Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy
At Family Focus Eyecare, we know a thing or 2 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.
We’ll evaluate your specific situation and adjust the light, wavelength, and duration of treatment accordingly.
IPL therapy offers several benefits:
- Noninvasive
- Very few complications
- Results that can be maintained
- Well-tolerated by most people
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 the following:
Dry Eye Disease
If your eyes don’t produce enough tears, you might end up with dry eye disease. 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
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
Varicose veins & broken blood vessels can make you self conscious. Find out if our IPL treatment can help get your skin looking more like how you’d like it.
Rosacea, Acne, Unwanted Hair & Unwanted Tattoos
From frustrating rosacea & acne to unwanted hair or tattoos that no longer reflect who you are — IPL can be the answer you’ve been looking for. Repeat sessions can help patients reach the desired results they are looking for.
Dry Eye Disease Is More than Just a Nuisance
How often do you think about your eyes? Probably rarely unless they’re hurting you. The painful, irritating symptoms of dry eye disease are certainly enough to make you pause and consider your sight.
Dry eye disease symptoms are not only annoying but can hamper productivity and seriously decrease the quality of life for many Americans. It’s hard to get things done or enjoy fun activities with itchy, burning eyes.
During your annual eye exam, we’ll ask you about any dryness or irritation. Of course, if your eyes are dry and uncomfortable, don’t wait until your next exam to seek relief. At Family Focus Eyecare, we have several treatment methods for dry eye disease. So please book your eye care appointment today.
Symptoms of Dry Eye Disease
If you have any of the following symptoms, dry eye disease might be the culprit:
- Red eyes
- Itchy or 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.
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
Can Dry Eye Cause Blindness?
Dry Eye DiseaseIf you’ve experienced burning, gritty, or scratchy eyes, you may have dry eye disease. This is a common—and treatable—eye condition that can lead to blurry vision, discomfort, and redness in the eyes. But can it cause blindness? In extreme cases, dry eye disease can lead to long-term vision problems if left untreated. This condition is […]
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Common conditionsEye careGlaucoma is the “silent thief of sight” because it can develop with minimal symptoms until vision loss occurs. While glaucoma can be dangerous, an early diagnosis can help protect your vision. Your optometrist can identify early signs of glaucoma when they examine your eyes, but can you identify any warning signs of glaucoma yourself? Continue […]
Can Dry Eye Cause Blindness?
If you’ve experienced burning, gritty, or scratchy eyes, you may have dry eye disease. This is a common—and treatable—eye condition that can lead to blurry vision, discomfort, and redness in the eyes. But can it cause blindness? In extreme cases, dry eye disease can lead to long-term vision problems if left untreated. This condition is […]
Question & Answer with Dr. Rich
As children grow, their eyes change quickly. Careful attention to a child’s eye health can help catch problems early, while their eyes are still developing. […]
5 Early Signs of Glaucoma
Glaucoma is the “silent thief of sight” because it can develop with minimal symptoms until vision loss occurs. While glaucoma can be dangerous, an early diagnosis can help protect your vision. Your optometrist can identify early signs of glaucoma when they examine your eyes, but can you identify any warning signs of glaucoma yourself? Continue […]
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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