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Does This Sound Like You?
If you've been dealing with eyes that just don't feel right — and over-the-counter drops aren't cutting it — you're not alone. Over 16 million Americans struggle with dry eye disease. The good news: today's treatments work, and most patients feel relief within weeks.
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Burning, stinging, or gritty feeling
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Eyes that water for no reason
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Blurry vision that comes and goes
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Sensitivity to light or wind
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Difficulty wearing contacts
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Tired eyes after screen time
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Symptoms worse in air conditioning
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Eye drops that don't seem to help
If even one of these sounds familiar, it's time for a real diagnosis. Most patients are surprised how much better they can feel.
Dry Eye Is More Than Just "Dry"
Most dry eye isn't actually caused by a lack of tears — it's caused by tears that evaporate too quickly. The culprit is usually meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), a condition where the tiny oil glands in your eyelids get clogged. Without that oil layer, your tears evaporate before they can do their job.
Dry eye is a progressive disease, which means it tends to get worse over time without treatment. The longer the glands stay clogged, the more they atrophy. That's why we don't just mask symptoms — we treat the root cause.
And we don't just offer one treatment. We offer the full spectrum, including the two most advanced therapies available today: Lumenis OptiLight IPL and OptiPlus Radiofrequency.
Advanced Dry Eye Treatments
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Comprehensive Dry Eye Evaluation
Because the right treatment starts with the right diagnosis.
Before we recommend anything, we identify exactly what's driving your symptoms — using advanced diagnostics that go far beyond a standard eye exam. Then we build a custom treatment plan around your case.
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Meibography (oil gland imaging)
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Tear film analysis and osmolarity testing
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Custom treatment plan — no one-size-fits-all
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Coordinated care if you also need prescription therapy
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Lumenis OptiLight IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
The only FDA-approved IPL for dry eye disease.
OptiLight uses precisely targeted pulses of light to break up the inflammation that drives most dry eye cases — and to unclog the meibomian glands at the source. Most patients see meaningful improvement after 2–3 sessions.
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FDA-approved specifically for dry eye disease
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Non-invasive — no needles, no drops, no surgery
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Typical course: 4 sessions, 2–4 weeks apart
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Each session takes about 15 minutes
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Lumenis OptiPlus (Radiofrequency)
Gentle warming that restores function to your oil glands.
OptiPlus uses radiofrequency energy to warm the eyelid tissue and stimulate the meibomian glands from the inside. Often combined with OptiLight for the most complete results — and many patients describe the sessions as relaxing.
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Pairs naturally with OptiLight for best outcomes
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Skin-tightening side benefit around the eyes
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Typically 4 sessions, comfortable and quick
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No downtime — return to work the same day
Care From Doctors Who Treat This Every Day
Eye Associates of Winter Park is led by Dr. Kaitlyn Kelley and our team of optometrists who have made dry eye and ocular surface disease a focus of their careers. You're not getting a quick add-on to a routine exam — you're getting the attention of doctors who treat this condition every day, with the technology to back it up.
Common Questions About IPL and Radiofrequency
Is IPL safe for my eyes?
A: Yes. Lumenis OptiLight is FDA-approved specifically for use around the eyes for dry eye disease. You'll wear protective shields throughout treatment, and our doctors carefully calibrate every session to your skin type and sensitivity. It's one of the most well-studied dry eye therapies available.
Will my insurance cover it?
A: Most insurance plans do not cover IPL or Radiofrequency for dry eye, because they're considered specialty treatments. However, we offer CareCredit and flexible in-house payment plans so you can spread the cost out. The diagnostic workup is often partially covered — we'll verify your benefits before you commit.
Is there any downtime?
A: No. You can return to work, drive, and continue your normal routine the same day. Some patients experience mild redness or warmth around the treatment area for a few hours, similar to a light sunburn. That's it.
Can I do IPL if I'm on Accutane / isotretinoin?
A: Not while you're actively on it. We typically require patients to be off Accutane for at least 6 months before starting IPL. Mention any medications during your consultation.
How many sessions will I need?
A: Most patients see meaningful improvement after a course of 4 sessions, spaced 2–4 weeks apart. Some patients see relief sooner, others benefit from a maintenance session once or twice a year. We'll customize the plan to your specific case.
How soon will I feel better?
A: Many patients notice some improvement after the first or second session, with the most dramatic results showing up between sessions 3 and 4. Because we're treating an underlying biological condition (gland dysfunction and inflammation), give it the full series before judging the outcome.
What if I have darker skin? I've heard IPL isn't safe for everyone.
A: Older IPL devices had limitations, but Lumenis OptiLight is designed and FDA-approved to be safe across a broader range of skin types. We perform a thorough screening on your first visit and adjust the settings to your specific skin. If we determine IPL isn't right for you, OptiPlus Radiofrequency works for all skin types.
What does a first appointment look like?
A: Your first visit is a comprehensive dry eye evaluation: meibography (oil gland imaging), tear film analysis, and a one-on-one consult with your doctor to review findings and build a personalized treatment plan. You'll leave knowing exactly what's causing your symptoms and what we recommend.