OptiLight: The New, Innovative Solution for Dry Eye
Dry eye disease affects more than 16 million Americans. It causes persistent discomfort, irritation, and vision problems — and traditional treatments like eye drops often provide only temporary relief.
If you’re tired of dealing with dry eye symptoms day in and day out, it’s time to consider something different. OptiLight by Lumenis is the first FDA-approved intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy specifically designed to treat dry eye disease caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
It’s a groundbreaking, noninvasive treatment that offers lasting relief from the symptoms of dry eye, and our team — Dr. Sunil Thadani, Brian Chado, OD, and Elvis Salas, DMSc, PA-C — at Maryland Vision Center in Frederick, Maryland, is here to answer your questions about how it works and whether it might be right for you.
The basics of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)
Your meibomian glands are located along the edges of your eyelids. You have about 30 on each upper eyelid and 25 on each lower eyelid, and they secrete oils. These oils form the outer layer of your tear film, which is a transparent layer of fluid that covers your eyes and prevents them from drying out.
Healthy meibomian glands release just enough oil to lubricate your eyes. But sometimes, the glands can get blocked or stop working properly. When this happens, your tear film destabilizes, and MGD develops.
MGD is a leading cause of dry eye disease and about 86% of people with dry eye show signs of MGD. Some of the most common symptoms of dry eye are burning, itching, and fluctuating vision.
How OptiLight treats dry eye
OptiLight utilizes precise pulses of broad-spectrum light to address the underlying causes of MGD: blocked or dysfunctional meibomian glands. This noninvasive treatment targets the skin below your eyes to improve gland function and reduce symptoms of dry eye.
The bursts of light comfortably and safely help unblock and stimulate your glands. Treatment also helps reduce inflammation and decrease bacterial overgrowth, including Demodex mites, which can exacerbate dry eye symptoms.
A typical OptiLight treatment consists of four sessions spaced three to four weeks apart. Each session lasts about 15 minutes, and there’s no downtime, so you can resume your daily activities immediately.
Because Optilight treatment improves meibomian gland function, it enhances the quality of your tear film, providing longer-lasting relief without the need for eye drops or other medication. Most people begin noticing an improvement in symptoms after two to three sessions, and results typically continue to improve with time.
Is OptiLight right for you?
If you’re experiencing persistent dry eye symptoms that haven’t responded to traditional treatments, OptiLight might be the solution you need. We often recommend OptiLight for patients with chronic dry eye symptoms, including dryness, burning, itching, or gritty sensations.
You might also be a good candidate if you’ve been diagnosed with MGD previously and you’re interested in a long-term treatment that addresses the root cause rather than just the symptoms. Our team can assess your eye health, discuss your options, and develop a personalized treatment plan that’s tailored to your needs.
You don’t have to live with dry eye symptoms that interfere with your daily routine and erode your quality of life. OptiLight targets the underlying cause of your symptoms, offering an innovative path to lasting relief.
Find out if OptiLight could be right for you with a consultation at Maryland Vision Center. Call us at 240-575-9580 or request an appointment online today.