OptiLight for Dry Eye Treatment

OptiLight by Lumenis, an FDA-approved treatment for dry eye disease, provides relief from the irritating symptoms of dry eye disease.

Dry eye disease is an uncomfortable condition that affects many people’s daily lives. The most common types of treatments are over-the-counter eye drops or artificial tears. However, these may not be effective for everyone.    

At Primary Eye Care in Arlington, one of the in-office treatments we offer for dry eye disease is OptiLight by Lumenis. OptiLight is the first and only intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy FDA-approved for the treatment of dry eye disease caused by meibomian gland dysfunction. 

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What is OptiLight, and how does it work?   

OptiLight IPL treatment uses a specific wavelength of light to alleviate the symptoms of dry eye disease and meibomian gland dysfunction. This innovative device administers short bursts of light to the affected area to reduce inflammation, which is a common cause of eye irritation symptoms.

Multiple studies and research have found that this treatment significantly reduces the symptoms of dry eye and offers multifaceted benefits. These benefits include improving the production and volume of oil from the meibomian glands, increasing tear breakup time, reducing bacteria and the population of Demodex mites around the eyes, and eliminating superficial blood vessels that contribute to inflammation.  

“IPL targets inflammation, which is the root cause of dry eye, and helps the eyes feel and look clinically better so that we can slow down the progression.”

— Dr. Nanji

What are the benefits of OptiLight treatments?    

OptiLight IPL treatments offer many benefits, including:   

  • Quick treatment times—can be completed during a lunch break   
  • Long-lasting results   
  • Immediately return to your daily activities after treatment—no recovery period    
  • Decrease your dependence on eye drops    
  • Treat the underlying cause of dry eye, not just the symptoms   
  • Reduction of redness or skin blemishes and mild reduction in fine lines and wrinkles in the treated area 

What to expect during an OptiLight session   

The OptiLight IPL treatment is a gentle, safe, non-invasive procedure that takes about 15 minutes to complete. During the procedure, the eye doctor or technician will cover your eyes with protective shields and apply a coupling gel to the treatment area. The gel is similar to the gel used during an ultrasound. It’s gentle on sensitive skin and cleans off easily after the treatment.  

During the treatment, you may feel a slight warmth and see a bright flash when the light is applied to the skin. After the procedure, your doctor will remove the gel and apply sunscreen to the treatment area.   

Are there any risks associated with OptiLight?    

The most common side effect is temporary redness or swelling of the treated area. Some people may also experience temporary vision changes, such as increased light sensitivity or blurred vision. These side effects typically disappear a few hours after treatment.    

How can I prepare for an OptiLight session?    

Before you receive OptiLight treatment, your eye doctor will thoroughly examine your eyes to assess your suitability for the procedure. They will most likely conduct a physical exam as well as tests to measure your eye health and tear production. Your optometrist may ask you to avoid using makeup or lotions on your face for 24 hours before treatment, as this may increase your risk of side effects. 

Do you suffer from dry eye disease and can no longer get relief from eye drops? Our eye care specialists in Arlington are here to help! Give us a call today to schedule a dry eye evaluation.

Before Treatment

“As a school teacher, I spend a large portion of my day using technology—working on tablets and computers—which led to frequent eye fatigue. I often experienced a scratchy, gritty sensation in my eyes that made me rub them constantly. My eyes were frequently red, inflamed, and tired.

To cope, I relied on various over-the-counter eye drops. While they provided temporary relief, they didn’t address the root cause. In fact, the more I used them, the more dependent I became, and once the effects wore off, the irritation and inflammation often felt worse.

During Treatment

I was a bit nervous before my first IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatment, especially because I have sensitive skin. However, Dr. Nanji was incredibly thorough in explaining the entire process, which quickly put me at ease. She walked me through each step—what to expect from the gel application, the snap sound during treatment, and the mild sensation from the pulsed light.

Despite my skin sensitivity, the treatment was surprisingly gentle, and the results were amazing. I followed Dr. Nanji’s post-treatment instructions carefully, and my skin responded well with minimal redness or irritation. Beyond the eye relief, I noticed a smoother, more even skin tone almost immediately.

After Treatment Results

After the treatment, the gritty feeling disappeared. I no longer feel the need to rub my eyes, and my overall eye comfort has improved significantly. Fatigue has decreased, and screen time is much more manageable. There’s noticeably less inflammation and itchiness, and I’ve stopped relying on eye drops altogether.

In addition, by following Dr. Nanji’s advice to wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, and avoid excessive sun exposure, I’ve seen continued improvement in my skin texture and tone.

Value

IPL is an investment—but one that’s absolutely worth it for the relief and quality-of-life improvements it brings. With age and our growing reliance on screens, untreated dry eyes can really impact daily life. For me, this has been money well spent.

If you’re on the fence about IPL, I highly recommend consulting with Dr. Nanji. She’s a wonderful educator and truly helps you understand the eye health benefits of this treatment. IPL doesn’t just mask the symptoms—it addresses the root cause of eye discomfort.”

— Brent Michael