Get 50% off when you schedule your ICL consultation and surgery – SCHEDULE FREE CONSULT NOW

Radio Frequency Therapy & Intense Pulsed Light Therapy

In New York City

Radio Frequency Therapy (RF) and Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL) are non-surgical procedures that treat evaporative dry eye disease and meibomian gland dysfunction by improving gland function. While RF uses radio frequency energy to directly heat and break apart oil blockages within the glands, IPL uses broad-spectrum light pulses on the surrounding skin to target inflammation and abnormal blood vessels contributing to the blockage, while also warming the glands to liquefy stagnant oils.
As an RF & IPL therapy expert, Dr. Rapoport assesses and treats each patient with a personalized approach, ensuring tailored solutions for optimal eye health and comfort.

RADIO FREQUENCY THERAPY AND INTENSE PULSED LIGHT THERAPY NYC

"Dr. Rapoport is an expert in radio frequency and intense pulsed light dry eye treatment. Her reassuring presence helps patients feel comfortable."

MJ / New York

M_Stamp__ltblue

RF & IPL THERAPY FAQS

What Is Radio Frequency Therapy for Dry Eye Treatment?

Radio frequency therapy is a non-surgical dry eye treatment that treats evaporative dry eye disease and meibomian gland dysfunction by using radio frequency to heat and break up blockages within the glands, allowing them to properly secrete oil. RF devices like Forma use a monopolar radio frequency, allowing for deeper penetration of heat into the skin that ensures complete breaking apart of any oil blockages. The treatment also increases ATP and collagen production in the treated area, providing cosmetic benefits and boosting the regrowth of damaged and atrophied glands.

What is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy for dry eye treatment?

Similar to RF therapy, IPL is also a non-surgical treatment for evaporative dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction. It supports gland function by heating and loosening blockages, enabling proper oil secretion. However, unlike RF, which uses monopolar radio frequency, IPL delivers broad-spectrum light pulses that are selectively absorbed by hemoglobin and pigmented structures. This reduces periocular inflammation and vascular abnormalities that contribute to meibomian gland obstruction. Like RF, IPL also enhances collagen production and cellular activity in the treated area, offering both therapeutic and cosmetic benefits.

How are RF and IPL therapies different from dry eye treatments like BlephEx?

Dry eye treatments like BlephEx are mechanical exfoliation devices that clean the eyelid margins by removing biofilm, debris, and bacteria. While they can help with anterior blepharitis and provide some short-term relief from dry eye symptoms, they do not address the underlying causes of dry eyes and blepharitis, which RF & IPL treatments help cure. RF & IPL also improve the overall quality of the tear film and break the chronic cycle of inflammation. This provides long-term relief from dryness and decreases dependence on at-home treatments like artificial tears, chronic warm compresses, and lid wipes.

What are some key benefits of RF & IPL Dry Eye Treatment?

RF & IPL treatments relieve chronic dry eye symptoms and lower dependence on lubricating drops, warm compresses, and lid hygiene products. They help eliminate demodex mites and bacterial load, enhance tear film quality, and thus visual clarity. They also support long-term improvement in gland function and structure.

What should I expect from RF & IPL Therapy?

Both RF & IPL therapies are relatively swift, non-surgical dry eye treatments. RF sessions typically last 20-40 minutes, while IPL ranges from 15-30 minutes. During both procedures, you’ll recline comfortably as a cooling gel is applied around your eyes. The respective devices are then gently used on both upper and lower eyelids. Contact lens removal might be necessary. Both treatments conclude with a meibomian gland expression to further clear blockages and enhance gland function.

What determines whether RF or IPL therapy is used?

RF is ideal when gland blockages are due to thickened or stagnant meibum, as its monopolar radio frequency delivers deeper, targeted heat to break down hardened oil and stimulate gland regrowth.

IPL therapy is better suited for patients with MGD linked to inflammation or telangiectasia (visible blood vessels), as it reduces inflammation by coagulating abnormal vessels and restoring a healthier periocular environment.

Dr. Rapoport Named Castle Connolly’s Top Cataract and Cornea Doctor.

Castle Connolly Top Doctors

WHY CHOOSE MANHATTAN EYE?

RF & IPL Dry Eye Treatment in NYC with Dr. Rapoport

Dr. Rapoport is an international expert in dry eye and brings extensive experience in everything from RF & IPL to over-the-counter drops, prescription drops such as Restasis, Xiidra, Cequa, compounded drops (specially created drops such as lacosamide, testosterone), autologous serum tears, punctal plugs, conjunctivoplasty, and scleral lenses.

At Manhattan Eye, which is a Dry Eye Center of Excellence, Dr. Rapoport takes a multidisciplinary approach to dry eye treatment. The focus is on properly diagnosing the underlying cause and providing customized treatment with maximum benefit for each patient. Each treatment is tailored for you and the specific cause of your symptoms.

During your consultation, Dr. Rapoport takes meticulous measurements and assessments to create an individualized treatment plan tailored to your situation. This approach ensures a comprehensive and well-informed strategy for optimal results.

Dr. Rapoport helps explain everything you need to know about how long does makeup last and expired makeup...

In the article “What You Need to Know About Dry Eye Syndrome”, Dr. Rapoport provides questions to ask yourself if you’re wondering whether or not you have dry eye syndrome.

Dr. Rapoport is interviewed for Women Crush Wednesday, a celebration of female movers and shakers in medicine.