That scratchy, gritty feeling in your eyes can make it hard to focus on your day. You might find yourself blinking constantly, trying to clear away a blurriness that just will not go away. When your eyes feel tired and sore, even simple tasks like reading or looking at a screen can feel like a chore.
At Dr. Bishop & Associates, radiofrequency treatments offer a gentle approach to help manage these frustrating symptoms. This type of dry eye therapy uses controlled warmth to improve your eye’s natural moisture, helping you find lasting comfort.
What Are the Signs of Dry Eye?
You may feel the frustrating effects of dry eye in your daily life. This condition arises from issues with tear quality or quantity, and it often shows up as more than just dryness. Common signs include:
- Scratchy or gritty feelings
- Redness & irritation
- Watery eyes that seem to overreact
- Tired or sore eyes
- Blurry vision that comes & goes
- Difficulty with contact lens wear
How Radiofrequency Therapy Treats Dry Eye
How Radiofrequency Therapy Treats Dry Eye
Radiofrequency (RF) therapy is typically used alongside IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatment as part of a comprehensive approach to dry eye relief. While IPL targets inflammation and improves oil gland function, RF adds therapeutic warmth to enhance the results.
How RF Works for Your Eyes
Radiofrequency is a treatment that uses gentle energy waves applied directly to your eyelids. This energy creates a warming effect that helps soften and melt blockages in the meibomian glands, the tiny oil glands along your eyelid margins.
Think of it like a highly targeted warm compress that can reach the source of the problem. By clearing these pathways, your eyes get the help they need to function properly again.
What RF Aims to Do
The main goal of radiofrequency (RF) treatment is to improve the function of your meibomian glands. When these glands work better, they can release the natural oils needed for a healthy tear film. This oily layer is important for protecting your eyes.
A healthy tear film keeps your eyes moist and comfortable. This can provide you with lasting relief from the daily irritation of dry eye.
What to Expect During Your RF Treatment
Before the Appointment
The eye care team provides simple instructions to follow before you arrive. This usually involves coming to your appointment with a clean face, free of any makeup or lotions. This helps the treatment be as effective as possible.
The Treatment Session
For the radiofrequency portion, a smooth, handheld device is gently moved along your upper and lower eyelids. You may feel a comfortable, warm sensation as the device works. This part of the session is non-invasive and usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
After Your Session
You can return to your regular activities right away after RF and IPL treatment, but some aftercare is important. For the first 24 to 48 hours, avoid direct sun exposure, wear sunglasses when you go outside, and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen around the treated area. This protects your skin while it heals from the IPL treatment.
You may notice some temporary warmth or mild redness that typically fades within a few hours. Most patients see the best results from a series of treatments spaced about a month apart. Your optometrist will create a personalized plan to help you achieve long-term relief from dry eye symptoms.
Is RF Therapy a Good Fit for Your Eyes?
RF treatment may be a suitable option if you deal with ongoing dry eye symptoms related to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). It is often recommended for people who have not found enough relief from other methods like eye drops or artificial tears.
A comprehensive eye exam is the first step. A thorough evaluation of your glands and tear film helps determine if RF is the right choice for your specific needs. This helps create a treatment plan tailored just for you.
While the focus of this dry eye therapy is on your eyes, the RF technology used offers an added benefit. The same energy that treats your glands also helps stimulate collagen production, which can lead to firmer, smoother-looking skin around the eyes.
Explore Your Dry Eye & Vision Options in Calgary
Living with dry, uncomfortable eyes does not have to be your norm. With a proper eye disease diagnosis, you can find a path toward relief. A complete evaluation helps identify the root cause of your symptoms, so you can get the right support.
A personalized approach helps your whole family get the right support, whether it’s advanced dry eye therapies like RF and IPL or other solutions for long-term eye health.Ready to leave the discomfort of dry eyes behind? The team at Dr. Bishop & Associates is here to help you understand your options and find a solution that works for you.
Book your comprehensive eye exam today to explore personalized dry eye therapy in Calgary.
