If your eyes often feel dry, irritated, or tired—especially after screen time or at the end of the day—you may be dealing with more than occasional dryness. Many people rely on artificial tears for short-term relief without realizing they might have inflammatory dry eye caused by underlying conditions. Identifying the true source of symptoms is key to finding lasting comfort.
More Than Just Dry Eyes
Many people experience ongoing discomfort due to inflammatory dry eye linked to conditions such as Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), ocular rosacea, or Demodex mites. These issues affect the quality of the tear film and can worsen over time if left untreated.
At Brookfield Vision Care, our optometrists take a comprehensive and medically advanced approach to diagnosing and treating chronic dry eye. One of our advanced treatment options for inflammation-driven dry eye is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy—a non-invasive, light-based solution that focuses on underlying causes, not just symptoms.
What Is IPL Therapy—and How Does It Treat Dry Eye?
Originally developed for dermatology, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy has been shown to be effective in treating evaporative and inflammatory dry eye associated with meibomian gland dysfunction and abnormal blood vessels around the eyelids.
IPL works by:
- Reducing inflammation around the eyes
- Stimulating and supporting meibomian gland function
- Minimizing abnormal blood vessels that contribute to chronic irritation
Unlike over-the-counter eye drops or warm compresses that offer temporary relief, IPL supports tear film health by improving oil gland performance, which may lead to longer-lasting symptom improvement.
Learn more about dry eye disease and treatment at Brookfield Vision Care.
Signs and Symptoms of Inflammatory Dry Eye
Dry eye disease often develops gradually, and many symptoms are overlooked or misattributed.
Common symptoms include:
- Burning or stinging sensations
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Eye fatigue, especially later in the day
- Redness and irritation
- Persistent dryness or discomfort
- Frequent use of artificial tears
Less obvious signs may include:
- Swollen, red, or flushed eyelids
- Small visible blood vessels on the eyelids (telangiectasia)
- Lash line irritation or itching, often associated with Demodex mites
- Discomfort with contact lens wear
- Worsening symptoms during prolonged screen use
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, scheduling a comprehensive dry eye evaluation in Brookfield, CT can help identify the underlying cause.
Who Is a Good Candidate for IPL Dry Eye Treatment?
IPL is often recommended for patients whose dry eye is linked to inflammation or meibomian gland dysfunction. You may be a good candidate if you:
- Have been diagnosed with meibomian gland dysfunction
- Experience ongoing burning, redness, or eye fatigue
- Have ocular or facial rosacea
- Show signs of telangiectasia around the eyelids
- Have Demodex-related eyelid inflammation
- Rely on artificial tears without lasting relief
- Struggle with contact lens comfort
- Notice worsening symptoms with extended screen time
Male patients are frequently underdiagnosed for inflammatory dry eye, particularly when rosacea or Demodex involvement is present, and often notice improvement once properly evaluated and treated.
Why a Professional Dry Eye Evaluation Matters
Dry eye disease is complex and multifactorial, which is why accurate diagnosis is essential. A comprehensive dry eye evaluation may include:
- Meibography to assess gland structure and function
- Tear film analysis to evaluate tear quality and stability
- High-resolution imaging to identify gland blockage or eyelid inflammation
- Screening for Demodex mites, ocular rosacea, and other contributing factors
This detailed assessment allows your optometrist to recommend a customized dry eye treatment plan and determine whether IPL therapy is clinically appropriate.
Learn more about our Dry Eye Treatment Plans at Brookfield Vision Care.
Experience Long-Term Dry Eye Relief in Brookfield, CT
If eye drops, warm compresses, or medications haven’t provided meaningful relief, IPL may be an effective next step. Patients often report:
- Reduced redness and irritation
- Decreased reliance on artificial tears
- Improved contact lens comfort
- Clearer, more stable vision
- Better overall eye comfort
By addressing contributing inflammation and gland dysfunction, IPL supports healthier tear film function rather than masking symptoms.
Ready to Find Relief? Schedule Your Dry Eye Consultation Today
Chronic eye discomfort shouldn’t be ignored. Taking a proactive approach can help protect long-term eye comfort and vision quality. Contact Brookfield Vision Care in Brookfield to learn more about advanced dry eye treatment options and schedule your personalized evaluation.
