Specialty Eye Care FAQs

Below are answers to some of the most common questions patients ask about our advanced in-office eye treatments and specialty vision programs. These FAQs cover our Envision by InMode (IPL + Radiofrequency) dry eye therapies, pediatric myopia management (Ortho-K overnight lenses and MiSight® daily disposables), and full surgical co-management for LASIK, PRK, and Cataract procedures.

If you are considering advanced care and want to explore our complete treatment capabilities, you can learn more about our Dry Eye Treatment & Management, Myopia Management Program, and Eye Surgery Co-Management Services.

How long does a dry eye take to heal?

Mild dry eye triggered by environment or screen use can improve within a few days using artificial tears and warm compresses. Chronic dry eye caused by underlying inflammation or gland dysfunction requires targeted therapy (like IPL) and typically shows noticeable, lasting improvement over 4 to 12 weeks.

Does IPL really work on dry eyes?

Yes. The Envision by InMode system delivers controlled light pulses directly to the periorbital area. It reduces inflammation, targets ocular rosacea, eliminates Demodex mites, and melts hardened oils clogging the meibomian glands, significantly improving tear stability.

How much does an IPL eye treatment cost?

IPL treatments typically cost between $500 and $600 per individual session. A minimum of 4 sessions is recommended, with full treatment packages averaging $2,000 to $2,400. Total costs may vary depending on whether IPL is combined with Radiofrequency (RF) therapy or manual gland expression.

What are the downsides of IPL?

Downsides are minimal and temporary. Patients may experience mild redness, slight tingling, or temporary sun sensitivity in the treated facial area for a few hours. IPL is also not suitable for darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick type V and VI) due to light absorption risks.

What is the success rate of IPL for dry eyes?

Clinical evaluations and patient outcomes show that treatments with the Envision by InMode platform yield an 85%+ success rate in significantly reducing dry eye symptoms, improving tear breakup time, and decreasing dependence on over-the-counter artificial tears or daily prescription drops.

Is myopia management covered by insurance?

Routine eye exams to diagnose myopia are covered by vision plans. However, specialized myopia management programs (Ortho-K lenses, specialized soft lenses, or atropine therapy) are considered elective preventative programs and are usually paid out-of-pocket or funded using HSA/FSA funds and CareCredit.

At what age can myopia be corrected?

Visual correction using prescription glasses or daytime contact lenses can begin starting at age 5 at our practice. Active myopia control, designed to slow down nearsightedness progression using specialized treatments like overnight Ortho-K lenses or MiSight® daily disposables, is most effective when started between ages 5 and 14, while a child's eyes are actively growing.

How serious is myopia in kids?

High myopia is a serious medical concern. Rapidly progressing nearsightedness stretches the physical eyeball, increasing the child's risk of future permanent vision impairment or blindness from retinal tears and glaucoma.

At what age can myopia be permanently corrected?

Myopia can be permanently corrected through surgical procedures like LASIK or PRK once the eye's prescription stabilizes, typically between ages 18 and 21. For children, Ortho-K offers temporary, reversible daytime correction without surgery.

Do Ortho-K lenses actually work?

Yes. Ortho-K lenses gently reshape the surface of the cornea while your child sleeps. They wake up with crisp, clear daytime vision without needing glasses or contact lenses, while simultaneously slowing axial eye growth by up to 50–60%.

Do the optometrists perform the actual surgery?

No. Optometrists do not perform laser eye surgery or cataract extractions. Surgical procedures like LASIK, PRK, and Cataract surgery are performed by experienced eye surgeons at specialized surgical centers. Our eye care team manages every step before and after your procedure locally in Northwest Houston.

What does post-operative care involve, and how long does it last?

Post-op care includes monitoring corneal healing, measuring intraocular pressure, checking for inflammation or dryness, and managing post-surgical drops. Follow-up visits are typically scheduled at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months post-surgery.

Can adults use Ortho-K lenses, or are they only for children?

Adults can use Ortho-K lenses for daytime vision correction as a non-surgical alternative to LASIK or soft contacts. However, while Ortho-K actively slows down myopia progression in growing children, it only provides temporary daytime visual clarity in adults whose eyes have finished growing.