Does Radiofrequency Offer Permanent Dry Eye Relief or Require Maintenance?

Dry eye can be more than just a minor irritation. For many, it affects their ability to focus, work comfortably, and enjoy daily life. If you’ve tried over-the-counter drops or warm compresses without success, you may have heard of radiofrequency treatment as a modern solution. But how long does it last?
 

What is Dry Eye?

Dry eye is a common condition that occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the quality of your tears is poor. Tears play a vital role in keeping the surface of your eyes smooth, clear, and comfortable. When the tear film becomes unstable, it can lead to symptoms such as burning, stinging, redness, blurred vision, or a gritty sensation. Dry eye can be caused by factors such as aging, hormonal changes, screen time, certain medications, meibomian gland dysfunction, and underlying medical conditions. Left untreated, it can affect your vision and overall eye health.
 

How Radiofrequency Treats Dry Eye

Radiofrequency (RF) therapy uses controlled heat to stimulate collagen production and improve the function of the meibomian glands. These glands are responsible for producing the oily layer of your tears that prevents evaporation. When they are blocked or not working properly, it often leads to evaporative dry eye. By gently heating the tissue around the eyes, radiofrequency helps unclog these glands and improve oil flow, leading to more stable tears and longer-lasting comfort.
 

Is the Relief from Radiofrequency Permanent?

While radiofrequency provides significant and often immediate relief from dry eye symptoms, it is not considered a permanent cure. The benefits can last for several months, but the underlying cause of dry eye (especially meibomian gland dysfunction) may still persist over time.
 

Factors like age, screen time, environment, and hormone changes continue to affect tear production and gland health. For this reason, most patients benefit from a series of treatments and ongoing maintenance sessions to keep symptoms at bay.
 

How Often Do You Need Maintenance?

The frequency of maintenance depends on your individual case and how your eyes respond to treatment. Many patients begin with a series of treatments spaced a few weeks apart and then continue with maintenance every six to twelve months.
 

Your eye doctor at Eye Rx will create a personalized treatment plan based on your symptoms, gland health, and lifestyle. Some patients may need more frequent care, especially if they spend long hours on screens or live in dry environments.
 

Get Started at Eye Rx

Radiofrequency is a powerful, noninvasive treatment that can greatly improve dry eye symptoms by restoring the function of your meibomian glands. While it is not a one time solution, regular maintenance can help you enjoy lasting relief and improve your quality of life.
 

If you are tired of dealing with chronic dry eye symptoms, Eye Rx offers advanced radiofrequency treatments that target the root cause of discomfort. We proudly serve patients across multiple convenient locations. Contact us in Washington, DC at (202) 659-2010, Chevy Chase, MD at (301) 450-8300, Arlington, VA at (703) 553-1094, Dumfries, VA at (571) 404-0188, or Aldie, VA at (703) 646-8002.