Understanding Dry Eye: How EPI-C Plus IPL & iLux Treat the Underlying Causes

If your eyes often feel dry, gritty, or irritated, you're not alone. Dry eye is one of the most common complaints we see at Pflugerville Vision Care. And while artificial tears may provide temporary relief, they don’t solve the real problem. We offer innovative treatments like EPI-C Plus IPL and iLux Thermal Expression to address the root causes—not just the symptoms.

Understanding Dry Eye

Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the quality of your tears is poor. This leads to inflammation, discomfort, blurry vision, watery eyes, and a gritty or burning sensation in the eyes. It’s a chronic condition that can worsen over time without proper care and treatment.
 

What Causes Dry Eye?

Dry eye is often the result of a combination of environmental, lifestyle, and medical factors. In Texas, the dry, windy climate and high pollen levels increase tear evaporation and trigger inflammation. Common contributors also include Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), prolonged screen time, and constant exposure to air conditioning or indoor heating. Aging—especially in women after menopause—can reduce tear production, as can certain medications like antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure drugs. Underlying conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, rosacea, and Sjögren’s syndrome can also play a role.
 

The Importance of a Professional Diagnosis

Many people attempt to manage dry eye symptoms with over-the-counter drops, but these only provide temporary relief. A professional eye exam is essential to determine the underlying cause of your dry eye, especially if Meibomian Gland Dysfunction is involved. At Pflugerville Vision Care, our optometrists use advanced diagnostic tools to evaluate tear quality, gland function, and ocular surface health. This allows us to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
 

EPI-C Plus IPL

EPI-C Plus IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is an advanced treatment that uses controlled wavelengths of light to reduce inflammation around the eyes—particularly in the eyelids and surrounding skin. This therapy is especially effective for patients with underlying inflammation due to rosacea or ocular allergies. 
 

By calming inflammation and stimulating the meibomian glands, IPL improves their function, helping to restore a healthy tear film and reduce evaporation. Beyond its therapeutic benefits, IPL also promotes clearer, healthier-looking skin and reduces redness, making it a versatile option for both eye health and cosmetic improvement. The treatment is non-invasive, comfortable, and performed right in the office with no downtime.
 

iLux Thermal Expression

iLux Thermal Expression is a handheld, in-office device designed to target Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. The device works by gently applying localized heat and compression to the eyelids, effectively melting and expressing the thickened oils that clog the meibomian glands. This process restores the natural oil flow necessary to maintain a stable tear film and prevent premature tear evaporation. 
 

Treatment is quick, typically completed in just a few minutes per eye, and provides rapid symptom relief. iLux is an excellent option for patients who need direct, targeted therapy to restore gland function and achieve long-lasting relief from dry eye symptoms.
 

Schedule Your Dry Eye Evaluation with Pflugerville Vision Care Today

Dry eye is more than just a nuisance—it’s a medical condition that can significantly impact your vision and comfort. With Texas’s challenging climate and high allergen levels, many residents are at increased risk. We offer cutting-edge solutions like EPI-C Plus IPL and iLux to treat dry eye at its source, helping you enjoy clearer vision and greater comfort.
 

If you’re experiencing dry eye symptoms, schedule a consultation with Pflugerville Vision Care and take the first step toward lasting relief. Visit our office n Pflugerville, Texas, or call (512) 251-4099 to book an appointment today.