Dry eye disease is a widespread and common issue for up to 49 million Americans. This chronic condition can have a significant impact on your quality of life, causing a foreign body sensation in your eyes, pain, blurry vision, and dry or watery eyes. Untreated, it can even lead to further eye health complications.
Despite these constant detrimental effects on quality of life, many dry eye sufferers are not aware that they’re suffering from dry eye disease or that real treatments exist. Instead, they just live with the discomfort.
If you have concerns about dry eye disease, an optometrist should carefully examine your eyes to find the source of your discomfort. Before providing any diagnosis, they’ll look for:
- The quality of your tear production
- The functionality of your eyelid’s glands
- Oil production in your eyelids
- Any signs of eyelid inflammation
EyeCare West is a professional practice offering top-quality solutions for patients living with dry eye disease, and we’ve dedicated ourselves to providing modern, effective treatment options.
We’re proud to offer OptiLight by Lumenis to our patients, specially designed for dry eye management.
What Is OptiLight by Lumenis?
OptiLight by Lumenis is a light-based, non-invasive treatment done in the area below the eyes to manage dry eye. The first and only IPL FDA-approved for dry eye management.
The treatment is safe, gentle, and is backed by more than 20 clinical studies.
How Does It Work?
OptiLight uses precise pulses of light to reduce the inflammation that is typically associated with dry eye disease, improve tear break-up time, and increase meibomian gland functionality.
This application can significantly relieve dry eye indicators and has a multi-factorial effect, including:
- Increasing tear break-up time
- Reducing the amount of demodex mites and bacteria living around your eyes
- Eliminating blood vessels that contribute to inflammation
- Improving meibomian gland functionality
What to Expect
Before Your Treatment
There are some forms and paperwork to complete before your session, but the treatment itself is quick and non-invasive.
Prior to your OptiLight treatment, we recommend avoiding self-tanners and tanning beds. Patients should arrive at their appointment without makeup, and be prepared to discuss any over-the-counter or prescribed medications with their optometrist.
During Your Treatment
This treatment is fast and simple. During the treatment your doctor will apply a coupling gel on the treatment area and cover your eyes with shields.
As light is applied to the skin, you may experience a warm sensation. The treatment is gentle with minimum discomfort. The treatment itself will only take 10–15 minutes.
OptiLight is often followed by meibomian gland expression [depending on the doctor].
After Your Treatment
After an OptiLight treatment, patients can expect a small amount of redness or swelling, which should resolve within 24-48 hours. There should be no blistering or bruising in the treatment area.
Side effects of this procedure are rare, but they may include scarring or changes to skin pigmentation.
Part of Your Custom Treatment Plan
A course of treatment typically includes 4 sessions spaced 2–4 weeks apart.
At EyeCare West, we offer personalized options for dry eye disease in conjunction with OptiLight treatments. Patients may experience additional relief by combining their sessions with the following treatments:
- Moist heat compresses
- Lid cleansers
- Artificial tears
- Steroids
- Manual lid expression
Your optometrist will work carefully to determine the best treatment for your discomfort. You’re in excellent hands with our experienced team!
Will the OptiLight by Lumenis Work for Me?
While OptiLight by Lumenis is an effective dry eye management solution, we want to make sure it’s right for you. We do not recommend this treatment if you:
- Suffer from aqueous deficiency dry eye (rather than evaporative dry eye or meibomian gland dysfunction)
- Have a history of keloid scarring
- Have severe scarring around your eyes
Ultimately, your doctor is the only person who can determine whether this option is right for you. During your next appointment, ask us if you are a good candidate for OptiLight by Lumenis.
You Don’t Have to Live With Dry Eye Anymore
Dry, irritated eyes can be managed with a new treatment that brings comfort and can restore quality of life. Visit your eye doctor to get an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan tailored to your needs.