IPL dry eye treatment: what to expect
15 October, 2026 | 2:00 PMIPL (intense pulsed light) is a light-based treatment for dry eye caused by blocked oil glands in the eyelids. It is given as a course of four sessions, alongside your daily dry eye routine. Preparing your skin before each session matters, and so does sun protection afterwards.
What the treatment is
Small oil glands along your eyelids stop your tears drying out too fast. We use the TearStim system, which applies short pulses of light to the skin below your lower eyelids. The aim is to help those glands work better. In the same visit, we gently press on the eyelid edges to clear the glands.
Before you come
- Arrive with no makeup, sunscreen or moisturiser around your eyes or cheeks.
- Avoid fake tan on your face in the weeks before.
- Avoid sunbaking and solariums in the weeks before. Tanned or sunburnt skin cannot be treated that day.
- Stop retinoid or vitamin A creams near your eyes a week before, unless your doctor says to keep using them.
- Eat as normal. You can drive yourself home.
Tell us before we start if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have epilepsy, have a cold sore, skin problem or tattoo near the eyes, or take medicines or supplements that make skin sensitive to light. Also tell us about any other health conditions or implants. Your optometrist will go through the full list with you.
On the day
- We scan your tear film and glands, then go through your consent form.
- Protective eye cups go over your eyes, and a gel goes on the skin below them.
- The light pulses take a few minutes. You may notice brightness from the flashes and feel warmth on the skin.
- We gently express the glands. Most people find this briefly uncomfortable.
- We soothe the skin and talk through your aftercare.
Your course
Sessions are usually on day 1, day 15, day 45 and day 75. Most people do not notice a clear change after one session. Any benefit tends to build gradually across the course. We re-measure your glands and tear film as we go, so your progress is tracked on your own results.
Aftercare
Do
- Wear sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat between sessions
- Keep up your drops, warm compress and lid cleaning
- Use a cool compress if the skin feels warm
Don’t
- Use makeup or moisturiser around the eyes for the rest of the day
- Have hot showers, saunas or heavy exercise that day
- Use fake tan, peels or facial laser between sessions without checking with us
Pink, warm or slightly puffy skin for a few hours is common. Your vision is unaffected, so you can drive and work as normal.
When to call us on (03) 9702 9118
- Blistering, or skin that breaks or weeps
- Redness or swelling that keeps getting worse after the first day
- A new cold sore or rash in the treated area
- A patch of skin turning lighter or darker
- Pain in the eye itself, light sensitivity or any change in vision
Go the same day to the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital emergency department (32 Gisborne Street, East Melbourne, open 24 hours), or call 000, if
you have strong eye pain, sudden loss of vision, or cannot tolerate light. Tell them you had IPL treatment around the eyes.
Questions about your next session? Book online or call us on (03) 9702 9118.
FAQs
Does IPL treatment hurt?
You may feel warmth on the skin during the light pulses. The gland expression is briefly uncomfortable for most people.
How many IPL sessions will I need?
The usual course is four sessions, on day 1, day 15, day 45 and day 75. Your optometrist will advise whether you need more after that.
Will IPL fix my dry eye?
Dry eye is usually managed over the long term. IPL may help your oil glands work better. Results vary, and your optometrist will track your progress at each visit.
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