What is Dry Eye and Optilight Treatment?

 

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.

We at Cassey’s Optical understand how uncomfortable dry eye symptoms can be. Our practice is proudly dedicated to pursuing innovative dry eye solutions using modern, cutting-edge technology to bring our patients relief.

We’re proud to offer OptiLight by Lumenis to our patients, specially designed for dry eye management.

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What Is OptiLight by Lumenis?

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OptiLight by Lumenis is a light-based, non-invasive treatment done in the area below the eyes to manage dry eye.  It is 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.

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How Does It Work?

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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 ..

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Before Your Treatment

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The first step before treatment is to come into our office for a comprehensive eye evaluation.  

Your doctor will determine the best course of treatment based on your individual needs. If IPL is right for you, we will perform a test spot in the office to measure your response.

In the weeks leading up to your appointment, limit sun exposure and tanning—this includes sunless tanning at the salon. When you come in for your treatment, please show up with a clean face. This means no makeup, and men should shave. 

 

During Your Treatment

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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.

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After Your Treatment

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Following treatment, the treated area will be cleansed. Your skin may be warm and pink, but this usually goes away within 48 hours. 

Your doctor will review your personalized post-treatment plan with you, but you should be able to return to most normal activities. 

To enjoy the best results of your IPL treatment, we recommend using SPF 30 or higher on any treated skin that may be exposed to the sun.

 

Part of Your Custom Treatment Plan

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A course of treatment typically includes 4 sessions spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart. Studies have shown that tear function increases after each treatment, with the largest improvement at the end of your fourth session. 

To maintain results, we typically recommend an IPL maintenance session once or twice per year depending on your needs.

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Will the OptiLight by Lumenis Work for Me?    

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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.

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You Don’t Have to Live With Dry Eye Anymore

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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.