OptiLight (IPL)

Dry eye disease (especially evaporative dry eye / meibomian gland dysfunction) is a chronic, multifactorial condition. Many patients suffer from persistent symptoms such as burning, irritation, blurry vision, and sensitivity.

OptiLight by Lumenis is a light-based therapy performed in our office. It delivers calibrated pulses of light to the skin around the eyelids to help:

• Reduce inflammation and abnormal blood vessels (which perpetuate irritation)
• Improve tear film break-up time (enhance tear stability)
• Restore meibomian gland function and oil secretion
• Decrease Demodex mites and bacterial load on eyelid margins
• Stimulate collagen remodeling for healthier lid skin (photo-rejuvenation effects)

Over 40 peer-reviewed studies support IPL’s safety and efficacy for MGD and evaporative dry eye.

1- Pre-Treatment Evaluation

Before any session, your doctor will perform a comprehensive dry eye workup:

• Dry eye questionnaire (e.g. SPEED 2)
• Oculus Keratograph 5M imaging (tear meniscus, meibography, tear breakup)
• Slit lamp exam, vital dye staining, osmolarity (TearLab) tests

2- The Procedure

• Remove contact lenses and makeup before your appointment.
• A cooling gel is applied to the treatment area, and protective shields/ IPL pads are used over the eyes.
• Pulses of light are delivered across the skin below and around the eyelids (takes just a few minutes)
• Often, manual meibomian gland expression is performed afterward (to clear blockages)

3- Post-Treatment & Recovery

• There is minimal to no downtime — patients can typically resume makeup, driving, and work immediately.
• You might notice temporary redness or a warm sensation; these generally resolve within an hour.
• We recommend wearing sunscreen and avoiding direct sunlight for a few days.

• A typical treatment course is 4 sessions, spaced 2–6 weeks apart.
• Some patients with more advanced disease may benefit from 4–8 sessions initially.
• Many patients begin to notice symptom relief by the 2nd or 3rd treatment.
• Maintenance treatments every 6–12 months are often recommended to sustain the result.

OptiLight is most effective for evaporative dry eye associated with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).

However, there are some contraindications. OptiLight may not be appropriate if:

• Your dry eye is purely aqueous-deficient (i.e., tear production deficit rather than oil dysfunction)
• You are pregnant
• You have severe scarring, broken skin, or skin conditions around the eyelids

Your doctor will determine if you are a good candidate during your evaluation.

• Our doctors have safely performed thousands of OptiLight treatments since 2017.
• We integrate IPL into a comprehensive dry eye protocol — combining treatments (Lipiflow, iLux, TearCare, BlephEx, etc.) when needed for synergistic benefit.
• State-of-the-art diagnostics ensure a personalized plan rather than one-size-fits-all.
• Patient comfort, safety, and long-term success are our top priorities.

What is IPL / OptiLight?

OptiLight is an intense pulsed light therapy using broad-spectrum light to treat dry eye via inflammation reduction, improved gland function, and bacterial/mite control.

How does it differ from eye drops and heat-based therapies?

Unlike drops, which only relieve symptoms temporarily, IPL targets the underlying causes (inflammation, vascular changes, gland dysfunction). It can complement heat therapies (Lipiflow, iLux) for a multi-modal approach.

Does it hurt?

Most patients report a mild warming sensation. Discomfort is minimal.

What is the recovery like?

There is virtually no downtime; you can return to normal activities immediately. Redness may appear but usually resolves within an hour.

How soon will I see results?

Many patients notice improvement by the 2nd or 3rd session. 4 treatments are recommended for optimal effect.

Can everyone get IPL?

No — those with certain eyelid skin conditions, pregnancy, or purely aqueous-deficient dry eye may not be suitable. Your doctor will assess you personally.

Ready to Experience Real Relief?

Don’t settle for chronic discomfort. With OptiLight IPL and our advanced dry eye care, you can reduce inflammation, restore gland health, and reclaim lasting comfort.

We draw on more than 40 published studies affirming IPL’s role in managing dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction.

To explore the science behind IPL, see our blog post: What Is OptiLight by Lumenis & How It Manages Dry Eye.