6 Reasons to Treat Dry Eye With OptiLight IPL

Dry eye syndrome is a chronic condition that can negatively impact the patient’s quality of life. It results in symptoms such as a sensation of sand in the eyes, blurry vision, and watery or dry eyes. 

If not treated, the condition can lead to additional eye complications. Fortunately, you do not have to live with the discomfort. There are various ways to treat dry eye disease, including using intense pulsed light. Here are six reasons to treat dry eye with OptiLight IPL. 

OptiLight by Lumenis®

OptiLight is an FDA-approved dry eye treatment from Lumenis®. It is an effective solution specially designed to manage dry eye due to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). The safe, precise, and effective treatment involves using Optimal Pulse Technology™. 

Precise pulses of light help reduce inflammation due to the dry eye condition. The procedure improves the tear breakup time, increasing the function of the meibomian gland. The treatment helps relieve the symptoms of dry eye condition. 

Reasons to Treat Dry Eye With OptiLight IPL

• The treatment is fast, simple, and comfortable

• The therapy helps improve oil production and meibomian gland function

• It eliminates the blood vessels that cause ocular inflammation

• The treatment increases tear breakup time

• It reduces bacteria and Demodex mites that live around the eyes

• The treatment is non-invasive and requires no downtime

Before OptiLight IPL Treatment

Before the procedure, the eye doctor will discuss your overall eye health and any medical conditions that you may have. If you are receiving treatment for any condition, the doctor will need a list of the medication you are using. Some medicines and health conditions cause dry eye symptoms. 

You will also discuss your history of the condition and the symptoms you experience. Diagnostic tests will help determine the root cause of the condition. Treatment is personalized to fit the needs of each patient. 

During the OptiLight IPL Treatment

During the procedure, the doctor will apply a gel over the treatment area before using shields to cover the eyes. Therapy involves applying specific wavelengths of light to the skin, producing a warm sensation. 

The gentle treatment takes 10 to 15 minutes, and most patients experience little or no discomfort. Some doctors perform meibomian gland expression after the OptiLight therapy. The treatment is non-intrusive, and patients can return to their duties soon after. 

Custom Treatment Plan 

Your eye doctor will design a treatment plan that usually involves four sessions two to four weeks apart. The treatment plan will depend on the severity of your condition or symptoms. The doctor will inform you how often you need to attend treatment. 

Some patients require more frequency than others. Regular maintenance treatments are scheduled six to 12 months after the initial treatments. Depending on the individual, patients experience improvements within a few days or months. 

OptiLight IPL treatment is not ideal for patients with a history of keloid scars or severe scarring around the eyes. It is not suitable for those with aqueous deficiency dry eye. Your eye doctor will test to determine if you qualify for OptiLight IPL treatment. After diagnosis, the doctor will create a treatment plan ideal for your needs. 

For more reasons to treat dry eye with OptiLight IPL, visit Refined Eyecare Optometry at our Torrance, California office. Call (310) 214-0409 today to schedule an appointment.