What is Radio-Frequency (RF)?

Radio frequency (RF) is an effective and safe non-invasive treatment for chronic dry eyes, particularly those caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).

This therapy addresses the root cause of the condition rather than just providing temporary symptom relief.

During the procedure, RF delivers high-frequency electrical current to the skin in order to generate heat and stimulate the production of collagen.

This therapy not only melts the thick oil secretions, unclogging the meibomian gland and improving the quality of tears, but also reduces any inflammation around your eyes that may be contributing to your dry eyes.

How Radio-Frequency Works?

The majority of dry eye cases (around 80%) are due to MGD, where the meibomian glands in the eyelids become blocked with thick oil secretions, leading to tears evaporating too quickly.

During an RF procedure, a handheld device is used to apply controlled, high-frequency electrical currents to the skin around the eyelids. The generated heat has a dual effect:

• Melts blockages: The warmth liquefies the hardened oils (meibum) clogging the glands, allowing for normal oil flow into the tear film.
• Reduces inflammation: RF therapy helps reduce inflammation around the eyes and improves blood circulation to the area, which can worsen dry eye symptoms

During the procedure, your eye doctor will use a RF handheld device to gently massage around your eye using a soothing gel. This sends the electrical current into your skin and creates a warming sensation.

The RF treatment causes no pain or discomfort, and takes on average 30 minutes to complete.

After Your RF Treatment

While certain patients notice immediate improvements in their dry eye symptoms, it generally takes a series of treatments to experience drastic change.

Following the treatment, you may experience blurred vision for several days. There is no reason for concern, as it indicates that your meibomian glands are expressing more oil than your eyes are accustomed to.

Aside from this, no downtime is required and you should be able to return to your daily activities right after the treatment.

How is RF Different From other Dry Eye Treatments?

Standard dry eye treatments, such as eye drops, artificial tears, hot compresses, and eyelid scrubs, aim to temporarily relieve symptoms instead of treating the root cause of the condition.

RF is unique in that they each target the source – the blood vessels surrounding the glands — enabling them to secrete oils naturally and resume their moisturizing function. This not only relieves symptoms but also slows the progression of chronic dry eye.

If you have tried various treatments and still struggle with unpleasant dry eye symptoms, we can help. Contact Cornea and Contact Lens Institute of Minnesota today.

Our practice serves patients from Edina, Maple Grove, Wayzata, and Excelsior, Minnesota and surrounding communities.