<?xml version="1.0" encoding="us-ascii"?>
<!-- DFIN ActiveDisclosure(SM) XBRL Linkbase Document - http://www.dfinsolutions.com/ -->
<!-- Creation Date      : 2021-11-10T20:52:04.4496719+00:00 -->
<!-- Version            : 5.0.1.702 -->
<!-- Package ID         : fe9b3a12f0df44ab877f8bdaf9b1d6c6 -->
<!-- Copyright (c) 2021 Donnelley Financial Solutions, Inc. All Rights Reserved. -->
<link:linkbase xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd">
  <link:arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" />
  <link:arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" />
  <link:arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" />
  <link:arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" />
  <link:arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" />
  <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#TemplateLink" roleURI="http://www.iridex.com/20211002/role/TemplateLink" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.iridex.com/20211002/taxonomy/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquityUnaudited" xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#Role_StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquityUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.iridex.com/20211002/taxonomy/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquityUnaudited">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardGross" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardGross" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" order="10340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" order="10360.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueNewIssues" order="10480.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" order="10500.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueStockOptionsExercised" order="10620.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesStockOptionsExercised" order="10640.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" order="10760.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForShareBasedCompensation" order="10900.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesRestrictedStockAwardGross" order="10920.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" order="11040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" order="11180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.iridex.com/20211002/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#Role_DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.iridex.com/20211002/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#irix_ProductsWarrantyPeriod" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="irix_ProductsWarrantyPeriod" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#irix_CurrentPortionOfDeferredRevenuePertainsToExclusivityFeeDeferredRevenue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="irix_CurrentPortionOfDeferredRevenuePertainsToExclusivityFeeDeferredRevenue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#irix_NoncurrentPortionOfDeferredRevenuePertainsToExclusivityFeeDeferredRevenue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="irix_NoncurrentPortionOfDeferredRevenuePertainsToExclusivityFeeDeferredRevenue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerPerformanceObligationSatisfiedInPreviousPeriod" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerPerformanceObligationSatisfiedInPreviousPeriod" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#irix_PercentageOfAccountsReceivableAccounted" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="irix_PercentageOfAccountsReceivableAccounted" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueRevenueRecognized1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredRevenueRevenueRecognized1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#irix_CustomerDeposit" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="irix_CustomerDeposit" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#irix_ArrangementFee" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="irix_ArrangementFee" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#irix_FairValueOfDistributionRight" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="irix_FairValueOfDistributionRight" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#irix_ArrangementExpirationPeriod" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="irix_ArrangementExpirationPeriod" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#irix_RefundableArrangementFee" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="irix_RefundableArrangementFee" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#irix_NumberOfCustomers" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="irix_NumberOfCustomers" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#irix_ServiceContractThresholdPeriodToDetermineNatureOfSale" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="irix_ServiceContractThresholdPeriodToDetermineNatureOfSale" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#irix_ServiceContractWarrantyPeriod" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="irix_ServiceContractWarrantyPeriod" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#irix_NoCustomerMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="irix_NoCustomerMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#irix_OneCustomerMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="irix_OneCustomerMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MajorCustomersAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditConcentrationRiskMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditConcentrationRiskMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#irix_TopconCorporationMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="irix_TopconCorporationMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsReceivableMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DistributionRightsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DistributionRightsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RoyaltyMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RoyaltyMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#irix_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="irix_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#irix_DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="irix_DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="irix_DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="irix_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="irix_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RoyaltyMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="irix_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" order="10100.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_2" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_DistributionRightsMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="irix_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" order="10160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_2" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerMember" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountsReceivableMember" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="irix_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" order="10320.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain_2" order="10330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" order="10350.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="irix_TopconCorporationMember" order="10370.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="irix_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" order="10440.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_2" order="10450.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" order="10470.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember" order="10490.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditConcentrationRiskMember" order="10510.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="irix_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="srt_MajorCustomersAxis" order="10600.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:to="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_2" order="10610.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:to="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" order="10630.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:to="irix_OneCustomerMember" order="10650.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:to="irix_NoCustomerMember" order="10690.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="irix_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" order="10740.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember_2" order="10750.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" order="10770.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" order="10790.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" order="10830.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="irix_DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="irix_ServiceContractWarrantyPeriod" order="10860.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="irix_DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="irix_ServiceContractThresholdPeriodToDetermineNatureOfSale" order="10910.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="irix_DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="irix_NumberOfCustomers" order="10960.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="irix_DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="irix_RefundableArrangementFee" order="11010.