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OptiLIGHT Treatment: What You Need to Know About Managing Dry Eye

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A woman undergoing an OptiLIGHT treatment to treat her dry eye symptoms.

Living with dry eye can be exhausting. Blurred vision, red eyes, discomfort, and a relentless sensation of grittiness or excessive watering can disrupt your day and diminish your quality of life. 

But there’s good news for anyone searching for relief. Managing dry eye has taken an exciting turn with OptiLIGHT by Lumenis

OptiLIGHT helps manage dry eye by using precise light-based technology to reduce inflammation and improve the function of the meibomian glands, addressing the root cause of symptoms.

What Is OptiLIGHT Treatment?

OptiLIGHT is an FDA-approved treatment that uses intense pulsed light (IPL) technology to target the underlying causes of dry eye. 

By applying gentle pulses of light around the eyes, OptiLIGHT can help reduce inflammation, clear blockages in the tear glands, and restore tear production balance. 

Instead of simply masking symptoms, this noninvasive therapy tackles the root cause of dry eye to provide lasting comfort. 

Backed by more than 20 clinical studies, an OptiLIGHT treatment only takes minutes. It can easily fit into even the busiest schedules. No downtime is required, making it a simple yet powerful option for managing your eye health more effectively. 

Who Is OptiLIGHT For? 

OptiLIGHT treatment can benefit anyone experiencing mild to moderate dry eye symptoms. 

Dry eye can result from many sources. Whether your dryness stems from prolonged screen time, environmental conditions, or age-related changes, OptiLIGHT can help improve lubrication and eye comfort.

What Dry Eye Symptoms Can OptiLIGHT Address?

Dry eye occurs when at least one of your tear film’s 3 layers is disrupted. Your eyes need moisture and nourishment to remain comfortable and healthy. Symptoms occur when your eyes produce inadequate tears or the tears you produce evaporate too quickly.

OptiLIGHT may be right for you if you experience common dry eye symptoms, such as:

  • Redness
  • Stinging, gritty, or scratchy sensations
  • Blurry vision
  • Stringy mucus around the eye
  • Difficulty wearing contact lenses
  • Excessively watery eyes

Our dry eye quiz can help you recognize your symptoms. Your eye doctor can evaluate your unique condition and recommend an effective treatment plan tailored to your needs. 

Close-up of a person's eye that's turned red due to dryness.

Benefits of OptiLIGHT 

Choosing OptiLIGHT as part of your dry eye management plan offers several notable advantages:

  • Targeted relief to address the underlying inflammation causing dry eye
  • Quick & comfortable sessions, with most patients often reporting little more than a comfortable, warm sensation during treatment
  • Noninvasive with no downtime, so you can return to your daily routine right after treatment
  • Long-term benefits, as regular sessions with OptiLIGHT can promote healthier eyes & sustained comfort over time

Compared to more traditional treatments, OptiLIGHT’s technology offers a targeted approach that can work beyond temporary symptom relief, offering you longer-lasting improvement.

What to Expect During OptiLIGHT Treatment 

Your eye doctor will begin with a full eye health exam to determine if OptiLIGHT can improve your eye comfort. Some medications, active acne, and certain skin disorders could mean an IPL treatment isn’t right for you

When your optometrist gives you the go-ahead, they can customize a treatment plan based on your symptoms and goals. 

Before starting the procedure, your doctor gently cleanses your skin and offers eye shields to protect your eyes. You may be asked to wear sunscreen or avoid excess sun exposure as part of the preparation. 

OptiLIGHT sessions last approximately 15 minutes. During the procedure, your optometrist uses a small hand-held device to deliver intense pulsed light around your eyes. The targetted pulses help melt away blockages in the meibomian glands and promote healthy tear production. 

You may notice mild redness after the procedure, but it typically subsides within a few hours. No downtime is required, but your care team may provide aftercare recommendations, such as practicing sun protection. 

Your treatment plan may include multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart. Many patients notice significant improvements within the first few treatments, though the full benefits typically show themselves over time. 

Enjoying Aesthetic Benefits with OptiPLUS 

While relieving dry eye is the key focus of OptiLIGHT, IPL started in the aesthetics world. The same gentle light pulses that help calm inflammation around your eyelids can also effectively rejuvenate your skin.

Alongside IPL, radiofrequency (RF) technology is another common approach for managing dry eye and improving skin health. And for those looking for skin that feels firmer and rejuvenated, OptiPLUS by Lumenis can help.

OptiPLUS is a radiofrequency treatment that can help reveal the natural beauty hiding in your skin. It uses dual-frequency radiofrequency energy to target the surface and deeper skin layers, enhancing blood circulation and collagen production. 

The RF treatment can help diminish visible signs of aging, such as wrinkles and fine lines. Treatments are quick and gentle, with some people noticing results after their first session. 

When you combine OptiLIGHT and OptiPLUS, you get a comprehensive way to refresh your eye health and skin’s appearance. The duo offers a standout pairing in holistic eye care and aesthetics. 

A Brighter Tomorrow Starts Today 

Life with dry eye doesn’t have to hold you back. Whether you’re struggling with daily discomfort or looking to restore your eye health with innovative treatments, OptiLIGHT may offer a solution.

It’s time to feel the difference for yourself. Book an appointment with See & Co today and take the first step toward revitalized eyes and renewed confidence. Our passionate team is ready to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. 

Schedule your consultation now and discover how OptiLIGHT and OptiPLUS can transform your vision and aesthetic goals into reality.

Written by Dr. Emily Ngo Chen, O.D.

Dr. Emily Ngo Chen completed her Bachelor’s in Biology at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, FL, before earning her doctorate at Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Her dedication to eye care is evident through her passion for providing comprehensive services to families, with a focus on treating dry eyes and managing myopia.

Outside of her professional life, Dr. Chen values spending quality time with her family and her corgi and yorkie. Her interests include watching Anime and K-dramas. Dr. Chen is able to conduct an eye exam in Spanish, and is fluent in Vietnamese.

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