What Is the OptiLight by Lumenis & How Can It Manage Your Dry Eye?

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 eyeXam Silicon Valley, your eye health is our top priority. We use state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment technology to provide you with comprehensive eye care tailored to your needs. You don’t have to suffer from dry eye symptoms any longer. 

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 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

To best prepare for your treatment, we ask that you follow these recommendations:

• Avoid sun exposure & tanning for 3 – 4 weeks prior to your appointment
• Arrive to each appointment with a clean face (no makeup or lotion)
• Always use sunscreen when outside, even if it’s cloudy

When you arrive, our friendly staff will greet you and check you in. They’ll ensure your paperwork is complete and get you settled in your exam room.

During Your Treatment

This treatment is fast and simple. During the treatment, your doctor will apply a coupling gel to 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.

OptiLight is often followed by meibomian gland expression.

After Your Treatment

You may experience some mild redness and discomfort immediately after your treatment. This should subside after a few hours.

You can return to your daily activities, but it’s important to apply sunscreen and avoid sun exposure for at least 48 hours after each treatment.

If you experience any worsening side effects, please contact our office.

Part of Your Custom Treatment Plan

A course of treatment typically includes 4 sessions spaced 2 – 4 weeks apart. Your doctor will discuss the details of your customized treatment plan with you before your first appointment.

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.