At some point, nearly everyone experiences the uncomfortable feeling of dry eyes. However, for some, it may become an ongoing condition that requires treatment. At Dr Bei Zhang Optometrist Inc, we are proud to offer the first and only IPL FDA-approved treatment for dry eye disease, OptiLight.
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 Dr Bei Zhang Optometrist Inc, we offer a variety of diagnostic and treatment technologies to help you access the right eye care for you. Your vision should be clear and comfortable at all times, and it’s our mission to help you achieve your ideal vision. Your eye care matters.
Along with specialty lenses, eye drops, and amniotic membranes, 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
In the month leading up to your treatment, avoid excessive sun exposure and tanning. Notify your doctor of any medications you’re taking as you may need to temporarily stop taking these medications before your treatment.
If you have any beauty marks or tattoos around the treatment area that you don’t want to be affected, please let the doctor know.
When you arrive at the office, our team will help you check-in. If you’re wearing any makeup or product on your face, you’ll be asked to wash it off.
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 [depending on the doctor].
After Your Treatment
Some redness after your treatment is completely normal. You’ll apply sunscreen right away (SPF 30 or higher) and it’s important that you avoid excessive sun exposure in the time between your treatments. Avoid products with alcohol or acid.
Some common side effects include mild discomfort, pigmentation changes, swelling, and burning. However, you can avoid most of these side effects with strict adherence to the after-care instructions.
If you notice blistering, notify our office right away.
Part of Your Custom Treatment Plan
A course of treatment typically includes 4 sessions spaced 2 – 4 weeks apart, but your doctor will review your customized treatment with you prior to your 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.