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 EyeSmile Optometry & Dental Care of Belmont, we are dedicated to finding a dry eye solution for you. We utilize modern technology to provide a comprehensive dry eye analysis with the Oculus Keratograph 5M Crystal Tear Report as well as supplemental testing with InflammaDry or Schirmer’s test strips to diagnose and find the reason for your dry eyes.
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
Prior to coming in for your treatment, you should avoid sun exposure for a few days. We also ask you to come in with a thoroughly cleansed face. We recommend a gentle face wash to remove natural oils, moisturizers, and makeup. If you wear contact lenses, please wear your glasses on the day of your appointment as well.
Upon arrival, you can expect a warm greeting from one of our staff members to check you in, go over and sign consent forms, and escort you to the treatment room.
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.
OptiLight is often followed by meibomian gland expression.
After Your Treatment
Once your treatment is complete, we recommend using 30-50 SPF sunscreen to protect the treated area from sun exposure for at least 48 hours after. Avoid tanning to prevent any unwanted hyperpigmentation.
Wearing makeup after your treatment is generally okay, but if you have sensitive skin we might advise you to avoid it for a few days. If the treated area scales or cakes, you may have an unexpected skin reaction. Notify the office immediately and stop wearing makeup immediately.
Part of Your Custom Treatment Plan
A course of treatment typically includes 4 sessions spaced 2–4 weeks apart. Thermal expression with iLux in combination with IPL on the same day or during a follow-up visit may be advised.
Other dry eye treatments we offer include:
- Blephex
- Punctal Plugs
- Restasis and Xiidra
- RegenerEyes
- TG Omega-3 supplements
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.
Request an appointment to find a dry eye solution best for you.