OptiLight - Intense Pulsed Light

OptiLight Dry Eye Treatment is the newest procedure we’re offering at Los Gatos Eye Care

The First and Only IPL FDA Approved for Dry Eye Management

Destroys abnormal blood vessels
​(works well for Rosacea, Telangiectasia, and other inflammatory skin diseases that may be associated with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction)​

Reduces debris and risk of gland obstruction
Improves overall gland function
Decreases pro- inflammatory mediators
Up-regulates anti-inflammatory agents

Decreases demodex and the bacterial load
Liquefies meibum aiding in the expression of glands
Activates fibroblasts and increases production of collagen and elastin

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How OptiLight works

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1. Emits short wavelengths of blue light that target photophores which include melanin, hemoglobin, and water.
2. Traditionally, the use of this light was used to help get rid of sun spots, freckles, color imperfections in the skin, fine lines, and mild wrinkles.
3. Brief and powerful bursts of light at specific wavelengths can cause changes in blood vessels near the surface of the skin.  By raising the skin temperature, problematic flora on the skin and eyes can be eliminated.  This has a beneficial effect on the Meibomian glands.
4. The light emitted from the device generates heat that coagulates cells and leads to thrombosis of the blood vessels.  This minimizes redness and improves the appearance of the skin. This also improves the function of the Meibomian glands, resulting in improvement in dry eye symptoms.

Treatment Process:

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1. Treatment includes 9 passes ear to ear under the lower eyelids and then expression of the meibomian glands.​
2. 4 treatments separated by 3-4 weeks, along with meibomian gland expression are recommended.
3. Touch up sessions are recommended every 6-12 months.

Precautions

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Patients with the following medical history or presence of the following conditions should be treated with caution and per the doctor's consideration:

1. Bleeding Coagulopathies
2. Keloid Scarring
3. Herpes Simplex
4. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus or Porphyria
5. Immunosuppressive Diseases - HIV infection or AIDS
6. Uncontrolled systemic disease - diabetes, epilepsy, or congestive heart failure
7. Photosensitivity - Including photosensitive medication (if on photosensitive medication patient should discontinue medication 2 weeks prior to treatment)
8. Hormonal disorder - Polycystic ovary syndrome (unless under control)
9. Gold Therapy
10. Radiation Therapy
11. Prior use of collagen, fat injections, or other methods of skin augmentation
12. Botox - Recommended that patients wait 2 weeks prior to or after treatment
13. Accutane should be discontinued 6 months prior to treatment
14. Blood thinners or blood thinning agents should be avoided prior to treatments to decrease risk of bruising

Pre and Post Care Instructions

Before your treatment:

1. Topical products containing glycolic acid, Retin A, exfoliators or bleaching agents should be discontinued 2-3 days prior to each treatment.
2. Avoid excessive sun exposure. You may not be able to be treated if you have a tan. Wear a sunblock with an SPF 30 or higher. Ideally, use a good quality sunblock containing zinc or titanium. This is regardless of the outside weather conditions. UV rays remain present and powerful during the winter months.

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After your treatment:
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1. You may experience mild swelling and/or redness which can last for 1-3 days. Cool compresses will reduce the discomfort. Brown spots on your skin may turn darker; they will flake off in about a week.
2. A gentle cleanser should be used for the next 3-5 days.
3. Makeup may be applied as long as the skin is not broken. Makeup will also serve as an additional barrier from the sun.
4. Sunscreen must be used daily while undergoing treatments. This means every day for 3 weeks before and 3 weeks after each treatment.
5. If you develop a blister or scab, wash gently, keep moisturized, avoid sun exposure, and call our office for assistance. We're here to help you.
6. Avoid vigorous exercise for 2-3 days and airplane travel for 24 hours after treatment.
7. Avoid hot baths and showers, saunas, and hot tubs for 2-4 days. Rosacea patients should avoid triggers like alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods.

For more information, contact us: ​

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phone: 408-377-2020
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email: eyes@lgeyecare.com