What is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Eye Therapy?

Intense Pulsed Light eye therapy, or IPL, is a Health Canada approved treatment for patients with dry eye, blepharitis and ocular rosacea. This treatment can also decrease the presence of mites (demodex) or bacteria around the eyelids.

Benefits

  • Decrease in dry eye symptoms and ocular rosacea
  • Reduces abnormal blood vessels to ease inflammation
  • Safe and quick in-office procedure
  • Same day recovery, slight redness for up to an hour
  • Tailored treatment to your specific needs

Traditionally used as a treatment in Dermatology, IPL also has several aesthetic benefits including decreasing redness, sun spots and hyperpigmentation.

Who is it for?

Patients suffering from dry eye, blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid) or those with ocular rosacea can benefit from this high-efficiency treatment built specifically to reduce treatment time. IPL can also be used to treat styes and chalazions and well as control or eradicate Demodex.

How does it work?

We use Lumecca, a cutting-edge IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) technology from the InMode platform, to address both skin concerns and the underlying inflammation associated with dry eye disease. IPL has become a trusted tool among eye care professionals for managing conditions like meibomian gland dysfunction, blepharitis, and ocular rosacea.

Lumecca delivers controlled pulses of light that reduce abnormal blood vessels and inflammatory mediators around the eyes—key contributors to dry eye. Patients often experience noticeable relief from symptoms, along with improved skin clarity and tone, including reduced redness, sun damage, and pigmentation.

Each treatment is fully customized—adjusting light energy, pulse duration, and frequency—to meet the specific needs of your eyes and skin. The result? Calmer eyes, clearer skin, and more comfortable vision.

What to expect

Your ocular hygienist will first prepare you by cleansing the eyelids using ZEST (Zocular Eyelid System Treatment) to remove any debris or buildup. If an ocular shield is required, your optometrist will place a mild anesthetic drop in your eye before inserting protective eye shields. Your ocular hygienist will apply ultrasound gel to your face and eyelids. When the procedure begins, you will then feel a mild sensation that feels like a warm rubber band each time the light is triggered. The treatment should last 5 minutes.

You can expect to see results in 2-4 treatments. Some side effects may include redness and mild irritation and swelling. A broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen must be worn after, between and throughout the duration of treatment.

Before & After