Where Is My Procedure?
Dr. Innes performs procedures at three locations. We will have confirmed your specific location verbally at your appointment.
Location 1
Tanner Clinic
Same office as your consultation. No new directions needed.
Same place as your visit
Location 2
Transcend Total Body Rejuvenation
1649 Antelope Dr., Suite 200
Layton, UT 84041
In Katie's Place, across from Holy Cross Hospital on Antelope Drive. 2nd floor — Suite 200.
2nd floor — Suite 200
Location 3
Vive Wellness & Aesthetics
836 S. Angel Street, Suite 100
Layton, UT 84041
Corner of Layton Pkwy & Angel St. Enter Central Davis Dental, tell them you're here for Vive — they'll direct you downstairs.
Basement level — Suite 100
Not sure which location? Text 801-776-7129 and we'll confirm.
Understanding Dry Eye Disease
Most chronic dry eye is not simply a lack of tear volume. The majority of cases are caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) — a condition in which the oil-secreting glands along the eyelid margins become blocked or inflamed, impairing their ability to produce the lipid layer that keeps tears from evaporating.
When the meibomian glands stop working properly, tears evaporate too quickly, the ocular surface becomes inflamed, and a vicious cycle of irritation, inflammation, and gland deterioration sets in. Standard artificial tears treat the symptoms but do not address this underlying cycle.
How IPL Treats Dry Eye
IPL targets the root causes of meibomian gland dysfunction and ocular surface inflammation through several mechanisms simultaneously:
Mechanism 1
Destroys abnormal blood vessels
The telangiectasias (dilated blood vessels) on the eyelid margins and cheeks are a primary source of pro-inflammatory cells that leak into the meibomian glands. IPL photocoagulates these vessels, reducing the inflammatory load.
Mechanism 2
Melts solidified meibum
In MGD, meibum (the eyelid oil) becomes thick and waxy, blocking the glands. The heat from IPL raises local tissue temperature, melting the solidified oil and allowing the glands to express and function again.
Mechanism 3
Reduces Demodex mites
Demodex mites colonize the eyelash follicles and contribute significantly to lid inflammation and MGD. IPL reduces mite populations and the bacterial load they carry.
Mechanism 4
Restores gland morphology
Studies have shown restored meibomian gland morphology and function after a course of IPL, along with reduced inflammatory markers in tear samples and improved tear break-up time.
Clinical Evidence
Studies have confirmed reduced inflammatory markers in tear samples on treated vs. untreated sides, restored meibomian gland morphology after IPL, and average dry eye severity reduction from moderate to mild.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Dr. Innes treats the periorbital area — the eyelids and the cheeks from just in front of the ears across the cheekbones and onto the medial and paranasal cheeks, up to approximately 2mm from the eyelash margins.
1
Numbing drops. Topical anesthetic eye drops are instilled in each eye to numb the ocular surface before the shields are placed.
2
Ocular shields placed. Metal shields are placed directly under the eyelids to protect the eyes from the IPL energy entirely. This is essential safety protection — IPL must never be delivered without them in place.
3
IPL delivered. Treatment is applied from the preauricular area (just in front of the ears) across the zygoma and onto the medial and paranasal cheeks, including passes over the upper and lower eyelids to within a couple millimeters of the lash line. You will see bright flashes of light even with eyes closed.
4
Shields removed. The appointment takes approximately 20–30 minutes total. You can return to normal activities immediately after, though your vision may be temporarily blurry from the eye drops.
⚠ Sun Exposure Before Treatment
Avoid unprotected sun exposure and self-tanner on the face for 4 weeks before each treatment. Tanned skin increases the risk of burns and hyperpigmentation. If you arrive with a visible tan, we may need to reschedule.
Treatment Series & Results
IPL for dry eye is not a one-time fix. A series of sessions is required — the inflammation cycle that drove your MGD developed over time and needs to be interrupted systematically.
Initial Series
Typically 3–5 treatments spaced approximately 3–4 weeks apart. Some patients notice improvement after the first or second session.
After Series
Follow up with your eye doctor approximately 3 months after completing the series to assess meibomian gland function and symptom improvement.
Maintenance
Most patients benefit from maintenance sessions every 6–12 months. The underlying inflammatory tendency does not go away — maintenance keeps it managed.
What to Expect
Most patients notice meaningful improvement — less grittiness, reduced fluctuating vision, less redness and irritation. Results vary depending on severity and how long MGD has been untreated.
Before Your Appointment
- Arrive with a clean face — no makeup, sunscreen, or lotion on the face or around the eyes
- Remove contact lenses before your appointment
- Avoid unprotected sun exposure and self-tanner for 4 weeks before each session
- Let us know if you take medications that cause photosensitivity (doxycycline, certain supplements)
- Arrange a ride home if your eyes feel sensitive after the numbing drops wear off, especially for your first session
After Your Appointment
Immediately After
- Vision may be temporarily blurry from the numbing drops — resolves within 30–60 minutes
- Mild redness and warmth over the treated skin is normal and resolves within a few hours
- Apply sunscreen before leaving if going outside
- You can resume artificial tears and any prescribed eye drops immediately
Avoid for 48 Hours
- Sun exposure on the treated area — apply SPF 30+ when going outside
- Saunas, steam rooms, or hot yoga
- Exfoliating skincare products (acids, retinoids)
Contact Lenses
Do not wear contact lenses on the day of your appointment. You may resume contact lens wear the following day if your eyes feel comfortable.
Things You May Notice
✓ Normal — Expected
- Redness and mild warmth on the treated skin for a few hours
- Temporary blurry vision from the numbing drops — resolves within an hour
- Mild light sensitivity for a few hours after treatment
- Temporary darkening of brown spots in the treated area — the pigment being expelled (same as cosmetic IPL)
- Symptoms may fluctuate slightly in the first 1–2 weeks after each session before improving
! Contact Us If You Notice
- Blistering or significant skin reaction in the treated area
- Persistent eye pain or significant vision changes
- New or worsening redness in the eye itself that doesn't resolve within 24 hours
- Any concern about the eye or surrounding skin that doesn't feel right
💡 Continue Working with Your Eye Doctor
IPL is most effective as part of a comprehensive dry eye management plan. Continue using any artificial tears, prescription drops, or other treatments recommended by your ophthalmologist or optometrist. IPL addresses the root cause of MGD — your eye doctor can monitor your gland function and tear quality over time to track your progress.
When to Contact Us
💬 Routine Questions & Scheduling
Text 801-776-7129 during business hours.
⚠ After-Hours Concerns
Text Dr. Innes directly: 801-414-8443