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Home » What's New » What Is the OptiLight by Lumenis & How Can It Manage Your Dry Eye?

What Is the OptiLight by Lumenis & How Can It Manage Your Dry Eye?

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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 are suffering from dry eye disease or that real treatments exist. Instead, they just live with the discomfort.

At Lifetime Vision, we take dry eye disease seriously—it is something we screen for in every patient that walks through our doors. Many common prescriptions and over-the-counter systemic prescriptions may contribute to dry eye symptoms, so we look very closely at the health history. We also discuss lifestyle and use of modern technology, as increased use of digital devices can lead to more symptoms. Then, using our dry eye questionnaire, slit lamp examination, and tear break-up time analysis, we can determine the cause and severity of your dry eyes. Afterward, we will discuss effective solutions to relieve your symptoms.

We are 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. This intense-pulse light (IPL) therapy is the first and only FDA-approved treatment 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

While there isn’t a lot to prepare for with this treatment, you should avoid sun exposure for at least 3 weeks before your appointment.

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 and/or goggles.

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. Sunscreen will also be applied to protect your skin.

After Your Treatment

There is no downtime required after treatment, and you can resume your normal activities right away. While there is no healing period, it is still important to protect your skin from the sun by wearing protective sunscreen. You should begin to notice improvements after 2–3 treatment sessions.

While OptiLight is a safe and effective treatment approved by the FDA, there is still a risk of side effects. Some of these side effects include:

  • Discomfort

  • Damage to skin texture

  • Change in skin pigmentation

  • Scarring

  • Fragile skin

  • Excessive edema

  • Bruising

Contact your treatment provider if you experience adverse side effects.

Part of Your Custom Treatment Plan

A course of treatment typically includes 4 sessions spaced 2–4 weeks apart. We recommend our patients complete all 4 treatments for the best possible results.

We dedicate ourselves to providing comprehensive care for your dry eyes. As part of your customized treatment plan, we may recommend several dry eye treatments such as preservative-free artificial tears and gels, eyelid cleanser, warm compresses, and punctal plugs. We will evaluate you at each visit and discuss the best plan for your specific needs.

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.

We are here to help. Contact us if you are looking for relief from your dry eye symptoms!