Dry eye is more than a seasonal nuisance. For many adults in Prairie Eye Care - Northgate, it’s an ongoing condition that affects focus, comfort, and daily life. Factors like dry indoor heat, cold wind, aging tear glands, and extended screen time all contribute to chronic dryness.
Radiofrequency therapy for dry eyes offers something different: a way to treat dry eye at the source by targeting the meibomian glands themselves.
How Radiofrequency Treatment for Dry Eye Works
Radiofrequency (RF) treatment uses controlled, targeted heat to treat the underlying cause of many dry eye cases: meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). These glands, located along the edge of the eyelids, are responsible for producing the protective oil layer in your tear film. When these glands become blocked or sluggish, tears evaporate too quickly, leaving your eyes dry, gritty, and inflamed.
Unlike drops or compresses, radiofrequency therapy delivers consistent heat deep into the tissue to unclog these glands and restore proper oil flow. The goal is to improve long-term tear stability and reduce inflammation, not just to mask the symptoms.
What Happens During an RF Treatment Session
Each radiofrequency treatment is performed in-office and typically takes 20 to 30 minutes. Our eye doctors will use a small handpiece to apply gentle radiofrequency heat to the area around the eyes. Most patients describe the sensation as similar to a warm massage, comfortable and relaxing.
There’s no downtime, no needles, and no need for anesthesia. You can return to work or your regular routine immediately after your appointment.
How RF Treatment Targets Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
The heat generated by RF devices reaches deep into the skin to warm the meibomian glands. This helps melt any blockages and improves the flow of oil into the tear film. Better oil flow means better protection against tear evaporation and fewer dry eye symptoms over time.
Unlike temporary solutions like eye drops, RF treatment addresses the underlying cause of your dry eyes.
Radiofrequency vs. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
Both RF and intense pulsed light (IPL) are used to treat dry eye, but they work in different ways. IPL uses flashes of light to target inflammation and reduce abnormal blood vessels around the eyelids. RF treatment focuses on heat, especially helpful for patients with meibomian gland dysfunction and tear film instability.
Our eye doctors may recommend one or both treatments depending on your symptoms and tear film evaluation.
How to Know When RF Therapy is Right for You
RF therapy is ideal for patients with chronic dry eye symptoms that haven’t improved with drops or heat masks. It’s especially helpful for those with:
- Blocked or slow-functioning meibomian glands
- Symptoms that worsen with screen time or seasonal dryness
- Oily skin and signs of rosacea around the eyes
- A desire for non-invasive treatment options
- Concerns about inflammation or stinging from other therapies
Our eye doctors at will assess your glands and tear film before recommending RF treatment.
Why Patients in Choose RF Treatment
Dry eye is one of the most common reasons people visit the eye doctor, especially in Prairie Eye Care - Northgate where cold, dry winters and extended screen use are part of everyday life. At Prairie Eye Care, we offer radiofrequency RF treatments in a setting that’s comfortable, personalized, and backed by medical insight.
Our team is trained to identify the signs of meibomian gland dysfunction early, so patients don’t spend years struggling with over-the-counter drops that never really work. We focus on lasting relief by restoring gland function, not just covering up symptoms.
We also understand that every patient is different. That’s why your treatment plan is built around your lifestyle, your symptoms, and your goals.
Get A Clearer Path to Dry Eye Relief in
Radiofrequency treatment for dry eye offers more than just surface-level comfort; it treats the cause of your symptoms by restoring the natural oil balance in your tear film. With consistent heat, reduced inflammation, and visible improvement in gland function, RF therapy gives patients a non-invasive, effective option for relief.
At , our eye doctors are here to help you get back to living, working, and seeing clearly without the constant irritation. If your eyes feel dry no matter what you try, book your dry eye consultation.
Radiofrequency for Dry Eye FAQs
Is RF treatment painful or uncomfortable?
No. Most patients find radiofrequency treatment to be very comfortable. It feels like a warm massage around the eyes, with no needles or downtime required.
How many radiofrequency sessions do I need to treat dry eye?
Most patients benefit from three to four sessions spaced a few weeks apart, followed by occasional maintenance visits. Your eye doctor will customize a plan based on your symptoms and gland function.
Can RF treatment be combined with other options, such as IPL or eye drops?
Yes. RF and IPL often work well together, especially when inflammation and blocked glands are both present. Your eye doctor may also recommend lid hygiene products or lubricating drops for ongoing support.