IPL for Dry Eyes Nashville

Advanced Care Led by a Regional Expert

  • Trusted eye care for Nashville-area patients since 1979
  • Long-lasting improvement with just a few sessions
  • Targets meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) at the source
  • 500 5-star Google reviews

Trust Your Vision to a Leader in Modern Eye Care

With more than four decades of experience and a reputation that spans across Nashville, Dr. Walter Choate brings a unique blend of clinical excellence, research leadership, and genuine compassion to every patient interaction. When you choose Choate Eye Associates, you’re partnering with one of Tennessee’s most accomplished optometrists and a team that puts your eye health first.

  • Board-certified in eye disease management and refractive care
  • FDA investigator for contact lens and eye care innovations
  • Adjunct professor at leading optometry schools across the U.S.
  • Dedicated to community service and global medical missions
  • Provider of early access to breakthrough technologies like IPL

Our optometrist in Nashville, TN, believes in long-term solutions, not just short-term fixes. To start your personalized IPL treatment plan for dry eyes, call for a consultation at our Goodlettsville office, where trusted eye care has been a community standard since 1979.

Dr Choate

Relief After Decades of Misdiagnosis How Dr. Choate's Expertise Changed Everything

“Finally! After more than 20+ years of yearly eye exams only Dr Choate discovered my chronic dry eye.

I was told it was pink eye. Then I was told it was allergies. Nothing worked even a few prescriptions. Now I am on the road to relief and more comfortable vision.

Words fail to express my gratitude to Dr Choate and his staff. I am now confident in my recovery because Dr Choate did not give up on me.” — Marilyn J., 5-star review

What to Expect Before Treatment Every Plan Starts With a Full Eye Health Evaluation

IPL isn’t prescribed lightly, and it’s never based on symptoms alone. Your journey starts with a comprehensive exam that goes far beyond a routine vision test.

  • Detailed Ocular Surface Analysis: Dr. Choate evaluates tear quality, gland structure, and inflammation levels to pinpoint the root cause of your dry eye symptoms.
  • Advanced Digital Imaging: High-resolution imaging tools help identify subtle changes in your eye health and MGD that standard screenings can miss.
  • Personalized IPL Candidacy Assessment: Every patient’s eye anatomy and tear film are different. Your plan will reflect your unique profile and may include alternative treatments if IPL isn’t the right fit.

What Your IPL Treatment Will Look Like From the First Session to Long-Term Comfort

Initial Series of 3–4 Sessions

Performed over the course of several weeks, these sessions work to clear blockages in your meibomian glands and stabilize your tear film.

Each Session Lasts About 15–20 Minutes

IPL uses brief pulses of light to gently warm and express the glands around your eyelids. The treatment is non-invasive and well-tolerated by most patients.

Improvement Often Begins Midway

Many patients notice a reduction in dryness, redness, or irritation after the second or third treatment with continued relief in the months that follow.

Ongoing Maintenance If Needed

Some patients benefit from occasional touch-up sessions to maintain long-term gland function and tear quality.

Is IPL the Right Fit for You?

IPL is a powerful tool for managing chronic dry eye, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. This treatment is best suited for patients dealing with MGD and related issues with tear film quality. You might be a good candidate if:

  • You suffer from burning, gritty, or red eyes
  • Warm compresses and artificial tears provide only short-term relief
  • You’ve been diagnosed with MGD or issues with the oil layer in your tear film
  • You’re looking for a long-term option beyond daily eye drops

Still unsure? That’s exactly why we start every treatment plan with a comprehensive eye exam. Dr. Choate will assess your tear production, gland health, and overall ocular surface to determine if IPL is right for you or if another treatment would be more effective.

Frequently Asked Questions About IPL for Dry Eyes

Is IPL therapy painful or uncomfortable?

Most patients describe the sensation as a gentle warmth or light snap, similar to a rubber band. The sessions are quick (typically 15 to 20 minutes) and don’t require any numbing drops or recovery time.

How does IPL compare to warm compresses or artificial tears?

Warm compresses and artificial tears can offer temporary relief by soothing the eyes or loosening blockages. IPL, on the other hand, targets the underlying cause to improve tear quality and reduce inflammation over time.

“Thanks for helping with my dry eyes!”

“Thanks for helping with my dry eyes!  Your staff is friendly and knowledgeable!  Very informative, and they have up to date technology for eye care” — Kelley M., 5-star review

Dr. Choate and Dr. Colonna

Choate Eye Associates

Choate Eye Associates has been delivering high-quality, compassionate eye care to the Nashville community since 1979. We are affiliated with various leading organizations in the field, including: 

  • American Academy of Optometry
  • American Optometric Association 
  • National Board of Examiners in Optometry 

To schedule a consultation at our practice, call us at (615) 851-7575 or request an appointment online

Contact Us Today

"I am very pleased with the attention I received at Choate Eye Associates. Dr. Choate is very thorough and does a wonderful job of explaining what he is doing and what he is looking for in the exam."
Dianal - Comprehensive Eye Care Patient

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