IPL vs RF vs Jett Plasma: Which Dry Eye Treatment Is Right for You?
If you’ve tried artificial tears or warm compresses but still deal with irritated, burning, or gritty eyes, you may have Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). This condition occurs when the oil glands in your eyelids become blocked or inflamed, preventing your tears from staying stable and comfortable.
At Mountain View Optometry, we offer three advanced, in-office treatments that go beyond home remedies: Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), Radio Frequency (RF), and Jett Plasma Therapy. Each treatment works differently, and the best choice depends on your eyes.
Comparing IPL, RF, and Jett Plasma
Here’s a quick look at how these treatments differ:
Treatment
How It Works
Best For
Patient Benefits
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
Uses light pulses to reduce inflammation, clear blockages, and target bacteria or mites around the eyelids.
Patients with inflammatory dry eye, rosacea, or blepharitis.
Reduces redness and irritation, improves tear quality, decreases bacteria and mites.
Radio Frequency (RF)
Delivers gentle thermal energy to melt gland blockages and stimulate collagen growth.
Patients with thickened oils, blocked glands, or eyelid laxity.
Clears blocked glands, improves oil flow, enhances eyelid elasticity and blinking.
Jett Plasma Therapy
Uses micro-electric current to regenerate eyelid tissue, stimulate collagen, and support gland function.
Patients with moderate to severe gland dysfunction, eyelid laxity, or chronic symptoms.
Restores eyelid structure, improves tear stability, reduces inflammation, supports long-term eye health.
Which Treatment Is Right for You?
While the table makes it easy to see how each therapy works, the reality is that dry eye is a complex condition that affects everyone differently. Some patients benefit most from a single treatment, while others achieve the best results with a
combination of therapies.
During a dry eye consultation, we evaluate your eyelid structure, gland health, and tear film quality to create a personalized plan that targets your specific needs.
Book Your Dry Eye Assessment Today
Don’t let dry eye symptoms hold you back from reading, working, or enjoying your day comfortably. With advanced treatments like IPL, RF, and Jett Plasma, we can help restore comfort, clarity, and confidence in your vision.
Book your dry eye consultation today
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do regular drops or compresses not work for everyone?
They provide temporary relief but don’t address blocked glands or inflammation causing dry eyes.
Can I combine treatments?
Yes. Many patients see the best results with a tailored combination of therapies, depending on their symptoms and eyelid health.
Are these treatments safe?
Absolutely. IPL, RF, and Jett Plasma are all safe, non-invasive, and well-tolerated treatments with no downtime.
Written by Dr. Tom Wilk
About the Author:
Dr. Tom Wilk sees patients at his Cochrane location primarily. He developed the “Patient First” approach now adopted by all Doctors and staff at Mountain View Optometry. He obtained his Doctor of Optometry (OD) from the Michigan College of Optometry in 1994, and his B.Sc. from the University of Waterloo. A native of Toronto, Ontario, he came to Alberta in 1998, attracted by the opportunity to start an optometry practice in the only province that allowed ODs to practice within the full scope of their training.