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="irix_DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="irix_ArrangementExpirationPeriod" order="11050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="irix_DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="irix_FairValueOfDistributionRight" order="11090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="irix_DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="irix_ArrangementFee" order="11130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="irix_DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="irix_CustomerDeposit" order="11170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="irix_DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredRevenueRevenueRecognized1" order="11210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="irix_DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" order="11680.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="irix_DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="irix_PercentageOfAccountsReceivableAccounted" order="11880.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="irix_DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerPerformanceObligationSatisfiedInPreviousPeriod" order="12510.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="irix_DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="irix_NoncurrentPortionOfDeferredRevenuePertainsToExclusivityFeeDeferredRevenue" order="12550.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="irix_DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="irix_CurrentPortionOfDeferredRevenuePertainsToExclusivityFeeDeferredRevenue" order="12590.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="irix_DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="irix_ProductsWarrantyPeriod" order="12660.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.iridex.com/20211002/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSignificantTransactionsAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#Role_DisclosureSignificantTransactionsAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.iridex.com/20211002/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSignificantTransactionsAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsPurchasePriceAllocationSubsequentYearsRemainingAdjustments" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsPurchasePriceAllocationSubsequentYearsRemainingAdjustments" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsPurchasePriceAllocationYearOfAcquisitionNetEffectOnIncome" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsPurchasePriceAllocationYearOfAcquisitionNetEffectOnIncome" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#irix_TMLSMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="irix_TMLSMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#irix_TopconCorporationMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="irix_TopconCorporationMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="irix_TopconCorporationMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" order="10140.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="irix_TMLSMember" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" order="10320.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" order="10340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCommonStock" order="10360.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsPurchasePriceAllocationYearOfAcquisitionNetEffectOnIncome" order="10410.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionsPurchasePriceAllocationSubsequentYearsRemainingAdjustments" order="10430.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.iridex.com/20211002/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSignificantTransactionsScheduleOfPreliminaryAllocationOfPurchasePriceDetails" xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#Role_DisclosureSignificantTransactionsScheduleOfPreliminaryAllocationOfPurchasePriceDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.iridex.com/20211002/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSignificantTransactionsScheduleOfPreliminaryAllocationOfPurchasePriceDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_Goodwill" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherNoncurrentAssets" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherNoncurrentAssets" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedEquipment" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedEquipment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedInventory" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedInventory" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#irix_TMLSMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="irix_TMLSMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TrademarksAndTradeNamesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TrademarksAndTradeNamesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InProcessResearchAndDevelopmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InProcessResearchAndDevelopmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DevelopedTechnologyRightsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DevelopedTechnologyRightsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComputerSoftwareIntangibleAssetMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ComputerSoftwareIntangibleAssetMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" order="10100.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" order="10160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ComputerSoftwareIntangibleAssetMember" order="10180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_DevelopedTechnologyRightsMember" order="10200.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_InProcessResearchAndDevelopmentMember" order="10220.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_TrademarksAndTradeNamesMember" order="10240.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember" order="10260.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfBusinessAcquisitionsByAcquisitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" order="10300.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAcquireeDomain" xlink:to="irix_TMLSMember" order="10320.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedInventory" order="10530.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIntangibles" order="10550.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedEquipment" order="10570.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedOtherNoncurrentAssets" order="10590.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_Goodwill" order="10690.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredGoodwillAndLiabilitiesAssumedNet" order="10710.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.iridex.com/20211002/taxonomy/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsSummaryOfComponentsOfGrossAndNetIntangibleAssetDetails" xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#Role_DisclosureGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsSummaryOfComponentsOfGrossAndNetIntangibleAssetDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.iridex.com/20211002/taxonomy/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsSummaryOfComponentsOfGrossAndNetIntangibleAssetDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsRemainingAmortizationPeriod1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsRemainingAmortizationPeriod1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InProcessResearchAndDevelopmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InProcessResearchAndDevelopmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TradeNamesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TradeNamesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DevelopedTechnologyRightsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DevelopedTechnologyRightsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="10030.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_DevelopedTechnologyRightsMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_TradeNamesMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_InProcessResearchAndDevelopmentMember" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetAbstract" order="10320.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" order="10600.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" order="10740.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNetAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" order="10880.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsRemainingAmortizationPeriod1" order="11470.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.iridex.com/20211002/taxonomy/role/DisclosureFairValueMeasurementsFinancialAssetsMeasuredAndRecognizedAtFairValueOnRecurringBasisDetails" xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#Role_DisclosureFairValueMeasurementsFinancialAssetsMeasuredAndRecognizedAtFairValueOnRecurringBasisDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.iridex.com/20211002/taxonomy/role/DisclosureFairValueMeasurementsFinancialAssetsMeasuredAndRecognizedAtFairValueOnRecurringBasisDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" order="10200.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_2" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" order="10260.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_2" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" order="10290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_MoneyMarketFundsMember" order="10310.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract" order="10340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure" order="10660.