Dry eye disease is a common and chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly, causing symptoms such as burning, itching, redness, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light. Dry eye disease can have a negative impact on your quality of life, affecting your daily activities, work performance, and emotional well-being.
One of the main causes of dry eye disease is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), which is the blockage or dysfunction of the oil-producing glands in the eyelids. These glands are responsible for secreting the oily layer of the tear film, which prevents the tears from evaporating and protects the eyes from infection. When the meibomian glands are not functioning properly, the tear film becomes unstable and the eyes become dry and inflamed.
Fortunately, there is a bright solution for dry eye disease caused by MGD: OptiLight by Lumenis. OptiLight is the first and only FDA-approved intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment for dry eye management. IPL is a technology that uses pulses of light to target and treat various skin conditions, such as rosacea, acne, and sun damage. OptiLight uses patented Optimal Pulse Technology (OPT™) to deliver precise and controlled pulses of light to the area below the eyes, where the meibomian glands are located.
OptiLight works by targeting multiple key factors that contribute to dry eye disease, such as:
Reducing inflammation: OptiLight decreases the level of pro-inflammatory mediators in the tear film, which are responsible for triggering and maintaining the inflammatory cycle of dry eye disease1.
Improving tear quality: OptiLight significantly improves the tear breakup time and decreases the osmolarity of the tears, which are indicators of tear film stability and health.
Restoring meibomian gland function: OptiLight improves the morphology and functionality of the meibomian glands, allowing them to secrete more and better quality oil into the tear film2.
Alleviating abnormal blood vessels: OptiLight destroys the abnormal blood vessels that form around the eyelids and the eyes, which are a source of inflammation and oxidative stress34.
Decreasing demodex: OptiLight reduces the population of demodex mites, which are microscopic parasites that live on the eyelashes and eyelids, and can cause infection and irritation5.
OptiLight is a safe, gentle, and effective treatment that is backed by more than 20 clinical studies. The treatment involves four sessions, spaced two to four weeks apart, and each session usually takes only 10 to 15 minutes. OptiLight is applied on the skin below the eyes and is non-invasive. During the treatment, the practitioner will cover your eyes with shields and apply a thin layer of gel on the treatment area. You may experience a warm sensation as the light is applied to the skin. The treatment is comfortable and has minimal discomfort. You can return to your daily activities and apply makeup right away in most cases. Patients usually report an improvement after the third or fourth session.
If you are suffering from dry eye disease and are looking for a real and lasting solution, OptiLight by Lumenis can be the answer for you. OptiLight will brighten your eyes and your life by reducing your symptoms, improving your eye health, and enhancing your well-being. To find out more about OptiLight please schedule an appointment with our doctors to learn more.