Lumenis Optilight Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL)

FAQs

What is OptiLight?

OptiLight is a light-based treatment that uses precise, intense broad spectrum light to address dry eye disease due to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). MGD is the most common cause of dry eye disease, accounting for about 86% of cases. The treatment addresses inflammation, which is one of the key underlying factors in MGD. OptiLight was specifically developed to reach the delicate contours of the treated area safely, effectively and gently using the OPT™ technology.

What is the OPT™ technology?

Lumenis’ patented technology OPT™ (Optimal Pulse Technology) transforms the use of light and allows targeted, uniform, precise, and controlled treatment. Specifically designed for the delicate area below the eye, OPT™ safely and effectively breaks the vicious cycle of inflammation associated with dry eye.

How does OptiLight work?

OptiLight is a multi-factorial treatment for a multi-factorial disease. It addresses the disease by reducing major sources of inflammation leading to dry eye disease such as abnormal blood vessels, Demodex mites, and pro-inflammatory agents. OptiLight restores the function of meibomian glands and delays evaporation of the tear film.

What does treatment with OptiLight involve?

Treatment protocol typically consists of 4 sessions, at 2 to 4 weeks apart:

• During treatment, your practitioner will cover your eyes with shields and apply a thin layer of coupling gel on the treatment area.
• During treatment, light is applied on the skin below the eyes, most patients report minimal discomfort.
• OptiLight is followed by meibomian gland expression.
• Each session takes only 10-15 minutes. There is no downtime, you can resume your daily activities immediately.

When should I expect an improvement?

Patients typically report improvement after 2 to 3 treatments. For optimal results, 4 sessions are advised. To ensure long-term results, a maintenance session is recommended every 6-12 months.

What should I expect after treatment?

You may experience some redness immediately following treatment. This will usually disappear within a few hours. You can return to your daily activities and apply makeup straight away in most cases. You will be advised to stay out of direct sunlight for a few days and to apply sunscreen.

If you have tried various treatments and still struggle with unpleasant dry eye symptoms, we can help. Contact The Dry Eye Center Of NY & NJ today.

Our practice serves patients across New York & New Jersey, including New York City, Montclair, Livingston, and South Orange, New York and surrounding communities.

Q & A with Dr. Schlussel

What does an ideal candidate for IPL treatment look like?

We often get patients who work in jobs where they’ve spent many years, many hours a day, sitting in front of screens, which can make them more susceptible to conditions such as meibomian gland dysfunction.

Typically, these patients experience significant symptoms, including burning. itching, redness, and dryness throughout the day, and they’re looking to improve the quality of their life. By the time we get to IPL, they’ve tried prescription medications and over-the-counter products like warm compresses, drops and lid wipes, as well as in-office treatments like LipiFlow or heat treatments in the eyelids, all without success.

So, these are the ideal patients for IPL. We’ve seen a lot of success, especially with the new Optilight by Lumenis, in treating a lot of these patients, and providing them with the improved quality of life they’re looking for.

Unfortunately, IPL treatments aren’t covered by insurance in most cases. How would you explain to patients that it’s nonetheless worth their investment in time and money?

For some patients, they already see the benefit, because they’re experiencing terrible discomfort every day. Their eyes are burning, and they constantly feel like there’s something in their eye. For those patients, if they can afford it, it’s obvious to them that it’s worth the time and money.

For other patients, however, symptoms aren’t really that bad yet, and so it’s easier to kick the can down the road, so to speak. For these patients, we help them evaluate where they are in their careers and what the visual demands are on their eyes each day.

In many cases, our patients are young and in the mid part of their careers. The visual demand on their eyes is going to be quite heavy for many years to come. And so we want to educate them that, like with any kind of chronic condition, if you don’t treat dry eye syndrome early, it can get much worse.

How does the IPL treatment feel? Have you been through it yourself?

Yes, I’ve had the treatment done myself. I have moderate dry eye, and wore contacts full time since I was 18. I stopped wearing them about two or three years ago because, with age, my eyes started getting very irritated when I wore them.

When I had my IPL treatments, they were really effective and comfortable. The light is projected onto the skin and there really is no pain at all. I sat comfortably in a chair the whole time and didn’t feel a thing.

Anything else you’d like your patients to know about IPL treatment?

We want all our patients to know that you still need to take precautions to protect your eyes even after you have the treatment. It’s not something you just drop and do nothing about.

You still have to maintain the quality of the lids by cleaning them daily using the warm compresses. If you’re using prescription medications, you need to stick with using it. Make sure that you avoid fans and air conditioning blowing directly into your eyes. Don’t smoke. Really, any of the normal tips we would give to any of our patients experiencing dry eyes, we would give to those receiving IPL treatment as well.