What is Dry Eye?

Dry eye disease is a common condition that affects the eye’s ability to keep itself lubricated. The problem occurs within the eye’s tear film. If a patient’s tear film isn’t able to produce and keep high-quality tears, it’s possible the patient will begin to experience the irritation and symptoms of dry eye. Dry eye can be caused by a variety of factors. Some limit the eye from producing tears, while others increase the evaporation speed of the tears. Factors such as diet, dry air, allergies, or old age can all contribute to a patient’s risk of dry eye.

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

Increasing Tear Break-Up Time

Reducing the Amount of Demodex Mites & Bacteria Living Around Your Eyes

Eliminating Blood Vessels that Contribute to Inflamation

Improving Meibomian Gland Functionality

What to Expect

We want you to have the most success with your dry eye treatment. Understanding our process can help put your mind at ease before, during, and after your treatments.

Determining Your Treatment

First, we’re going to ask you a series of questions from our Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness (SPEED) quiz to assess your dry eye symptoms. This helps us ensure we’re providing the appropriate treatment for your eyes. We will ask you questions about your family history, lifestyle habits, and more.

Next, we’re going to complete a comprehensive eye exam, taking a special interest in your eyelids, eyelashes, conjunctiva (the part of your eye that contributes to your tear film), cornea (the outermost part of your eye), and glands. To have the best possible assessment of these integral pieces, we will use Sodium Fluorescein (NaFl) and Lissamine, a green stain used to detect ocular problems. Then, we will evaluate the quality of your tears and check for any tear or lid debris, and signs of inflammation or irregular blood vessels.

If you are a candidate for OptiLight, we will then fill out a skin-typing questionnaire and test the treatment on your skin to check for any adverse reactions.

Preparing for OptiLight

Leading up to your appointment, we want you to take special care of your eyes so you will receive the best results. Please avoid direct sunlight for 3–4 weeks before your treatments, including tanning beds and self-tanning creams.

In the 2 weeks before your appointment:

Do not use medication that can cause photosensitivity (such as Doxycycline—an antibiotic)
Do not receive any Botox or fillers

In the 2–3 days leading up to your appointment, avoid topical products containing:

Glycolic acid
Retin A
Exfoliators
Bleaching agents

What Happens During Treatment?

When you arrive, our friendly team will greet you and walk you through the process. We will ask you to wash your face to remove any makeup or debris. You may require a close shave if areas of your face receiving treatment have hair.

Before we begin, we will review your medical history and go over your dry eye symptoms and any therapies you’re currently using. Then, you will be provided eye protection, and we will apply ultrasound gel to your face.

The OptiLight treatment is quite quick and easy. Your eye doctor will apply the light to your skin, which is gentle and comfortable. Each of your treatments will only take 10–15 minutes.

Aftercare Instructions

Following your treatment, your eye doctor will instruct you to wash your face with a gentle cleanser and apply sunscreen of SPF 30 or more. You will need to apply the sunscreen every day until your treatment sessions are complete.

If you experience brown spots or if your skin turns darker, these spots should flake off within a week (similar to a tan or sun spots). Please avoid hot baths, showers, saunas, and hot tubs for 2–4 days. You may continue using makeup as long as your skin looks and feels normal.

Any side effects are typically resolved within 3–7 days, and may include slight redness, swelling, or irritation in the area you received the treatment.

Will the OptiLight 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 Eyes 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.

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