February 23, 2026

Dry, irritated eyes can be frustrating, especially when symptoms persist despite over-the-counter treatments. If you’re considering IPL therapy for dry eye, an eye exam is an essential first step. At East Main Vision Clinic, we use this evaluation to identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and determine whether IPL is the most effective treatment option for lasting relief.

Why an Eye Exam Is Essential Before IPL

Dry eye symptoms often feel the same from patient to patient - burning, redness, irritation, and blurry vision - but the underlying causes can vary significantly. An eye exam allows our doctors to look beyond symptoms and identify what is truly causing your discomfort. This step is critical to ensuring IPL is both safe and effective for your specific type of dry eye.

Identifying the Root Cause of Your Symptoms

Dry eye is not a single condition, and it is rarely caused by “lack of tears” alone. Symptoms may stem from meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), chronic inflammation, tear film instability, blepharitis or eyelid margin disease, as well as hormonal changes, medications, or environmental factors. Because IPL is particularly effective for dry eye related to inflammation and MGD, an eye exam helps confirm whether this treatment is the right fit for your condition.

Determining the Best Treatment Plan

There is no one-size-fits-all solution for dry eye disease. Some patients respond well to IPL alone, while others achieve better results with a combination of therapies. Your eye exam helps determine whether IPL is appropriate, how many treatments may be needed, and whether additional treatments - such as prescription eye drops, lid hygiene routines, or nutritional support - should be included to improve outcomes.

What Happens During a Dry Eye Evaluation?

A dry eye evaluation goes beyond a standard vision exam and focuses on how your eyes function on a day-to-day basis. During your visit, our doctors carefully assess tear quality and stability to see how well your tears protect the eye’s surface. We also evaluate the health of your meibomian glands, looking for blockages or gland dysfunction that commonly contribute to dry eye symptoms.

In addition, we examine the eyelids and lash margins for signs of inflammation or debris, assess the ocular surface for redness, irritation, or damage, and review your lifestyle and symptom history. Factors such as screen time, environment, and medications all play a role in dry eye. This comprehensive approach allows us to pinpoint the cause of your symptoms and develop a targeted treatment plan.

Personalized IPL Treatment

If IPL is recommended, your treatment plan is fully customized based on your exam findings. This may include adjusting light settings to match your skin type and condition, targeting inflammation and abnormal blood vessels that contribute to dry eye, and combining IPL with meibomian gland expression or other supportive therapies when appropriate. By starting with a thorough eye exam, we ensure IPL is delivered safely and effectively - maximizing both comfort and long-term results.

Ready to See If IPL Is Right for You?

An eye exam isn’t just a formality before IPL - it’s the foundation of successful dry eye treatment. By identifying the cause of your symptoms and creating a personalized plan, our doctors help ensure IPL delivers meaningful, long-term relief.

Schedule your dry eye evaluation at East Main Vision Clinic today. Our doctors will help uncover the cause of your symptoms and guide you toward the most effective, personalized IPL treatment plan. Visit our office in Puyallup, Washington, or call (253) 780-0700 to book an appointment.