Advanced Dry Eye Solutions in Mill Creek, WA
Mill Creek Vision is dedicated to providing our patients with the most advanced and effective treatments. Among our offerings are OptiLight and OptiPLUS by Lumenis, cutting-edge FDA-cleared technologies designed to address the challenges of dry eye disease. Whether experiencing discomfort from digital eye strain or more persistent symptoms, these innovative treatments offer relief and improved eye health, helping you see and feel your best.
What Is Dry Eye Disease?
Dry eye disease occurs when your eyes don't produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to discomfort, irritation, and potential damage to the ocular surface. There are two primary types of dry eye disease:
- Evaporative Dry Eye (EDE): This is the most common type, occurring when you lack the proper amount of oil in your tears, leading to rapid tear evaporation. In some cases, EDE can be caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), a disorder where the meibomian glands in your eyes become blocked, limiting the amount of oil being produced for your tears.
- Aqueous Tear Deficiency (ADT): If you suffer from ATD, your eyes lack the aqueous layer in your tears. This means that your eyes aren’t producing enough tears to keep the eye moist, which can lead to irritating and uncomfortable symptoms.
Both types can cause discomfort and, if left untreated, may lead to more serious complications.
The Symptoms of Dry Eye Disease
If you are suffering from dry eye disease, you may notice any of the following symptoms:
- A burning or scratchy sensation in your eyes
- Stringy mucus in or around your eyes
- Irritated or overly-watery eyes
- Sensitivity to light or photophobia
- Eye redness, blurred vision, or eye fatigue
- A sensation of having something in your eyes
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, book an appointment with your eye doctor to receive a dry eye disease diagnosis and get the treatment you need.
OptiLight: The Only FDA-Approved IPL for Dry Eyes
OptiLight by Lumenis is an advanced light-based technology designed to treat dry eye disease caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
How OptiLight Works:
- Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Technology: OptiLight uses a series of controlled pulses of light that target the blood vessels around the eyes. This light penetrates the skin to reduce inflammation and improve the function of the meibomian glands.
- Targeting Inflammation: The IPL treatment helps to decrease the inflammatory mediators in the skin, which are associated with MGD and dry eye symptoms. This improves the quality of the oil produced by the meibomian glands, preventing the tears from evaporating too quickly.
- Stimulating Gland Function: The heat generated by the light pulses also helps to liquefy and express the meibum (oil) in the glands, promoting better tear stability and eye lubrication.
Am I a Good Candidate for OptiLight?
How do you know if OptiLight is the right treatment for you? During an eye exam, your optometrist can determine whether or not it is the right option for you.
In general, OptiLight isn’t recommended for patients who:
- Are taking certain medications, like Accutane
- Have active acneSuffer from certain skin disorders
- Are susceptible to keloid scarring
- Have severe scarring
- Have severely sunburned recently
What to Expect From the Treatment?
If your eye doctor has recommended the OptiLight or OptiPLUS treatment, they will go over everything you can expect before, during, and after your appointment.
Preparing for Your Appointment
To prepare for your appointment, you should avoid:
- Using skin brightening agents or serums for the week before your appointment.
- Using tanning beds one month prior to your appointment.
- Getting Botox for at least three months before your appointment.
- Taking oral isotretinoin, tetracycline, or doxycycline in the three months prior to your appointment.
OptiPLUS: FDA-Cleared RF Technology
OptiPLUS by Lumenis is an FDA-cleared device designed to treat dry eye disease, specifically caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Unlike OptiLight, which uses IPL technology, OptiPLUS utilizes dual-frequency radiofrequency (RF) technology to deliver targeted heat across various skin layers.
This approach not only enhances meibomian gland function but also stimulates collagen production and rejuvenates the skin around the eyes, providing therapeutic and cosmetic benefits.
What to Expect From the OptiPLUS Treatment?
The OptiPLUS treatment procedure involves the following steps:
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- Preparation: The area around the eyes is cleaned.
- Application: The dual-frequency radiofrequency (RF) technology is used to deliver controlled heat to the skin around the eyes, targeting the meibomian glands.
- Stimulation: The heat helps liquefy the oils in the glands, improving their function. It also stimulates collagen production and rejuvenates the skin.
- Post-Treatment: The procedure is typically quick, with minimal discomfort and downtime, allowing patients to resume normal activities soon after.
Schedule a Consultation at Mill Creek Vision
If you’re experiencing dry eye symptoms and want to explore innovative treatments like OptiLight and OptiPLUS by Lumenis, schedule an appointment with us. Our team is here to provide personalized care and discuss how these advanced, FDA-cleared therapies can help improve your eye health and comfort. Don’t let dry eye hold you back—contact us to learn more and take the first step toward relief.