Lumenis Optilight Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL)
If you suffer from chronic dry eye symptoms, such as dry, red, itchy, or gritty-feeling eyes, it’s important to find a solution that can get to the root of your symptoms and deliver long-lasting and effective relief.
Lumenis Optilight Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy is among the more groundbreaking treatments for dry eye and styes. This in-office treatment uses specific wavelengths of light to reduce inflammation around the eyes, enabling oil-producing meibomian glands to better lubricate the eyes and significantly reduce unpleasant dry eye symptoms.
How Does Lumenis Optilight IPL Treatment Work?
The primary cause of dry eye syndrome is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), which occurs when the oil-producing meibomian glands are clogged up and unable to produce a healthy tear film. The oil is crucial as it stops your tear film from evaporating too rapidly.
The treatment involves applying light pulses around the eyelids. The heat from the light help break down blockages in the oil glands, allowing for better secretion and improving the quality and stability of the tear film. Additionally, IPL helps reduce inflammation and eliminate bacteria that can accumulate along the lash line, further promoting eye health.
Lumenis Optilight IPL Treatment
We start your Optilight IPL treatment by placing shields over your eyes to protect them from the light pulses. Following that, a thin layer of cooling gel is applied to the treatment area and a small device administers the pulses of light to the region around the eyelids, which then dislodge oil buildup.
treating both chronic dry eye syndrome and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
After administering Optilight IPL, Dr. Dawn Wattenhofer will express oil from the glands, which will restore normal oil flow in the tear film. Though patients usually notice an improvement in dry eye symptoms following their first or second treatment, it is generally recommended they undergo monthly Optilight IPL treatments over a period of 4 months.
This ensures long-term success in treating both chronic dry eye syndrome and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.
A Bright Solution for Dry Eyes is Here!
Lumenis Optilight IPL is the dry eye treatment you’ve been waiting for
Innovative light therapy for brighter results 
Targets multiple key contributors of dry eyes for lasting results
Finally reduces your dependency on eye drops
Developed with safety in mind, for your peace of mind
After Lumenis Optilight IPL Treatment
Patients often see improvements in their dry eye symptoms after just one or two sessions. However, the full benefits of Optilight IPL are usually more apparent after completing the entire series of treatments. Depending on your response to therapy, we recommend maintenance sessions every six to twelve months for sustaining symptom relief.
As you consider treatment options for dry eye syndrome, Optilight IPL presents a safe and effective choice that targets the condition at its source. By enhancing gland functionality and reducing inflammation, this innovative therapy promises immediate relief and long-term improvement in eye health and comfort. Embrace a clearer path to eye wellness with Optilight IPL and experience the benefits of a cutting-edge solution tailored to your eye care needs.
What are the Benefits of Optilight IPL?
The benefits of Optilight IPL are particularly significant in treating dry eye syndrome. Patients who undergo this therapy report a notable reduction in dry eye symptoms such as irritation, burning, and discomfort. Key benefits include:
Improved Gland Function: Optilight IPL helps restore average Meibomian gland performance, which is crucial for maintaining eye moisture.
Reduced Inflammation: The treatment decreases eyelid inflammation, allowing for healthier tear production.
Long-term Relief: Unlike temporary solutions, Optilight IPL addresses the root causes of dry eye, offering longer-lasting relief.
Enhanced Comfort and Vision: Patients experience better overall eye comfort and visual clarity by reducing dry eye symptoms.
What can I expect from the OptiLight treatment?
- You may experience a warm sensation as light is applied to the skin. The treatment is gentle with minimal discomfort.
- You can return to your daily activities and apply makeup straight away in most cases.
- Patients usually report an improvement after the 2nd or 3rd session.
- 4 sessions, spaced 2-4 weeks apart. Each session usually takes only 10-15 minutes.
- OptiLight dry eye treatment is applied on the skin below the eyes and is non-invasive.
- During treatment, your practitioner will cover your eyes with shields and apply a thin layer of coupling gel on the treatment area.
FAQs
What is OptiLight?
OptiLight is a light-based treatment that uses precise, intense broad spectrum light to address dry eye disease due to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). MGD is the most common cause of dry eye disease, accounting for about 86% of cases. The treatment addresses inflammation, which is one of the key underlying factors in MGD. OptiLight was specifically developed to reach the delicate contours of the treated area safely, effectively and gently using the OPT™ technology.
What is the OPT™ technology?
Lumenis’ patented technology OPT™ (Optimal Pulse Technology) transforms the use of light and allows targeted, uniform, precise, and controlled treatment. Specifically designed for the delicate area below the eye, OPT™ safely and effectively breaks the vicious cycle of inflammation associated with dry eye.
How does OptiLight work?
OptiLight is a multi-factorial treatment for a multi-factorial disease. It addresses the disease by reducing major sources of inflammation leading to dry eye disease such as abnormal blood vessels, Demodex mites, and pro-inflammatory agents. OptiLight restors the function of meibomian glands and delays evaporation of the tear film.
What does treatment with OptiLight involve?
Treatment protocol typically consists of 4 sessions, at 2 to 4 weeks apart:
- During treatment, your practitioner will cover your eyes with shields and apply a thin layer of coupling gel on the treatment area.
- During treatment, light is applied on the skin below the eyes, most patients report minimal discomfort.
- OptiLight is followed by meibomian gland expression.
- Each session takes only 10-15 minutes. There is no downtime, you can resume your daily activities immediately.
When should I expect an improvement?
Patients typically report improvement after 2 to 3 treatments. For optimal results, 4 sessions are advised. To ensure long-term results, a maintenance session is recommended every 6-12 months.
What should I expect after treatment?
You may experience some redness immediately following treatment. This will usually disappear within a few hours. You can return to your daily activities and apply makeup straight away in most cases. You will be advised to stay out of direct sunlight for a few days and to apply sunscreen.
If you have tried various treatments and still struggle with unpleasant dry eye symptoms, we can help. Contact Vision Source Specialists today.
Our practice serves patients from Rapid City, Philip, Spearfish, and Gillette, South Dakota and surrounding communities.