Dry Eye Clinic

A modern approach to treating dry eye disease, blepharitis and rosacea‑related eye symptoms

At Haig‑Brown Optometry, we see every day how conditions like dry eye disease, blepharitis, and rosacea can impact comfort, vision, and overall quality of life. These conditions often overlap, feeding into one another through inflammation, gland dysfunction, and eyelid irritation.

When traditional treatments aren’t enough, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy and Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) offer a powerful, non‑invasive option to address the underlying causes, not just the symptoms.

What is IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)?

Intense Pulsed Light is a gentle, light‑based treatment which has been clinically proven to be an effective tool for managing inflammatory eyelid and tear‑film conditions.

By delivering controlled pulses of light to the skin around the eyelids, IPL helps reduce inflammation and restore healthier function to the meibomian glands, which are essential for stable, comfortable tears.

What is LLLT (low‑level light therapy)?

LLLT uses a comfortable, mask‑based device that emits specific wavelengths of light. This light penetrates the eyelids to stimulate cellular repair and reduce inflammation.

How IPL and LLLT support eye health

Melts and softens meibomian gland blockages.
Stimulates cellular regeneration in eyelid tissues.
Reduces inflammation without heat or discomfort.
Improves tear quality by restoring gland function.
Supports healing in chronic eyelid and skin conditions.
Reduces the bacterial load around the eyes.

IPL and LLLT are particularly helpful because they target the shared root causes behind dry eye disease, blepharitis, and rosacea:

For dry eye disease

Improves the quality and flow of oils that keep tears from evaporating.
Stabilizes the tear film for longer‑lasting comfort.
Reduces chronic inflammation that contributes to dryness.

Learn more about light treatment for dry eye disease here.

For blepharitis

Reduces bacteria and Demodex mites that irritate the eyelids.
Helps unclog and restore meibomian gland function.
Calms redness and swelling along the eyelid margins.

Learn more about light treatment for blepharitis here.

For rosacea

Targets abnormal blood vessels that trigger inflammation.
Reduces facial and eyelid redness.
Helps break the cycle of rosacea‑related flare‑ups that worsen dry eye.

Learn more about light treatment for rosacea here.

By addressing these interconnected issues, IPL and LLLT provide a comprehensive approach to improving eyelid health and tear stability.

Benefits patients commonly experience

Patients treated with IPL and LLLT often notice:

Less dryness, burning, and irritation.
Reduced eyelid redness and inflammation.
Fewer blepharitis flare‑ups.
Improved comfort during reading, screen use, and daily activities.
Decreased need for artificial tears.
More stable, clearer vision.

Because IPL and LLLT work at the source of inflammation, many patients experience longer‑lasting relief compared to surface‑level treatments.

Who can benefit from the treatment?

IPL and LLLT may be a good option if you have:

Chronic dry eye disease.
Meibomian gland dysfunction.
Blepharitis (including Demodex‑related).
Rosacea affecting the face or eyelids.
Persistent symptoms despite standard treatments.

Our team will assess your skin type, eye health, and medical history to ensure the treatment is safe and appropriate for you.

Expected outcomes

Many patients report:

Improved comfort
Reduced reliance on eye drops
Better quality of life

Benefits may be noticed after the first session, but optimal results typically appear after the full course.

Post-treatment care

Avoid direct sun exposure and use sunscreen on the treated area for 24–48 hours
Follow any specific advice provided by your practitioner
Attend all scheduled appointments to achieve the best outcome
Each pulse is quick, and the session typically lasts 5-10 minutes

Aftercare instructions

On removing the mask after each LLLT session you may find your vision is affected and your perception of colours will be temporarily altered. This is a normal effect from exposing the eyes to light of certain colours and will completely resolve in a few minutes.

Skin may feel warm or slightly pink for a few hours after treatment.

Apply a gentle, hydrating moisturiser and broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily. Wear sunglasses when outside for the first week.

Things to avoid:

Direct sun exposure for 1–2 weeks
Harsh skincare products for 3–5 days
Heat treatments like saunas or hot baths for 24–48 hours