Optilight: The New Innovative Solution for Dry Eye

Almost everyone experiences dry and itchy eyes occasionally. But for about 16 million people living across the United States, the problem is constant, making it difficult to drive, read, and do daily tasks.

If you’ve tried to manage your symptoms with prescription eye drops or lifestyle changes but still aren’t seeing an improvement, consider OptiLIGHT.

At 2020 Family Vision, with locations in Novi, Lake Orion, Bloomington Hills, Farmington Hills, and Ypsilanti, Michigan, our team offers OptiLIGHT treatment onsite.

Keep reading to discover more.

What is OptiLIGHT?

OptiLIGHT is an FDA-approved treatment that uses intense-pulsed light (IPL) to address meibomian gland dysfunction, one of the most common causes of chronic dry eyes.

These glands are located along your eyelids and produce a substance called meibum, essential for healthy tears. However, if they become clogged or inflamed, it can impact tear quality and increase the risk of dry eye, redness, and irritation.

OptiLIGHT uses targeted light pulses to help clear meibomian gland blockages to improve gland function, support healthy tear production, and reduce symptoms. It also targets Demodex mites, which are another common cause of chronic dry eye.

What to expect during OptiLIGHT treatment

OptiLIGHT is a quick, outpatient procedure that typically takes between 10 and 15 minutes per session.

Before treatment begins, we apply a cooling gel to the skin above and below your eyes and around your cheeks to ensure your comfort. You also wear a set of protective glasses that prevent the light from coming into contact with your eyes.

Once you’re comfortable, we use a handheld, wand-shaped device to administer targeted bursts of IPL to the skin around your eyelids. The pulsing light breaks up any meibomian gland blockages, allowing meibum to flow freely.

During treatment, it’s normal to experience a mild warming or tingling sensation. It’s usually well-tolerated, but if you’re uncomfortable at any time, let us know so we can adjust the settings.

OptiLIGHT treatment is cumulative, meaning you’ll need more than one session. Most people benefit from four separate sessions spaced two to four weeks apart.

Who is a good candidate for OptiLIGHT treatment?

We often recommend OptiLIGHT to people with chronic dry eye that doesn’t improve with more conservative treatments.

You may be a candidate if you have severe dry eye caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) or if traditional treatments, such as compresses, prescription eye drops, and medications, don’t provide relief.

Most people qualify for treatment, but if you have a history of cold sores, keloid scarring, or other skin disorders, we may adjust your treatment plan or recommend an alternative approach instead.

Benefits of OptiLIGHT treatment

OptiLIGHT offers several benefits to people experiencing chronic dry eye, including:

Reduced eyelid inflammation
Improved oil flow to help stabilize tear production
Lasting dry eye relief
Clearer vision and a reduced need for compresses and artificial tears (eye drops)

Because the treatments are quick and don’t require any downtime, you can return to work and other daily activities immediately after each session.

We can help you manage dry eye

If you have chronic dry eye that interferes with your vision, comfort, or quality of life, contact us.

Call the nearest office today to make an appointment, or book your visit online. After an eye exam and a discussion of your symptoms, we can determine whether you’re a candidate for OptiLIGHT and help you feel better.