Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy
At Family Focus Eyecare, we know a thing or two about dry eye disease and offer various treatment methods. Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy is an option for people whose dry eye disease is caused by meibomian gland dysfunction.
Originally developed for use in dermatology, IPL uses light energy to warm the meibomian glands. This gentle warming liquefies any blockages, softening them so they can be expressed. The light targets the blood vessels around the eye, decreasing inflammation.
IPL therapy offers several benefits:
- Noninvasive
- Results that can be maintained
- Well-tolerated by most people
Contact us to schedule your appointment today!
What Does IPL Treat?
Intense Pulsed Light penetrates down to the second layer of your skin (dermis) without harming the top layer (epidermis), causing less damage to your skin. IPL can minimize or remove certain skin conditions and help treat dry eye disease.
IPL Therapy for Dry Eye
If your eyes don’t produce enough tears, you might end up with dry eye disease. Dry eye disease is a condition that occurs when your tears aren’t able to properly lubricate your eyes.
Reasons for decreased tear production might include:
- The normal aging process
- Medications like antihistamines or antidepressants
- Contact lens wear
- Medical conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or Sjögren’s Syndrome
- Nerve damage caused by eye surgery
- Vitamin A deficiency
Symptoms of Dry Eye Disease
Some common signs and symptoms of dry eye disease can include:
- Red eyes
- Stinging sensation
- Watery eyes
- Light sensitivity
- Foreign body sensation
- Stringy mucus
- Difficulty driving at night
If left untreated, dry eye disease can lead to more serious vision conditions like corneal ulcers, eye infections, eye inflammation, or corneal abrasions.
You’ll want to get a comprehensive eye exam if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of dry eye disease. Your optometrist can rule out any eye diseases that may present with similar symptoms.
IPL Therapy for Aesthetics
Looking for ways to achieve a brighter, more even-toned complexion? Our sister company, Retuva Medical Spa, offers innovative IPL (intense pulsed light) therapy as part of comprehensive aesthetic services.
This nonsurgical treatment can address a variety of concerns, revealing smoother, younger-looking skin and boosting your confidence.
Age Spots, Sun Spots, & Unwanted Freckles
With age comes different blemishes, spots, sun damage and unwanted freckles. IPL can help smooth out your complexion and reduce or totally remove unwanted signs of aging on your face or body.
Birthmarks, Varicose Veins, & Broken Blood Vessels
Find out if our IPL treatment can help reduce unwanted marks or coloring on your skin.
Rosacea, Acne, & Hair
IPL is a versatile treatment that can help address acne, rosacea, and unwanted hair. With repeated sessions, you can achieve a smoother, clearer complexion.
See If IPL Therapy Is Right for You
Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy offers a range of benefits, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Here at Family Focus Eyecare, we want to help confirm that IPL is the right choice for your specific needs.
Please book a consultation with us if you are curious about IPL therapy for dry eye or aesthetics. If you are a good candidate for IPL, we will refer you to our sister company Retuva Medical Spa.
Visit One of Our Locations
Columbia
We are in Westbury-1.5 miles further west from our old W. Broadway location, near Toasty Goat and the new Club Carwash
- 725 S. Scott Blvd Suite 101
- Columbia, MO 65203
Our Hours
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: By Appointment
- Sunday: By Appointment
Eldon
Our Eldon location is on Oak Street, two blocks north of the post office and between North and High Street.
- 115 N Oak St
- Eldon, MO 65026
Our Hours
- Monday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: By Appointment
- Sunday: By Appointment
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Our Testimonials
Dr. Rich is extremely helpful and thoughtful. He cleared up my eye issues within one appointment and even allowed for texts to assess after the appointment. I had been going to a specialist in Columbia for a year and they didn’t even compare to how great Family Focus Eyecare was!
Erin Scrivner
Dr. Barrett is knowledgeable, friendly and practical, I have gone to her for years and trust her. The office staff is great, they are willing to help and make appointments when you need care quickly.
Pamela Didur
The Family Focus Eyecare team is amazing! They really make you feel like home the second you walk through the door. My husband and I both have been very pleased and highly recommend them to anyone in the Columbia area!
Katie Beasley
Twice now, the staff at FFEC have gone above and beyond to help me see clearly. One time I had a contact lens come out while I was driving. It gave me a migrane, and I drove around in desperation trying to find an eye exam since my prescription was expired…. After being turned away in an EMPTY waiting room at the WalMart vision center, and not even being offered a sample pair till an an appointment could be set… I called FFEC and they not only had me come right over, they squeezed me in between two clients, gave me replacement contacts, and informed me my insurance would cover everything because they looked up my plan details for me!! (I didnt even know I had vision coverage). What an exceptional team and business!!!! I was so thankful. This might be the first review I have ever taken the time to write.
Dorian Brownlee
I had a great experience!! Very knowledgeable staff and excited about the new contact lens options! Highly recommend!
Rhonda Bledsoe
Dr. Rich was so great with our 3 year old son! He was patient and sweet. This was during COVID and they were very careful with masks and cleaning. I plan to go back myself and so does my husband.
Amanda Fisher
I had an acute eye problem and FFE was able to get me in within a few days where other places were months out. They diagnosed the problem quickly and I was on my way feeling relieved that I would soon be headache free.
Kasie Sly
The entire team was friendly, efficient and helpful throughout my entire experience. Best customer service experience I’ve had with an eye doctor in Columbia. I would highly recommend them to anyone.
Sarah Carnes
Best of the best! Very quick and courteous. No wasted time and the prices seem very fair for the services rendered. One of my biggest concerns was picking frames and they made it painless. Very pleased, I recommend them without hesitation!
Steve Baumann
Dr. Rich is by far the best eye doctor I have ever met! They went above and beyond to help me find the right pair of frames for me. I get compliments every time I wear them. No matter where I live I will always see Dr Rich for my eye care. I moved to STL and I still make the 2 hour drive to meet with him – totally worth it.
Walter Juarez
Dr. Rich is fantastic! My last eye exam has been years ago and this is my first visit at Family Focus Eyecare. I was immediately impressed with the attentive staff as you walk in, not only were the friendly but also extremely efficient getting me started and keeping me on time. The lobby area is pleasant and has a nice new feel to it. Because this was my first visit I had to go through the typical tests for them to examine my eyes and their technology & equipment are top-notch, it was so easy. Once I met with Dr. Rich he explained everything clearly and especially took the time to ask me many questions about my eyes, habits, difficulties and things I felt needed his attention. After consulting with him thoroughly and running numerous tests I was given a LOWER prescription! He was able to determine my contacts were too strong and what was causing my vision to not be perfect. Everything about my experience was perfect and I highly recommend Dr. Rich and Family Focus Eyecare!
John Sorensen
The staff is so friendly, helpful and very accommodating for kids. My girls are sad that they only get to go once a year.
Joy Lowe
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Our Blog
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Castor oil can help lighten age spots, but it’s not the most effective. Learn how IPL therapy can effectively remove age spots with Family Focus Eyecare. […]
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A child with large round glasses sitting on a couch and holding a smartphone very close to his face
[…]
Is Hyaluronic Acid Good for Rosacea?
Dermatologists often recommend HA to treat rosacea because it can provide moisture for parched skin and, when used as part of a customized skincare routine, may improve your complexion. […]
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Columbia
- 725 S. Scott Blvd Suite 101
- Columbia, MO 65203
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P: 573-446-1600
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Eldon
- 115 N Oak St
- Eldon, MO 65026
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P: 573-392-7126