OptiLight Dry Eye Treatment

Many people suffer from dry or irritated eyes and rely on non-surgical treatments to alleviate these concerns. OptiLight is one option that can help patients manage dry eyes with light-based, effective non-surgical treatment. With OptiLight, patented Optimal Pulse Technology™ (OPT) utilizes pulses of light to target inflammation and alleviate uncomfortable symptoms.

At Riverside EyeCare Professionals, our team is ready to rejuvenate your vision and comfort. His goal is to help patients maintain healthy eyesight and see clearly with the assistance of OptiLight and other non-invasive dry eye treatments.

What is OptiLight?
OptiLight Candidates
OptiLight Treatments
OptiLight Recovery
OptiLight Results
OptiLight vs. Other Dry Eye Treatments
OptiLight Cost

What is OptiLight?

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Dry eye disease, or dry eye syndrome, is a common condition that often results in difficulty producing tears and excessive irritation. OptiLight is the first FDA-approved dry eye treatment that uses Intense Pulsed Light (IPL). The non-invasive, precise treatment addresses inflammation, most commonly from dry eye disease caused by Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). By utilizing broad-spectrum light, OptiLight eliminates blood vessels that contribute to inflammation, increases tear break-up time, and reduces the amount of bacteria around your eyes.

Who Is a Candidate for OptiLight?

Dry eye syndrome affects many people and can be indicated with a range of symptoms. Candidates for OptiLight may:

Deal with itchy eyes and blurry vision
Suffer from evaporative dry eye
Develop irritating styes
Have been diagnosed with dry eye disease or MGD

Treatment is not recommended for those who have severe scarring around their eyes, a history of migraines, or who deal with aqueous deficiency dry eye. If you’re unsure whether you’re a candidate for OptiLight, contact our office to schedule a consultation.

What Is OptiLight Treatment Like?

Typically, patients undergo four OptiLight treatments lasting 10 to 15 minutes per session. Treatments are spaced out a few weeks apart, with maintenance sessions encouraged every 6 to 12 months for long-lasting results.

At the start of the treatment, you will be provided with eye protection and a gel will be applied to the treatment area. The procedure is considered safe and comfortable, and targets the undereye area where light treats the glands beneath the skin. Patients may experience a gentle, yet mildly stinging sensation.

What Can I Expect From the OptiLight Recovery Period?

Recovery time after OptiLight is incredibly minimal, possibly even non-existent. Many patients resume their daily routines and activities immediately after their treatment, including wearing makeup. Noticeable improvements have been observed after the second or third appointment.

After treatment, patients may experience redness and the sensation of a mild sunburn. With sensitivity, it’s recommended that patients regularly use sunscreen and soothing moisturizing products. These side effects typically subside in a few hours.

Treatment aftercare includes:

Evening following the appointment – Avoid scratching and rubbing the treatment area. Use lukewarm water to clean the skin and apply soothing moisturizer or gel.
Two days following the appointment – Avoid sun exposure and tanning.
Month following the appointment – Wear sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) on the treatment area every day.

What Results Can I Expect from OptiLight Treatment?

After OptiLight treatment, many patients notice a reduction in common dry eye symptoms. There is typically a decrease in irritation, redness, and inflammation. Abnormal blood vessels are eliminated, bacteria around the eyes is removed, and tear break-up time is increased. Oil glands can become unblocked and overall quality of vision can be greatly improved. With a few treatment sessions and adherence to maintenance appointments, patients are more likely to see long-lasting and satisfactory results.

OptiLight vs. Other Dry Eye Treatments

Artificial tears, warm compresses, and prescription eye drops have commonly been used to address dry eyes. While those options may provide short-term solutions, OptiLight can produce more effective, comprehensive, and long-term results that better address underlying issues.
Along with OptiLight, Riverside EyeCare Professionals offers an additional dry eye treatment called LipiFlow^®. While both produce long-lasting outcomes and consist of quick treatment times, we highlight some of the differences between the two below: