Why OptiLight™ IPL Is the Best Dry Eye Treatment Available

Tears are the body’s way of keeping the eyes lubricated and moist. An issue with tear balance can lead to dry eye syndrome. Several treatments can help address dry eye symptoms. These include home remedies and medical interventions. Intense pulsed light therapy is a relative newcomer to the treatment field. 

Meibomian Glands and Dry Eyes

These oily glands open on the upper and lower eyelid margins. There are 25 to 30 tiny gland openings on the edges of each eyelid, close to the eyelashes and tear film. They secrete an oil that coats the tear film and eyes to prevent the rapid evaporation of tears. 

Meibomian gland dysfunction occurs when thick secretions or debris block the meibomian glands, affecting tear quality and quantity. This condition develops slowly but can worsen when triggered by hormone changes, allergies, excessive screen use, pollen, stress, pollution, and diabetes. 

The Role of IPL Treatment in Dry Eye

This dry eye treatment uses gentle light pulses to treat the underlying cause of the condition. It is a painless and effective procedure performed in an optometrist’s office. The treatment targets the skin around the eyes and reduces bacterial growth and inflammation. The light pulses help break apart the debris or oil buildup blocking the meibomian glands that produce oil for the tear film. 

OptiLight IPL

This painless, light-based treatment uses intense yet precise broad-spectrum light to address dry eye syndrome symptoms due to meibomian gland dysfunction. MGD accounts for about 86 percent of dry eye cases. This treatment addresses a critical underlying factor in MGD, i.e., inflammation.  

The treatment reaches the delicate contours of the treatment area gently, effectively, and safely. It is ideal for patients at least 22 years old, combined with other treatments. These include warm compresses, meibomian gland expression, and artificial tears. 

What Does the Treatment Involve?

The treatment protocol usually consists of four sessions two to four weeks apart. Your practitioner will cover your eyes before applying a thin gel layer on the treatment area. Treatment will involve applying light on the skin below your eyes, which may cause minimal discomfort. 

Meibomian gland expression is the final step of the process. Each session takes about 15 minutes, and there is no downtime. You can resume your regular activities immediately following treatment.

What to Expect After Treatment

Some eye redness is expected immediately following treatment, but this should disappear within a few hours. You can resume your daily activities and even apply makeup in most cases. However, your practitioner may advise you to apply sunscreen and avoid direct sunlight for a few days. 

When to Expect an Improvement

Most patients report a significant improvement after two or three treatments. Experts recommend four sessions for optimal results. One or two maintenance sessions a year will ensure long-term effects. 

Conclusion

This treatment for dry eye disease uses patented Lumenis® Optical Pulse Technology. It is not a laser. Instead, it uses light filters at specific wavelengths to address various skin conditions, including rosacea and MGD. After treatment, most patients regain moist, brighter, clearer, and more comfortable eyes without pain and thickened eyelids. 

For more on OptiLight™ IPL, visit Refined Eyecare Optometry at our Torrance, California office. Call (310) 214-0409 to schedule an appointment today.