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.iridex.com/20211002/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePPPLoanAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#Role_DisclosurePPPLoanAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.iridex.com/20211002/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePPPLoanAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentDecreaseForgiveness" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentDecreaseForgiveness" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtorInPossessionFinancingInterestRateOnBorrowingsOutstanding" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtorInPossessionFinancingInterestRateOnBorrowingsOutstanding" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrincipalAmountOutstandingOnLoansSecuritized" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PrincipalAmountOutstandingOnLoansSecuritized" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#irix_PaycheckProtectionProgramMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="irix_PaycheckProtectionProgramMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#irix_SmallBusinessAdministrationLoanMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="irix_SmallBusinessAdministrationLoanMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeDomain" xlink:to="irix_SmallBusinessAdministrationLoanMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" order="10180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_2" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="irix_PaycheckProtectionProgramMember" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PrincipalAmountOutstandingOnLoansSecuritized" order="10460.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" order="10480.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtorInPossessionFinancingInterestRateOnBorrowingsOutstanding" order="10500.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm" order="10520.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentDecreaseForgiveness" order="10540.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.iridex.com/20211002/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#Role_DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.iridex.com/20211002/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PurchaseObligation" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PurchaseObligation" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LeaseExpirationDate1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LeaseExpirationDate1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#irix_BaseMonthlyRent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="irix_BaseMonthlyRent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#irix_AreaOfPremises" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="irix_AreaOfPremises" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLeaseExpense" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseExpense" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#irix_CommitmentsAndContingenciesTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="irix_CommitmentsAndContingenciesTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#irix_CommitmentsAndContingenciesLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="irix_CommitmentsAndContingenciesLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="irix_CommitmentsAndContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="irix_CommitmentsAndContingenciesTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="irix_CommitmentsAndContingenciesTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="irix_CommitmentsAndContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseExpense" order="10140.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="irix_CommitmentsAndContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageDiscountRatePercent" order="10180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="irix_CommitmentsAndContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OperatingLeaseWeightedAverageRemainingLeaseTerm1" order="10220.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="irix_CommitmentsAndContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="irix_AreaOfPremises" order="10290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="irix_CommitmentsAndContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="irix_BaseMonthlyRent" order="10310.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="irix_CommitmentsAndContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LeaseExpirationDate1" order="10350.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="irix_CommitmentsAndContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PurchaseObligation" order="10400.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.iridex.com/20211002/taxonomy/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityAndStockBasedCompensationStockBasedCompensationExpensesDetails" xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#Role_DisclosureStockholdersEquityAndStockBasedCompensationStockBasedCompensationExpensesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.iridex.com/20211002/taxonomy/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityAndStockBasedCompensationStockBasedCompensationExpensesDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SellingAndMarketingExpenseMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SellingAndMarketingExpenseMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostOfSalesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostOfSalesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostOfSalesMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SellingAndMarketingExpenseMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationAllocationOfRecognizedPeriodCostsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" order="10180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.iridex.com/20211002/taxonomy/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityAndStockBasedCompensationAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#Role_DisclosureStockholdersEquityAndStockBasedCompensationAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.iridex.com/20211002/taxonomy/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityAndStockBasedCompensationAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAcceleratedCompensationCost" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAcceleratedCompensationCost" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsPeriodIncreaseDecrease" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized" order="10120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1" order="10140.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue" order="10260.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsPeriodIncreaseDecrease" order="10330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAcceleratedCompensationCost" order="10350.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.iridex.com/20211002/taxonomy/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityAndStockBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsDetails" xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#Role_DisclosureStockholdersEquityAndStockBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.iridex.com/20211002/taxonomy/role/DisclosureStockholdersEquityAndStockBasedCompensationRestrictedStockUnitsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AwardTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardTypeAndPlanNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" order="10120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedNumber" order="10200.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod" order="10240.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriod" order="10280.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsNonvestedRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsForfeitedInPeriod" order="10320.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.iridex.com/20211002/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#Role_DisclosureIncomeTaxesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.iridex.com/20211002/taxonomy/role/DisclosureIncomeTaxesAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#irix_IncomeTaxReturnsExaminationPeriod" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="irix_IncomeTaxReturnsExaminationPeriod" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DomesticCountryMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DomesticCountryMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#irix_IncomeTaxesTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="irix_IncomeTaxesTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#irix_IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="irix_IncomeTaxesLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="irix_IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:to="irix_IncomeTaxesTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="irix_IncomeTaxesTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="irix_IncomeTaxesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" order="10120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_2" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_DomesticCountryMember" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_StateAndLocalJurisdictionMember" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="irix_IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" order="10220.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="irix_IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits" order="10290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="irix_IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate" order="10310.