Dry Eye Treatment in Chicago | IPL & RF

Wink Optical now offers Inmode’s Envision Radio Frequency (RF) and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) which is a non-surgical treatment for dry eyes (and other eye conditions).

Did you know that approximately 16.4 million Americans have been diagnosed with chronic dry eye disease?

Let’s talk about our tears and what makes our eyes “dry”! The tear film is a thin layer of fluid covering the eye's surface. It is composed of three layers: an outer oily lipid layer (called meibum which is made from the meibomian glands), a middle watery aqueous layer, and an inner mucin layer. When one of these layers is disrupted, we get “dry eyes”. 85% of patients that are diagnosed with “dry eye” suffer from problems with the oily layer called Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD).

What is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)?

MGD is a chronic condition that affects the meibomian glands, causing changes in the quality and quantity of meibum produced by the meibomian glands. Meibomian glands are the oil-producing glands located along the inner edge of your upper and lower eyelids, near the eyelashes, that secrete an oily substance (meibum). Meibum is a vital part of the tear film, helping to prevent tears from evaporating too quickly and lubricating the eyes. Meibum helps prevent the evaporation of tears, lubricates the eye and eyelids, and maintains a smooth optical surface for clear vision.

Some symptoms of MGD may include: dryness, red eyes, watery eyes, blurry vision, burning or painful eyes, and a foreign body sensation.

Until recently, our doctors were only able to treat our “dry eye” patients with eye drops. We now have the ability to offer our patients a non-surgical option - RF and IPL.

WHAT IS RADIOFREQUENCY (RF)?

Radiofrequency treatment (RF) is a non-surgical procedure that uses Radio-Frequency energy to generate heat, which is applied to the skin around the eyes. This heat stimulates collagen formation, bringing white blood cells and stem cells to the skin around your eyes while reducing inflammation. This treatment aids in opening the clogged meibomian glands, allowing for improved tear production and secretion of meibum. RF feels like a warm stone massage in the eye area, improving blood circulation.

RF is usually followed by a Meibomian Gland expression.

WHAT IS INTENSE PULSED LIGHT (IPL)?

Intense Pulse Light treatment (IPL) works to control the inflammatory process and to stop the vicious cycle of inflammation. IPL treats MGD, ocular rosacea, and inflammatory conditions of the eye and surrounding structures. It has also been shown to decrease demodex and bacteria around the eyelids.

During treatment there is a bright flash of light and a sensation on your skin that feels like a light snap from an elastic band. Redness and a slight warming of the skin are normal after treatment and usually subside within an hour. IPL has been FDA approved for more than 15 years to remove superficial skin lesions.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT?

All treatments are performed right in our office and there is no downtime. Most clients find the treatments very comfortable. Our doctors will discuss the ideal number of sessions to be performed based on your condition and how it will address your condition.

WHAT KIND OF POST-PROCEDURE CARE IS REQUIRED?

Most patients do not experience any side effects and any skin reaction typically resolves within a few hours. There is no recovery period or downtime associated with these procedures.

BONUS EFFECT OF RF AND IPL

IPL and RF also reverse the signs of aging by stimulating collagen production by smoothing wrinkles and eliminating dark spots for younger-looking eyes.

Our Dry Eye Testimonials

Before RF and IPL, I struggled daily with dryness, burning, and irritation. I have used multiple eyedrops and ointments faithfully. After treatment, my symptoms have improved tremendously – I use fewer drops, and my eyes feel healthier overall. Thanks to Dr. Beute, the constant discomfort is gone, and I can finally get through the day without thinking about my eyes.

H.S. (female, age 54)

My experience at Wink Optical with Dr. Stacy Beute truly exceeded every expectation. I initially approached radiofrequency and IPL treatments with some hesitation, but Dr. Beute’s thoughtful guidance, clear explanations, and reassuring presence immediately put me at ease. She walked me through every step, answered all my questions, and made sure I felt completely comfortable throughout the process.

