What is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome is a widespread issue that impacts approximately 49 million Americans. With symptoms such as blurry vision, acute eye pain, redness, and dry or watery eyes, this disease can have an enormous impact on the way you experience daily life. If left untreated, it can lead to even more serious eye health complications. Unfortunately, many people impacted by dry eyes are unaware that there are eye care services that could drastically improve this daily discomfort. OptiLight by Lumenis takes dry eye treatment to the next level: it’s more convenient, reliable, and less invasive than many other options.
OptiLight is a noninvasive, revolutionary treatment for dry eye disease—not to mention, it will reduce your dependency on eye drops! Dry eyes aren't something you have to live with anymore. Now there is a therapy that’s as convenient as it is gentle, which may make it the perfect treatment for your dry eye syndrome.
OptiLight by Lumenis is a light-based ophthalmological treatment that uses precise, intense, broad spectrum light to fix signs of dry eye disease due to dysfunction of the meibomian gland (MGD). This form of dysfunction is the most common cause of dry eye syndrome, accounting for around 86% of total cases. The treatment addresses underlying inflammation, which is a primary factor in MGD. The doctors at Better Vision New Jersey are specially trained to use this innovative treatment.
OptiLight’s Unique TechnologyOptiLight was developed with the purpose of reaching the delicate, sensitive contours of the eye safely, effectively, and gently using its patented Optimal Pulse Technology (OPT), which allows precise and controlled light treatment. Targeting the area just below the eye, OPT technology is designed to safely break the cycle of dry eye syndrome. It is meant for patients who are at least 22 years old and, paired with additional treatments, may completely eradicate dry eye symptoms.
How Does OptiLight Relieve Dry Eye Symptoms?Dry eye syndrome is a multifactorial disease, which means it may have several causes or factors making it worse. OptiLight is designed to be just as multifaceted—treating the condition by restoring meibomian glands and addressing general inflammation (including pro-inflammatory agents).
OptiLight Treatment ProtocolBefore your treatment, we’ll complete an assessment of your eye health and history, including any medications that may not make you a good candidate for OptiLight. Once we’ve determined that the procedure is appropriate, we’ll clear you to begin treatment.
When you arrive for your appointment, we ask that you avoid wearing skincare products that include retinol or glycolic acid products for 3 days prior to treatment, as well as makeup the day of. For the best results, it’s also best to avoid extended sun exposure (especially in the warmer months), tanning beds, or spray tans. A typical treatment is generally 4 sessions in total, with each spread 2 to 4 weeks apart. During the treatment sessions, Dr. Calderone or Dr. Yang will shield your eyes and treat the area with a thin layer of cooling gel. Light is applied to the eyelids near the lash lines, and the average patient reports minimal to no discomfort. The best part about OptiLight (other than the results) is that each session only takes about 10 to 15 minutes, and there is no required downtime afterward—you are safe to resume your normal daily routine as soon as the treatment is over.
How Long Will it Take to Notice Results?
Some patients may report noticeable results after 2 to 3 OptiLight treatment sessions, over 4 to 12 weeks. However, to ensure the results remain, we strongly recommend a maintenance session every 6 to 12 months to relieve dry eye long term.
What Can I Expect Directly Following Treatment?Directly after an appointment, experiencing some redness for a few hours is perfectly normal. Unlike an invasive eye surgery, like LASIK, you are able to resume your normal daily activities and apply any skincare or makeup products to your face directly following treatment. However, you are strongly advised to avoid direct sunlight and wear sunscreen and sunglasses when you’re outside.
Are There Any Risks to OptiLight?Like other comparable procedures, such as LipiFlow®, there are some mild risks associated with OptiLight. These may include general pain and discomfort in the eye region, damage to skin texture, a change in pigmentation, scarring, excessive edema, fragile skin, bruising, burns, pruritus, and xerosis (itchy and dry skin).. However, your eye care expert will know whether or not you are particularly susceptible to these risks. And part of your dry eye management may involve treating those symptoms.
Is OptiLight Suitable for Everyone with Dry Eye Disease?Not everyone is a good candidate for this treatment. Certain types of conditions may prohibit you from receiving OptiLight, such as ocular or eyelid surgery, neuroparalysis within 6 months prior to treatment, uncontrolled eye disorders that affect the ocular surface, skin cancer, or pigmented lesions in the treated area, among others. Additionally, the use of certain medications and other treatments may also make you a bad candidate, such as photosensitive medication and/or any herbs that may cause sensitivity within 3 months of the first session, recent radiation therapy to the head or neck, or recent chemotherapy treatment. Additionally, if you have a history of seizures, migraines, or epilepsy, or are currently pregnant, we may suggest an alternative treatment. For more information, visit OptiLight’s official website here.
Are There Any Alternatives to OptiLight?While OptiLight is a great option for many patients with dry eyes, everyone is different. If it’s not the right treatment plan for you, or you’re interested in hearing about some of the other options, there are many different approaches to treating dry eye disease. We at Better Vision New Jersey are here to help you find the treatment that fits your needs best.
Additional Options for Dry EyesWe were the first eye care center in New Jersey to provide LipiFlow® to our patients. This thermal pulsation therapy is a revolutionary dry eye treatment that releases blocked meibomian glands, allowing the natural flow of lipids to resume. We also offer punctal plug surgery as a supplemental form of dry eye care to slow the drainage of tears from the eyes. The use of temporary or permanent punctal plugs is especially helpful for moderate to severe cases if a patient has water deficiency. Slowing the drainage relieves dry eyes by allowing more tears to stay on the eyes. The procedure is simple and fast, and we can perform it in the office.
Holistic Dry Eye Treatments If you’re looking for a more holistic approach to treating your dry eyes or don’t feel ready to undergo an eye procedure, we offer 2 main dry eye medications. Depending on your unique profile, you may be eligible for either RESTASIS®, CEQUA®, or XIIDRA® for your dry eye symptoms. These drugs are prescribed eye drops that reduce inflammation to increase your eyes’ natural ability to produce tears. However, they won’t replace your over-the-counter treatments, and you may need supplemental lubricants or artificial tears while taking one of these medications. HydroEye® TreatmentThe eye care experts at Better Vision New Jersey are always looking for ways to improve patient comfort. We recommend HydroEye supplements for our dry eye patients. These gel caps provide omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and black currant seed oil to prolong the effect of LipiFlow® therapy and enhance meibomian gland secretions. Combining supplements and advanced treatment may enhance your results and improve comfort.
Begin your OptiLight JourneyManaging your dry eye syndrome can improve your life—from being able to comfortably wear eyeglasses and contact lenses as normal to eliminating chronic pain and discomfort. There is no reason to suffer in silence, especially when untreated dry eyes can worsen, leading to chronic health complications. Prioritize your eye health and quality of life. Consider asking your eye care provider about OptiLight as a treatment option.
Call now to book a consultationBetter Vision New Jersey has been providing the best eye care services to the Cranford area since 1987. To book your OptiLight consultation or first appointment, please call us at 908-276-3030. We can’t wait to help you on your eye health journey!
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