Lumenis OptiLight
IPL Dry Eye Therapy
The Lumenis OptiLight is currently the only IPL machine available which has FDA approval for the management of dry eye. We’re proud to be one of the few locations in Surrey with the OptiLight.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a novel treatment for dry eye which is associated with meibomian gland dysfunction (blepharitis). This is a blockage of the oil glands across your eyelids and is responsible for a significant proportion of dry eye-related issues. Unblocking these glands has historically always been tricky. Heat masks help but usually have to be maintained as the relief they provide is limited. As the glands stay blocked over time, they tend to become much less effective at producing oil, making the symptoms gradually worse over time.
See our video below of the OptiLIGHT treatment!
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Traditional treatment has always involved a combination of hot compresses, lid hygiene and eye drops but none of these work to address the root cause of the blocked glands. IPL provides a much more long-lasting relief and in most instances, reduces dependency on drops and heat masks. Some research has shown IPL to also improve the function of the glands to produce oil, which was previously thought to be almost impossible.
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IPL produces a flash of light, usually at a specific wavelength which heats up the blocked oil glands and allows the oil to be pushed out of the glands. This is called meibomian gland expression. It also has the added effect of reducing inflammation around the skin and eyes which can have the added benefit of helping to also treat skin conditions like rosacea.
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The videos on this page will give a good idea of what’s involved with the treatment. This is typically repeated over 4 sessions which are spaced 3-6 weeks apart. In most cases, people will start to see the most improvement from their 2nd or 3rd session, depending on severely the glands were blocked to begin with
See the video below for an example of meibomian gland expression which is completed after IPL.
The oil that has been released here is typically clear and runny in people without MGD, but as seen in the video above, becomes much more congealed and opaque in people with MGD.