The results were remarkable. Within 24 hours, the burning and irritation from dry eye that I had struggled with for years dramatically improved, and after completing the recommended series of treatments, the relief has been lasting. Just as exciting were the aesthetic benefits. Within only a few days, my skin looked noticeably smoother, brighter, and more even, and my rosacea was significantly diminished.

This treatment has been both a functional and cosmetic game changer. I would absolutely choose it again and enthusiastically recommend Dr. Beute to anyone ready to experience truly transformative eye and skin care!

J.B. (female, age 52)

I have experienced dry eyes for more than ten years, with the dryness increasing each year. I would wake up several times during the night with painfully dry eyes and would repeatedly reach for moisturizing drops. My eyes became so dry over the last three years that I have not been able to wear contacts anymore. They exacerbated the dryness and just became too uncomfortable, even with continual use of rewetting drops throughout the day.

Over the years, I have tried many different brands of over-the-counter moisturizing drops, Cequa prescription drops, heat compresses, and the Renpho heat eye mask with massage around my eyes. All of these gave some immediate temporary relief, but I felt like it was a daily battle to combat the dryness.

Dr. Beute recommended RF/IPL treatments to help reduce the dryness and inflammation in my eyes. I have had 4 treatments so far and have been enjoying less dryness and irritation. There have been mornings that I have woken up not needing to use rewetting drops, and I have even been able to wear my contacts again for several hours at a time without discomfort. It's been years since I have been able to do that!

The procedures were quite easy with only mild temporary discomfort. Dr. Beute explained the procedures well, walked me through each step, and made sure I was comfortable. I experienced very mild side effects with the RF/IPL treatments. Immediately afterward, my eyes were a bit irritated and red. A cold compress and moisturizing drops alleviated the irritation quickly.

Dr. Beute also performed IPL on my nose and cheeks to treat some rosacea and a dark sunspot. My facial skin was warm and a little blotchy afterward - kind of like a mild sunburn. A cold compress and some aloe helped to calm the irritation, which lasted only a couple of hours. My cheeks felt so smooth afterward, and the redness of the rosacea definitely decreased. The sunspot turned darker at first, then peeled off to reveal new pinkish skin. After a couple of weeks, the spot was greatly faded and reduced in size. It is easily covered with foundation now, which makes me very happy!

Overall, the experience was a great one. I plan to continue treatments and look forward to even more improvement and comfort with my dry eyes. I wish I had been able to do these treatments years ago, before my eyes became so severely dry. I believe I could have avoided years of discomfort. Thank you, Dr. Beute, for helping me find relief!

W.D. (female, age 53)

I recently completed four RF/IPL treatments with Dr. Stacy Beute at Wink Optical, and I am thrilled to be seeing in a much clearer, more comfortable way than I have in many years. My vision had become increasingly blurred (requiring lots of blinking to "clear" it when reading smaller fonts), and my eye surface had become stickier and more uncomfortable when Dr. Beute suggested I was a good candidate for these treatments, which are meant to improve meibomian gland function.

The treatments were relatively painless, and any discomfort was fairly mild as well as extremely fleeting. Dr. Beute was outstanding in the way she explained each step, and diligent throughout every treatment to be sure that I was comfortable as we moved through the process. I was able to leave each of my treatments with practically no side effects, and the minimal side effects I did have were easily remedied with Refresh Optive artificial tears (for the first 24 - 36 hrs).

Another benefit I've gained, beyond my dry-eye symptoms having been so improved, is that I am getting far fewer styes and chalazions than I was before the treatments. As my gland function has improved, my risk for these nuisances has sharply declined, and it's led to calmer, happier eyes, which has made me a happier person in turn.

I highly recommend that anyone suffering from dry eye or chronic styes schedule a consultation with Dr. Beute to learn more about these wonderfully impactful treatments! You will be in excellent hands, and your eyes will thank you.

S.O. (female, age 60)