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="irix_IncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:to="irix_IncomeTaxReturnsExaminationPeriod" order="10360.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.iridex.com/20211002/taxonomy/role/DisclosureComputationOfBasicAndDilutedNetIncomeLossPerCommonShareAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#Role_DisclosureComputationOfBasicAndDilutedNetIncomeLossPerCommonShareAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.iridex.com/20211002/taxonomy/role/DisclosureComputationOfBasicAndDilutedNetIncomeLossPerCommonShareAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#irix_EmployeeStockOptionsAndRestrictedStockUnitsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="irix_EmployeeStockOptionsAndRestrictedStockUnitsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:to="irix_EmployeeStockOptionsAndRestrictedStockUnitsMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" order="10120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.iridex.com/20211002/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBusinessSegmentsAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#Role_DisclosureBusinessSegmentsAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.iridex.com/20211002/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBusinessSegmentsAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#irix_PercentageOfRevenuesAccounted" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="irix_PercentageOfRevenuesAccounted" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeographicConcentrationRiskMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_GeographicConcentrationRiskMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2021/country-2021.xsd#country_NL" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="country_NL" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2021/country-2021.xsd#country_US" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="country_US" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2021/country-2021.xsd#country_JP" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="country_JP" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:to="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:to="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="country_JP" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="country_US" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="country_NL" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" order="10180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_GeographicConcentrationRiskMember" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" order="10340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" order="10370.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerMember" order="10390.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" order="10500.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" order="10530.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" order="10550.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" order="10610.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments" order="10640.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" order="10690.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="irix_PercentageOfRevenuesAccounted" order="11010.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.iridex.com/20211002/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBusinessSegmentsScheduleOfRevenueInformationByProductDetails" xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#Role_DisclosureBusinessSegmentsScheduleOfRevenueInformationByProductDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.iridex.com/20211002/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBusinessSegmentsScheduleOfRevenueInformationByProductDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProductAndServiceOtherMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProductAndServiceOtherMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#irix_RetinaMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="irix_RetinaMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#irix_CycloGSixMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="irix_CycloGSixMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideInformationRevenueFromExternalCustomersByProductsAndServicesTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideInformationRevenueFromExternalCustomersByProductsAndServicesTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EntityWideInformationRevenueFromExternalCustomerLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EntityWideInformationRevenueFromExternalCustomerLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_EntityWideInformationRevenueFromExternalCustomerLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideInformationRevenueFromExternalCustomersByProductsAndServicesTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideInformationRevenueFromExternalCustomersByProductsAndServicesTable" xlink:to="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="irix_CycloGSixMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="irix_RetinaMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProductAndServiceOtherMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EntityWideInformationRevenueFromExternalCustomerLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" order="10160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.iridex.com/20211002/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBusinessSegmentsScheduleOfRevenueInformationByProductParentheticalDetails" xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#Role_DisclosureBusinessSegmentsScheduleOfRevenueInformationByProductParentheticalDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.iridex.com/20211002/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBusinessSegmentsScheduleOfRevenueInformationByProductParentheticalDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueRevenueRecognized1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredRevenueRevenueRecognized1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DistributionRightsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DistributionRightsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ServiceMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ServiceMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideInformationRevenueFromExternalCustomersByProductsAndServicesTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideInformationRevenueFromExternalCustomersByProductsAndServicesTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EntityWideInformationRevenueFromExternalCustomerLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EntityWideInformationRevenueFromExternalCustomerLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_EntityWideInformationRevenueFromExternalCustomerLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideInformationRevenueFromExternalCustomersByProductsAndServicesTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideInformationRevenueFromExternalCustomersByProductsAndServicesTable" xlink:to="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ServiceMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEntityWideInformationRevenueFromExternalCustomersByProductsAndServicesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" order="10120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_DistributionRightsMember" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EntityWideInformationRevenueFromExternalCustomerLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" order="10200.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EntityWideInformationRevenueFromExternalCustomerLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredRevenueRevenueRecognized1" order="10280.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.iridex.com/20211002/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBusinessSegmentsRevenueInformationByGeographicRegionDetails" xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#Role_DisclosureBusinessSegmentsRevenueInformationByGeographicRegionDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.iridex.com/20211002/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBusinessSegmentsRevenueInformationByGeographicRegionDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="irix-20211002.xsd#irix_RestOfAmericasMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="irix_RestOfAmericasMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_EuropeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_EuropeMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_AsiaPacificMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_AsiaPacificMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2021/country-2021.xsd#country_US" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="country_US" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfRevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfRevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsTable" xlink:to="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:to="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="country_US" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="srt_AsiaPacificMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="srt_EuropeMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:to="irix_RestOfAmericasMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenuesFromExternalCustomersAndLongLivedAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" order="10180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
</link:linkbase>
