What Is the OptiLight by Lumenis & How Can It 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.
At Personal Care Optometry, we dedicate ourselves to staying current on the latest developments in eye care. We use the latest technology to help our patients experience healthy eyes and excellent vision.
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
In the time before your appointment, avoid sun exposure longer than 30 minutes, tanning beds, and self-tanning creams for 2 weeks. Avoid wearing any makeup on your appointment day.
We’ll have a questionnaire ready for you once you arrive at our office. After going through the necessary preparations, we can begin your treatment.
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
While you can resume your normal activities, like skincare, immediately after treatment, you should avoid sun exposure on your face for 2 weeks. Adequate sunscreen and a hat are necessary whenever you go outside.
It’s important to be aware of the side effects of this treatment, such as increased collagen production, softening of wrinkles, and potential skin discoloration. Your skin may feel warm and red for several hours after treatment.
Part of Your Custom Treatment Plan
A course of treatment depends on the specifics of your case. Your doctor will help determine the number of treatments you may need.
We’re passionate about helping our patients, and we can help decide the best treatment for your needs. Besides OptiLight, we’re happy to offer several other dry eye treatments, including artificial tears, punctal plugs, prescription eye drops, and lid treatment options. We’ll work with you to find a solution for your discomfort.
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.