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.
We’re passionate about providing our patients with effective and accurate dry eye disease diagnosis and treatment. With top-of-the-line instruments, our practice uses several diagnostic tools to uncover any potential issues and make recommendations on the best treatments available.
One of these possible treatments is OptiLight by Lumenis. We’re proud to be the only practice in the area to offer this option specially designed for dry eye disease management.
What Is OptiLight by Lumenis?
OptiLight IPL by Lumenis is a light-based, non-invasive treatment performed on the area below the eyes to manage dry eye disease. It is 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. OptiLight is able to attack dry eye disease from many different angles:
- Improve the tear film
- Decrease the number of bacteria and mites around the eyes
- Eliminate unwanted pro-inflammatory blood vessels
- Increase the tear oil gland secretions
What to Expect
Before Your Treatment
To determine if you are a candidate for OptiLight IPL, you will have a Dry Eye Disease Evaluation, during which the doctor will prescribe customized treatments for your dry eye disease. If OptiLight IPL is one of those treatments, our team will perform a test of OptiLight on your cheek before booking your full treatment.
To prepare for your full OptiLight IPL treatment, you will fill out an online questionnaire to identify any possible contraindications and a consent form. We recommend avoiding sun exposure or artificial tanning for 3 to 4 weeks before the appointment date. For your appointment, don’t apply any makeup or face cream.
During Your Treatment
The treatment is fast and simple. All OptiLight IPL candidates should watch this video to see what to expect.
During the treatment, the IPL technician will cover your eyes with protective eye shields and apply a coupling gel to your face on the treatment area. As light is applied to the skin, you may experience a warm or snapping sensation depending on the size of the light applicator needed for your type of dry eye disease. The treatment itself will only take 5–10 minutes.
After Your Treatment
Be sure to follow the post care instructions to decrease the possibility of skin flaking, discomfort, redness, bruising, and swelling. These complications are not common, but your next treatment can be altered to minimize them if they do occur.
A complete course of treatment typically includes 4 sessions, spaced 2-4 weeks apart. A single maintenance session may be indicated at the one-year mark.
You Don’t Have to Live with Dry Eye Disease Anymore
Our dedication to helping our patients extends further than one dry eye disease treatment method. We offer several options for your eye health, including over-the-counter and prescription eye drops, punctal plugs, nutritional supplements, blepharitis treatments, and oral medications.
Everyone’s eyes are unique, so we create customized treatment plans for each person we serve. During the initial Dry Eye Disease Evaluation, we will recommend the best care for your needs.
If you experience dry eyes and are looking for relief, contact us today.