OptiLight by Lumenis
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, but these don’t work for everyone.
At Primary Eye Care in Arlington, TN, one of the in-office treatments we offer for dry eye disease is OptiLight by Lumenis. OptiLight is the first and only IPL (intense pulsed light) therapy FDA-approved for the treatment of dry eye disease caused by meibomian gland dysfunction.
What is OptiLight, and how does it work?
The 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 this treatment to significantly reduce the symptoms of dry eye and offer 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.
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 overall 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.
