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Optilight

Are You Struggling with Dry Eyes?

You rely on your vision every day, but irritating dry eye symptoms can get in the way of living life to its fullest. Not only are dry eyes uncomfortable, but they can also impact your job performance, make daily tasks increasingly difficult, and so much more. Our optometry team is committed to providing you with the vision care you need and deserve. At our practice, we’re proud to offer OptiLight by Lumenis to our patients, specially designed to help you find relief from dry eye disease.

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What Is Dry Eye Disease?

Dry eye disease is an eye condition that occurs when your eyes don’t get adequate lubrication from your tears to keep them moist and comfortable. This is often a result of your eyes not producing enough tears or producing tears that are low quality. Your tears are made up of 3 distinct layers, all of which work together to keep your eyes healthy and lubricated:

• The oily layer prevents your tears from evaporating too quickly
• The watery layer delivers nutrients to your eyes
• The mucus layer keeps your tear film stuck to the surface of your eyes

If there’s an issue with any one of these layers, it can lead to dry eye disease.

The Role of the Meibomian Glands
One of the leading causes of dry eye disease is meibomian gland dysfunction. Meibomian gland dysfunction occurs when blockages form in your meibomian glands, which are located around the edges of your eyelid. These blockages prevent your tear film from getting the oils it needs, which can cause your tears to evaporate too quickly, leading to dry eye symptoms.

What Is OptiLight by Lumenis?

OptiLight by Lumenis is a safe, gentle, and effective treatment for dry eye symptoms caused by meibomian gland dysfunction. This non-invasive procedure is the first and only FDA-approved intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment for dry eye management.

OptiLight uses precise pulses of light, done in the area below the eyes, to reduce dry eye symptoms. This 10-15 minute procedure can significantly relieve dry eye symptoms by:

• 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

Is OptiLight by Lumenis Right 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:

• Are taking certain medications, like Accutane
• Have active acne
• Suffer from certain skin disorders
• Are susceptible to keloid scarring
• Have severe scarring
• Have severely sunburned recently

​​​​​​​Your optometrist is the only person who can determine which dry eye treatment is best for you and your individual needs. During your next eye exam, ask us if you are a good candidate for OptiLight by Lumenis.

We're Here to Help

Our team is here to help you find relief from dry eyes. We always strive to offer our patients a comprehensive eye care experience, and our treatments reflect that. Book an appointment today to see how OptiLight by Lumenis can help you!


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Frequently Asked Questions

What is IPL?

IPL, or Intense Pulsed Light, treatment for dry eyes is an innovative and non-invasive therapy designed to alleviate the symptoms of dry eye syndrome and improve overall eye comfort. Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the quality of tears is compromised, leading to eye discomfort, redness, irritation, and sometimes even blurry vision. IPL treatment specifically targets the underlying cause of dry eye, making it an effective solution for certain individuals.

What is OptiLIGHT?

OptiLIGHT is a light-based treatment that uses precise, intense broad spectrum light to address signs of dry eye disease due to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). MGD is the most common cause of dry eye disease, accounting for about 86% of cases. The treatment addresses inflammation, which is one of the key underlying factors in MGD. OptiLIGHT was specifically developed to reach the delicate contours of the treated area safely, effectively, and gently using the OPT™ technology. It is intended for use in patients who are at least 22 years old, together with other available treatments, such as Meibomian gland expression, artificial tear lubricants, and warm compresses

How does OptiLIGHT work?

OptiLIGHT reduces major sources of inflammation leading to dry eye disease such as abnormal blood vessels, Demodex mites, and pro-inflammatory agents. OptiLIGHT restores the function of meibomian glands and delays evaporation of the tear film.

What does treatment with OptiLIGHT involve?

Treatment protocol typically consists of 4 sessions, at 2 to 4 weeks apart:
During treatment, your practitioner will cover your eyes with shields and apply a thin layer of coupling gel on the treatment area.
During treatment, light is applied on the skin below the eyes, most patients report minimal discomfort.
OptiLIGHT is followed by meibomian gland expression.
Each session takes only 10-15 minutes. There is no downtime, you can resume your daily activities immediately.

When should I expect an improvement?

Patients typically report improvement after 2 to 3 treatments. For optimal results, 4 sessions are advised. To ensure long-term results, a maintenance session is recommended every 6-12 months.

What should I expect after treatment?

You may experience some redness immediately following treatment. This will usually disappear within a few hours. You can return to your daily activities and apply makeup straight away in most cases. You will be advised to stay out of direct sunlight for a few days and to apply sunscreen.

What are the potential risks and side effects?

Potential risks and side effects of using OptiLIGHT on your skin may include pain/ discomfort, damage to natural skin texture, change of pigmentation, scaring, excessive edema, fragile skin, bruising, burns, pruritus and xerosis. You should consult with your physician about these risks and whether treatment with OptiLIGHT is suitable for you.

Does insurance cover the cost?

No, it is a private pay procedure.