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 Envision Optometry, we are dedicated to finding a solution to your dry eyes. We will complete a thorough evaluation to determine the cause and best treatment options for you.
To diagnose dry eye we use the latest imaging technology which includes meibography, as well as non-invasive tear break up time, SPEED questionnaire, Schirmer’s testing, meibomian gland evaluator, and various vital dyes. Our goal is to restore your eyes to a more comfortable state.
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
When preparing for your treatment, we ask you to come to the office without makeup or lotion on your face. If you forget or do not have time beforehand, we will provide gentle cleaning cloths to remove the makeup. If you wear contacts, we also ask you to wear your glasses on this day.
There will also be an opportunity to go over the procedure and answer any remaining questions you may have. At this time we will also go over consent forms if you have not already completed them.
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 the treatment is completed we will apply a sensitive skin sunscreen moisturizer. We advise you to stay out of direct sunlight as your skin will be sensitive.
The skin may appear red with a little swelling and a sunburn-like sensation. This usually lasts 4-8 hours but can last up to 72 hours.
There is no downtime following the treatment.
Part of Your Custom Treatment Plan
A course of treatment typically includes 4 sessions spaced 2–4 weeks apart. Then maintenance treatments are needed 1-2x per year.
Other dry eye solutions we offer include:
Amniotic Membranes
Punctal Plugs
Regener-Eyes
TearCare
Omega 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.
Schedule a consultation to see if OptiLight by Lumenis is right for you.