice smoother and/or firmer skin around the eyes and a reduction of fine lines and wrinkles as additional benefits of treatment. Our primary goal, however, is improving eyelid and tear-film function.

Lumecca-I Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

Targeting Inflammation at Its Source

Lumecca-I uses intense pulsed light to deliver carefully controlled pulses of light to the skin surrounding the eyes.

IPL has become an important treatment option for certain forms of inflammatory and evaporative dry eye, particularly when meibomian gland dysfunction or ocular rosacea is involved.

Abnormal superficial blood vessels associated with rosacea can release inflammatory mediators that contribute to the cycle of eyelid and ocular-surface inflammation. IPL selectively targets these vessels and can help reduce this inflammatory burden.

Lumecca-I may be appropriate for patients with:

Ocular rosacea
Meibomian gland dysfunction
Inflammatory dry eye
Chronic eyelid redness
Recurrent irritation associated with eyelid inflammation

IPL may also help reduce organisms and debris around the eyelids that can contribute to inflammation.

During treatment, patients see a bright flash and may feel a brief snapping or warming sensation on the skin. Treatment is performed in our office and requires little to no downtime for most patients.

IPL also reduces areas of facial redness, visible blood vessels, and pigmentation (age spots and sun spots) as secondary cosmetic benefits.

Why Combine RF + IPL?

Two Technologies. Different Targets. One Treatment Plan.

Dry eye is rarely caused by a single problem.

For some patients, inflammation is a major driver of the disease. For others, obstructed meibomian glands and poor oil flow are the primary problem. Many patients have both.

That is why Forma-I and Lumecca-I can complement one another.

Lumecca-I IPL

Targets inflammatory processes
Helps address ocular rosacea and abnormal superficial vessels
Reduces redness and inflammation

Forma-I RF

Provides controlled therapeutic warming
Helps soften obstructed meibomian gland oils
Supports improved gland function and oil secretion

Used together when clinically appropriate, IPL and RF allow us to address several contributors to dry eye disease rather than treating symptoms alone.

Your doctor will determine whether IPL, RF, a combination of both, or another treatment approach is best for you.

Other Dry Eye Treatments

RF and IPL are important additions to our dry-eye treatment options, but they are not appropriate for every patient and are not the only treatments we offer.

Depending on the cause and severity of your dry eye, your personalized treatment plan may include:

Preservative-free artificial tears
Prescription anti-inflammatory eye drops
Eyelid hygiene and lid-margin treatment
Warm compresses and at-home therapies
Nutritional recommendations
Meibomian gland expression
Thermal treatment of the meibomian glands
Punctal occlusion
Treatment for Demodex or blepharitis
Specialty or scleral contact lenses
Other therapies selected by your doctor

Our goal is not simply to temporarily lubricate your eyes. It is to identify and treat the factors contributing to your dry eye whenever possible.

Is RF or IPL Right for You?

If you have relied on artificial tears but continue to experience:

Burning or stinging
Red or irritated eyes
Fluctuating or blurry vision
Watery eyes
Contact lens discomfort
Tired or heavy-feeling eyes
Sensitivity to wind or air conditioning
Symptoms that worsen with computers or digital devices

…it may be time for a more comprehensive dry eye evaluation.

At Iron Horse Optometric Group in Dublin, California, our doctors can evaluate your tear film, eyelids, meibomian glands, and ocular surface to determine what is causing your symptoms and whether Forma-I RF, Lumecca-I IPL, or another treatment is appropriate.

Don’t Just Manage Dry Eye. Treat What’s Causing It.

Discover whether advanced dry eye treatment can help your eyes feel comfortable again.

Call for a Dry Eye Evaluation Today

7197 Village Parkway, Suite D
Dublin, CA 94568
(925) 828-9511

Dry Eye Treatment

Advanced Treatment for Dry, Burning, Irritated Eyes

Advanced Treatment for Dry, Burning, Irritated Eyes

What Causes Dry Eye?