A Bright Solution for Dry Eyes
Lumenis OptiLight IPL
What is Lumenis OptiLight IPL?
OptiLight Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy is a non-laser high-intensity light source that delivers controlled pulses of intense light of only a few milliseconds in duration and targets the vasculature around your eyes to treat Dry Eye Disease and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. It is a non-invasive treatment that aims to reduce inflammation often associated with dry eye disease, enhance the structure, and improve the function of the meibomian glands. The treatment helps in increasing oil secretion into the tears, ultimately improving your tear film.
IPL has a long history in dermatology, effectively addressing skin disorders like rosacea, redness, unwanted blood vessels on the skin surface, and pigmentation. As these treatments showed improvement in dry eye conditions, experts explored the benefits of IPL on the eyelids and dry eye disease. Fortunately, the FDA recognized these advances, and the technology gained approval as a dry eye management treatment.
Aside from its therapeutic effects, there are aesthetic side effects that many find pleasing, including improved skin tightness due to collagen stimulation, reduced redness, and smoother, less pigmented skin.
Watch the official OptiLight video and learn about OptiLight with the patented OPT technology.
How does OptiLight by Lumenis Treat Dry Eye Disease and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?
Reduces inflammatory factors present in the tear film and on the ocular
Liquefies the solidified meibum through a photochemical process rather than a thermal one.
Destroying proinflammatory telangiectatic vessels, especially those associated with ocular rosacea.
Eliminates Demodex and bacterial populations present on the lids and lashes.
Improves blinking mechanics by stimulating collagen synthesis and tightening the skin around the eyes
Improves tear breakup time, meibum quality, meibomian gland expressibility, and reduces ocular surface inflammation
Why OptiLight by Lumenis
It is the only FDA-approved device for the management of Dry Eye Disease and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.
Uses a patented SaphireCool technology to deliver energy. It actively cools the light guide, which allows for comfortable treatment even with high levels of energy.
The Opti-Tip, a disposable tip for hard-to-reach places allows for precise and customizable treatment.
ExpertFilters tailored for different skin conditions for optimized results.
How many treatments are Required?
A minimum of four treatments are necessary to effectively treat Dry Eye Disease and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.
2-4 weeks are recommended between each treatment.
Some patients start to see and feel improvements of their dry eyes even after one treatment!
What is the Recovery Time?
IPL is a non-surgical procedure, so there is typically no recovery time! You may experience mild redness and sensitivity for several days after treatment.
Use mineral sunscreen and a hat for two weeks after each procedure, and limit direct sun exposure.
Avoid using retinol or any abrasive face scrubs
What Else Can IPL Treat?
Facial Rosacea, Erythema, Age spots, and Telangiectasia
Contraindications for IPL Treatments include: suntanned skin, irritated skin, Fitzpatrick skin type V
OptiLight IPL is Simple, Safe, and Gentle
To determine if OptiLight is the right choice for you, we first conduct a Dry Eye Consultation. During this session, we will examine the possible causes of your dry eye to prescribe a personalized plan, address any queries you may have, and schedule you for IPL if it is an appropriate treatment for you. Before treatment, we will ask you to complete a quick questionnaire to help us understand your skin.
Preparing for Treatment
Leading up to your appointment, we want to take special care of your eyes for the best results. It is important to avoid significant sunlight exposure for five days before your treatments, including tanning beds and self-tanning lotions.
Two weeks prior to your appointment, avoid medication that can cause photosensitivity (such as Doxycycline - an antibiotic), and do not receive Botox or fillers.
Two days leading up to your appointment, avoid topical products containing: Glycolic acid, Retin A, Exfoliators, and Bleaching agents.
What Happens During Treatment?
We will escort you to our treatment room for a gentle face cleanse, removing makeup and debris. Don't worry about your eyes—we've got you covered with goggles or disposable protectors while we apply a refreshing layer of cool ultrasound gel to your skin.
The OptiLight treatment takes approximately 15 minutes per session, and the experience is bright but gentle. Aesthetic treatments for sun spots or vessels can also be performed which is more intense but short-lived.
Aftercare Instructions
Following your treatment, we will cleanse your skin of the ultrasound gel and apply a protective layer of sunscreen. Continue applying sunscreen daily until you've completed all your sessions.
Should you notice brown spots or a temporary darkening resembling coffee grounds on your skin, don't be alarmed. This is a normal part of the process, and these spots will naturally shed within a week or so. Resist the urge to exfoliate; just let them naturally fall off. For the next 2-4 days, it's best to steer clear of hot baths, showers, saunas, and hot tubs. However, feel free to wear makeup as long as your skin appears and feels normal.
It's not uncommon to experience mild side effects, such as slight redness, swelling, or irritation in the treated areas. Rest assured, these effects typically resolve within 3-7 days at most. Your comfort and well-being are our priority.