Dry Eye & Ocular Surface Disease: Benefits of Advanced RF Treatment

RF gently heats the skin, stimulating collagen and improving circulation, but for dry eye, the main benefit is warming the meibomian glands (the oil glands in your eyelids).

This helps melt the thick oil that is clogging your glands, allowing it to flow more freely and stabilize your tears.

Not All Radiofrequency for Dry Eye Is Created

If you’ve heard of radiofrequency (RF) treatments for dry eye, you might assume they’re all the same. But as a dry eye specialist, I can tell you that the technique used with RF makes a significant difference in your results.

We are excited to now offer advanced RF treatment for dry eye in our office, helping our patients find longer-lasting relief.

OUR DIFFERENCE

Many practices use RF over the orbital bone rim around the eye because it is easier and doesn’t require eye protection. While this can indirectly help dry eye, it doesn’t effectively heat the meibomian glands themselves, limiting the benefit for dry eye relief.

In our office, we use special protective eye shields that allow us to safely apply RF directly over your eyelids, right where your meibomian glands are located. Not only do we heat the glands effectively, but we also express the glands while they are warm, allowing the thick oils to clear out efficiently. This dual approach, combining direct heat with immediate expression, results in a more comprehensive treatment, helping your glands function more effectively and providing longer-lasting dry eye relief.

This advanced RF treatment can also be paired with IPL treatments to more effectively

express the meibomian glands after IPL, enhancing results for dry eye relief.

If you experience dry, irritated, or fluctuating vision due to meibomian gland dysfunction, we would be happy to help you find relief with this new treatment option.

🌟 Clinical Benefits of RF for Dry Eye & MGD

✅ 1. Melts Obstructed Meibum

RF delivers targeted heat to the eyelids, helping melt thickened oil secretions that clog the meibomian glands. This improves gland drainage and restores the lipid layer of the tear film — essential for preventing tear evaporation.

✅ 2. Reduces Eyelid Inflammation

The controlled thermal energy reduces inflammation commonly associated with blepharitis, ocular rosacea, and chronic MGD, relieving symptoms like grittiness, redness, and irritation.

✅ 3. Stimulates Collagen & Circulation

RF boosts collagen production and local blood flow, improving the structural integrity and long-term health of the eyelids and glands.

✅ 4. Non-Invasive & Comfortable

Sessions typically last 20–30 minutes, are pain-free, and require no downtime. Patients report a soothing warmth during the treatment.

✅ 5. Improves Tear Film Stability

By enhancing meibomian gland function, RF therapy supports a more stable tear film, improving vision clarity and reducing ocular surface stress.

🧬 Ideal for Patients With:

• Evaporative dry eye (the most common form)

• Chronic or recurrent MGD

• Blepharitis-related OSD

• Early signs of ocular surface disease

• Incomplete response to artificial tears or warm compresses

  
  

🔁 Treatment Protocol:

A typical protocol includes 3–4 initial treatments, spaced 2–3 weeks apart, with maintenance sessions every 6–12 months depending on severity and recurrence.

🧪 Evidence-Based Support

Peer-reviewed studies show that RF therapy can:

• Improve tear breakup time (TBUT)

• Enhance meibomian gland expressibility

• Reduce ocular discomfort scores

BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY