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InMode IPL Treatments

Chronic dry eye, inflamed eyelids, and ocular rosacea are more than just uncomfortable—they can disrupt your vision and diminish your quality of life. At The Eye Institute of Utah in Salt Lake City, we use the advanced InMode Envision system, featuring Forma-I and Lumecca-I handpieces, to deliver targeted light- and radiofrequency-based treatments that address the root causes of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and inflammation-related dry eye disease. These same technologies may also offer aesthetic improvements, including brighter skin tone and reduced redness around the eyes.

Whether you’re seeking relief from ocular discomfort or hoping to rejuvenate tired, red, or uneven skin, IPL therapy can provide a personalized, non-invasive solution.

Learn more about the causes and symptoms of Dry Eyes

What is IPL Therapy?

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and radiofrequency (RF) are advanced, non-invasive treatments used to address both medical and cosmetic concerns. At The Eye Institute of Utah, we use the InMode Envision system, which includes:

Forma-I

A radiofrequency treatment that gently heats the skin and underlying meibomian glands. This helps melt thickened oils, unclog blocked glands, stimulate collagen production, and restore a healthy tear film—making it especially helpful for dry eye caused by MGD.1

Lumecca-I

An IPL treatment that delivers short bursts of light to the skin. These light pulses target inflamed blood vessels, reduce inflammatory signals, and help clear pigmentation and redness around the eyes. It’s commonly used for ocular rosacea, blepharitis, and inflammatory dry eye.2

IPL works by sending light into the skin, where it’s absorbed by blood vessels or pigmented cells. That light turns into gentle heat, which breaks down unwanted vessels and spots, reduces inflammation, and encourages healing. Over time, this leads to clearer skin and a healthier ocular surface.

Together, Forma-I and Lumecca-I allow us to treat the underlying causes of dry eye and rosacea, while also improving the tone and texture of the skin around the eyes.

Forma-I for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) and Dry Eye

Forma-I uses controlled radiofrequency energy to gently warm the eyelids and stimulate the meibomian glands, which are responsible for producing the oils that prevent your tears from evaporating too quickly. This treatment can:

  • Melt thickened oils and improve gland expression
  • Unclog blocked glands to restore natural tear film balance
  • Reduce inflammation around the lid margins
  • Improve tear stability, comfort, and visual clarity
  • Offer mild tightening of skin around the lower lids

Forma-I treatments are quick and comfortable, typically taking 10 to 15 minutes per session. Most patients begin to notice improvement after 2 to 3 treatments.

Lumecca-I for Ocular Rosacea and Inflammation

Lumecca-I delivers broad-spectrum light pulses that target the telangiectasia (abnormal blood vessels) and inflammatory mediators associated with ocular rosacea, blepharitis, and chronic eyelid inflammation. This therapy can help:

  • Decrease redness, burning, and irritation around the eyes
  • Improve ocular surface health and lid margin function
  • Reduce flare-ups of inflammatory dry eye disease
  • Fade visible blood vessels, dark circles, and pigmentation

Lumecca-I is particularly beneficial for patients whose dry eye symptoms are driven by inflammatory conditions rather than gland blockages alone.3

Combining Forma-I and Lumecca-I for Comprehensive Dry Eye Treatment

When used together, Forma-I and Lumecca-I offer a synergistic approach to dry eye management. Forma-I improves meibomian gland function, while Lumecca-I addresses inflammation and vascular abnormalities.

Combining both treatments can:

  • Reduce the need for artificial tears or medications
  • Improve tear quality and ocular comfort
  • Address both structural and inflammatory causes of dry eye
  • Deliver bonus cosmetic improvements, such as reduced under-eye redness and smoother skin texture

Your provider will recommend a tailored treatment plan based on the severity of your symptoms, underlying causes, and treatment goals.

Cosmetic Benefits of IPL Therapy

Although our primary focus is treating medical conditions like dry eye and rosacea, patients often appreciate the cosmetic benefits that come with IPL therapy:

  • Brighter, more even skin tone
  • Reduction in sun damage, age spots, and hyperpigmentation
  • Smoother texture and tighter lower eyelid skin
  • Diminished facial redness and visible blood vessels

These aesthetic enhancements are a natural result of the underlying skin renewal stimulated by light and RF energy, particularly around the eyes and upper cheeks.

What to Expect During Treatment

For Forma-I

  • No numbing or gel is needed
  • A handpiece gently glides along the lower eyelids and cheeks
  • Patients feel a warm sensation, often described as relaxing

Treatment takes 10–15 minutes and requires no downtime

 

For Lumecca-I

  • A light coupling gel may be applied
  • Protective eye shields are used for safety
  • You’ll feel brief flashes of light; discomfort is minimal
  • Sessions last 20–30 minutes, depending on the area treated

Most patients return to normal activities immediately after their appointment.

Recovery & Results

After Forma-I:

  • Mild redness or warmth around the eyelids is common but brief
  • Many patients notice a reduction in dry eye symptoms within a few sessions
  • Improvements in tear quality and comfort often build with each treatment

After Lumecca-I:

  • Redness and swelling are typically mild and resolve within 24–48 hours
  • Pigmented areas may darken temporarily before flaking off
  • Gradual improvement in both ocular symptoms and skin tone occurs over several treatments

A typical treatment course includes 3 to 5 sessions spaced a few weeks apart, followed by maintenance treatments as needed.

An initial treatment bundle of four treatments over the course of four months is designed to help with long-term success in treating both chronic dry eye disease and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), the root cause of dry eye disease.

FAQs About IPL for Dry Eye and Rosacea

How do I know if I need Forma-I, Lumecca-I, or both?

Your provider will assess your symptoms and underlying causes—gland dysfunction, inflammation, or both—and recommend a personalized plan. Many patients benefit from combining both technologies for optimal relief.

Is IPL safe around the eyes?

Yes. The InMode platform uses specially designed handpieces for safe treatment around the delicate eye area. Protective shields and precision targeting ensure comfort and safety.

How long does it take to feel relief?

Some patients experience improvement after the first or second session, but most see significant results after 3–4 treatments.

Can I combine this with other dry eye treatments?

Absolutely. IPL can complement therapies like LipiFlow®, punctal plugs, or topical anti-inflammatories as part of a comprehensive dry eye management plan.

Will my insurance cover IPL?

IPL for dry eye is typically considered an elective treatment. Our team can discuss pricing and financing options during your consultation.

Schedule a Consultation

If you’re dealing with persistent dry eye, eyelid inflammation, or ocular rosacea, our team at The Eye Institute of Utah in Salt Lake City can help. Using InMode’s Forma-I and Lumecca-I, we offer advanced treatment options that restore both eye comfort and skin health.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation and find relief with a treatment plan tailored to your eyes.

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Trused Source Icon - Checkbox Sources

1 Rennick S, Adcock L. Intense Pulsed Light Therapy for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness and Guidelines [Internet]. Ottawa (ON): Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health; 2018 Feb 8. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK531789/. Accessed July 17, 2025.

2 Shergill M, Khaslavsky S, Avraham S, Kashetsky N, Zaslavsky K, Mukovozov I. A Review of Intense Pulsed Light in the Treatment of Ocular Rosacea. Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. 2024;28(4):370-374. doi:10.1177/12034754241254051. Available: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/12034754241254051. Accessed July 17, 2025.

3 Qin G, Chen J, Li L, Xia Y, Zhang Q, Wu Y, Yang L, Moutari S, Moore JE, Xu L, He W, Yu S, He X, Pazo EE. Managing Severe Evaporative Dry Eye with Intense Pulsed Light Therapy. Ophthalmol Ther. 2023 Apr;12(2):1059-1071. doi: 10.1007/s40123-023-00649-5. Epub 2023 Jan 24. PMID: 36693992; PMCID: PMC10011255. Available: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10011255/. Accessed July 17, 2025.

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The Eye Institute of Utah Doctors have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.