What Is the OptiLight by Lumenis & How Can It Help Us Manage Your Dry Eye?
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 dedicate ourselves to diagnosing and treating dry eye disease effectively at Exclusively Eyecare. With the latest technology, including meibography, corneal staining, and tear osmolarity, we can determine the cause of your symptoms. Our team can recommend a treatment plan to help you live free of discomfort.
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
You don’t need to do much to prepare for your appointment. Don’t wear any eye makeup on the day of your treatment; we can take care of the rest!
After getting you checked in, you’ll enter the treatment room and rest in a reclining chair. You’ll receive eye protection and gel to cover the treatment area. After you’re ready, your procedure can begin.
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.
After Your Treatment
After your treatment, you’ll receive a face lotion to use. You should apply SPF 30 or higher sunscreen for the next 2 weeks to protect your skin.
OptiLight is a safe treatment, but side effects may occur. Your optometrist will discuss any risks and potential side effects with you in-depth before your treatment.
Part of Your Custom Treatment Plan
A course of treatment depends on the specifics of your case. Your eye doctor will help determine the number of treatments you may need.
Each patient who visits us receives a customized treatment plan. If needed, there are several other treatment options available depending on your needs, including Lipiflow, TearCare, medications, punctal plugs, amniotic membranes, and autologous serum. We can help determine the best ways to manage your dry eyes.
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.
If you’re experiencing dry eye symptoms, contact your optometrist.