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 Optique, we have extensive experience and the latest technology to help address your dry eyes. With effective diagnostic tools and treatments, we’re here to help improve your quality of life.
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
Before your first appointment, your doctor will inform you about the risks of this treatment and provide you with pretreatment instructions to follow. For your safety, you should:
Avoid taking isotretinoin (Accutane) for 1 month before treatment
Avoid tanning
Avoid wearing makeup or facial lotion on the day of treatment
Take your prescribed medication if you have a history of cold sores the days surrounding your treatment
Inform your doctor if you’re taking new medications or have tattoos
Speak with your doctor about these relevant instructions. You may need to reschedule your treatment if there are any conflicts, such as recent tanning.
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
You may have a few immediate reactions following treatment, such as redness and gritty or dry eyes. Pigmented skin areas may appear darker but will resolve with time. Your optometrist will provide a set of aftercare instructions.
You can treat any redness or irritation with a cold compress, and you should apply 30 SPF or higher sunscreen every day to protect your skin. Avoid using perfume or products with alcohol on your skin; only use gentle cleansers and lotions until healing is complete.
In the rare case a blister develops, avoid touching this area and immediately contact your doctor for further directions.
Part of Your Custom Treatment Plan
A course of treatment typically includes 4 sessions spaced 2–3 weeks apart, but your eye doctor will decide the most effective plan for your needs.
OptiLight is a part of your customized treatment plan. Your eye doctor will determine the most effective treatments for your ocular needs.
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 have dry eye symptoms, contact your optometrist today.
