OptiLight by Lumenis – IPL Therapy for Dry Eye 

If you’ve been dealing with dry eye disease, you know how uncomfortable it can be. You may have tried using over-the-counter eye drops or home remedies, but you still have symptoms.

At Progressive Family Eye Care, we offer OptiLight IPL therapy in Plymouth to provide long-lasting dry eye relief. It is the first and only intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy FDA-approved for the management of dry eye disease due to meibomian gland dysfunction.   

What is OptiLight, and how does it work?   

OptiLight is an innovative therapy that uses intense pulsed light to stimulate the meibomian glands in the eyelids, improving tear quality and reducing discomfort associated with dry eye disease. The treatment is safe, non-invasive, painless, and can be completed in about 20-30 minutes in our office in Plymouth. 

OptiLight uses short bursts of light to reduce inflammation, a common cause of eye irritation symptoms. This treatment has been backed by numerous studies and research, which have shown that it significantly improves dry eye symptoms. 

OptiLight IPL treatment can have a significant impact on your eyes! By undergoing this treatment, you may notice improvements in the production and volume of oil from your meibomian glands, as well as an increase in the amount of time it takes for your tears to break up. OptiLight can also help reduce the number of bacteria and Demodex mites around your eyes. IPL therapy can even eliminate superficial blood vessels that contribute to inflammation! 

What are the benefits of OptiLight treatment?    

Some of the benefits of OptiLight IPL treatment include the following:   

• Quick treatment times—can be completed during a lunch break   
• Long-lasting results   
• Immediately return to your daily activities after treatment—no recovery period    
• Decrease your dependence on eye drops    
• Treat the underlying cause of dry eye, not just the symptoms   
• Reduction of redness or skin blemishes and mild reduction in fine lines and wrinkles in the treated area 

What to expect during an OptiLight session   

The OptiLight procedure is quick and painless. Our eye doctor will start by placing protective shields on your eyes and applying a coupling gel to the treatment area. The gel (similar to ultrasound gel) is gentle on sensitive skin and is easy to remove after treatment.  

You may feel a gentle warming sensation during the treatment, but it should not be painful or uncomfortable. The session typically lasts around 15 to 20 minutes, and you can return to your normal activities immediately afterward. Following treatment, we will remove the gel and apply sunscreen to the treated area. 

Are there any risks associated with OptiLight?    

While OptiLight IPL treatment is generally considered safe and effective, there are some potential side effects to be aware of. These may include:

• Temporary redness or swelling around the treated area

• Mild discomfort or sensitivity during or after treatment

• Temporary vision changes, such as increased light sensitivity

• Short-term blurry vision

These side effects usually go away within a few hours after treatment.    

How can I prepare for an OptiLight session?    

Before you receive OptiLight treatment, our eye doctor will thoroughly examine your eyes to ensure you are a good candidate for the procedure. During this visit, you will likely receive a physical exam as well as tests to measure your tear production and eye health. We may also ask you to avoid wearing makeup or lotion for 24 hours before the procedure, as these can increase your risk of side effects.

Ready to try IPL therapy in Plymouth?     

Are you struggling with dry eye symptoms and looking to finally get long-lasting relief? Schedule an appointment today and ask our eye doctor about OptiLight IPL therapy in Plymouth!