OptiLight IPL

Dry, irritated eyes can interfere with your daily life, from reading and driving to using digital devices. If you've tried artificial tears or prescription drops with little success, it may be time to consider a more targeted, lasting solution. At Excel Eyecare OD PA, we’re proud to offer OptiLight IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) therapy, a treatment approved by the FDA and designed to address one of the leading causes of dry eye: meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). As one of the few providers in Charlotte, NC and the surrounding areas offering this cutting-edge technology, we’re here to help you find real relief and improve your quality of life.

Understanding Dry Eye

Dry eye disease occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the quality of your tears is poor. This can lead to symptoms such as:

• Burning or stinging
• Blurred or fluctuating vision
• Redness
• Eye fatigue
• Sensitivity to light
• A gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes
• Watery eyes

One of the most common underlying causes of dry eye is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). The meibomian glands, located along the edges of your eyelids, are responsible for producing the oil layer of your tear film. This oil is essential for preventing tears from evaporating too quickly. When these glands become blocked or inflamed, the tear film becomes unstable, leading to chronic dryness and irritation.

Using advanced diagnostic tools, we assess tear quality, gland function, and ocular surface health to determine whether conditions like meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) are contributing to your discomfort. This comprehensive approach allows us to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs for effective, lasting relief.

What Is OptiLight IPL?

OptiLight by Lumenis is the first and only FDA-approved intense pulsed light therapy for dry eye caused by MGD. Unlike traditional treatments that only manage symptoms, OptiLight targets the root cause of dry eye by treating inflammation and improving meibomian gland function. This non-invasive, light-based treatment is safe, effective, and fast.

How Does OptiLight IPL Work?

OptiLight uses precise pulses of light to gently heat the skin around the eyes. This light energy:

• Reduces inflammation around the meibomian glands
• Unclogs the glands to restore healthy oil flow
• Eliminates abnormal blood vessels that contribute to inflammation
• Kills bacteria and reduces Demodex mites that worsen dry eye symptoms

As the glands begin to function properly again, the tear film stabilizes, and symptoms start to improve.

What to Expect During Treatment

Each OptiLight IPL session is quick and comfortable, typically lasting around 30 minutes. The process is simple and designed with your comfort in mind. At the beginning of the treatment, protective eye shields are placed over your eyes to ensure safety. A gel is then applied to the treatment area to enhance comfort and effectiveness. Pulses of light are carefully delivered to the skin just below the eyes, targeting the underlying inflammation and improving gland function.

After the light therapy, your optometrist may perform a gentle expression of the meibomian glands to help clear any blockages and restore healthy oil flow. Most patients describe the experience as a sensation of mild warmth or a light snapping feeling on the skin. There is no downtime required following the procedure, so you can return to your normal activities right away.

How Many Sessions Do I Need?

For best results, a series of 4 sessions spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart is typically recommended. Your doctor will evaluate your condition and create a personalized treatment plan based on the severity of your dry eye and your response to the initial sessions. To maintain long-term relief, yearly maintenance treatments may also be recommended.

Benefits of OptiLight IPL for Dry Eye

• Targets the root cause: MGD
• Long-lasting relief with improved tear quality
• Non-invasive and quick with minimal discomfort
• Reduces dependence on eye drops or artificial tears
• Improves overall eye health and quality of life

Discover the Power of OptiLight IPL for Dry Eye Relief​​​​​​​

We are proud to be one of the few eye care providers in Charlotte, NC and the surrounding region offering OptiLight IPL. Our experienced team combines advanced technology with personalized care to deliver meaningful results for our patients struggling with dry eye.

If you’ve been dealing with persistent dry eye symptoms, contact us today or schedule your dry eye evaluation to find out if OptiLight is right for you. Discover the difference of OptiLight IPL at Excel Eyecare OD PA and experience real, lasting relief.