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In-office procedures · Intense pulsed light

OptiLight IPL Light-based care for dry eye due to MGD.

OptiLight is the first and only IPL FDA approved for the management of dry eye disease due to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Each in-office session runs about 15 minutes on Lumenis' patented Optimal Pulse Technology (OPT™).

Visit Lumenis All in-office procedures
The OptiLight IPL system by Lumenis, a white mobile console with touchscreen and handpieces
~15 minper session
4sessions per course
590 to 1200 nmdelivered wavelengths
35 J/cm²max fluence

Aimed at the inflammatory cycle behind MGD.

Dry eye due to MGD has several drivers, and OptiLight is designed to act on five of them in the same session.

Lower inflammatory mediators

Studies show lower levels of pro-inflammatory mediators after treatment.

Liu et al. 2017; Yin et al. 2018

Longer tear breakup time

Studies report longer tear breakup time along with lower tear osmolarity.

Dell et al. 2017; Toyos & Briscoe 2016

Fewer abnormal blood vessels

Targets the abnormal vessels that help keep inflammation going.

Kassir et al. 2011; Papageorgiou et al. 2008

Healthier meibomian glands

Studies show better meibomian gland morphology and function.

Yin et al. 2018

Lower Demodex counts

Studies show fewer Demodex mites, which are linked to infection and a heavier bacterial load on the lids.

Prieto et al. 2002

Built for precise, comfortable sessions.

Lumenis' patented handpieces and Optimal Pulse Technology keep every pulse targeted, uniform and controlled, even on the thin skin under the eyes.

  • Settings tailored to each patient
  • Established treatment protocols
  • Coverage designed for the sub-eye area

  • Optimal Pulse Technology (OPT™)

    Steady energy with no spikes, so each pulse stays targeted, uniform and controlled.

  • Patented OPT™ handpiece

    Follows the contours of each patient's face, with coverage designed for the delicate skin below the eyes.

  • Ergonomic IPL handpiece with SapphireCool™

    Covers wider areas, with continuous contact cooling for comfort and safety.

  • Opti-Tip

    Optimizes the light energy reaching delicate areas and keeps each session safe and hygienic.

A session of about 15 minutes.

Light is applied across the malar region from tragus to tragus, including the nose, with the patient's eyes fully covered by protective eyewear.

Lumenis OptiLight clinical literature, including a published IPL study and the patient brochure

About 15 minutes

Each session takes roughly 15 minutes in the chair.

A course of 4

Four sessions make up a course, designed for results that last.

Afterward

Some redness can appear and usually clears within a few hours. Patients return to daily activities as their doctor advises.

Specifications and safety

Technical specifications
Wavelength 590 to 1200 nm, through a 590 nm cut-off filter
Standard IPL wavelength range 400 to 1200 nm
Maximal fluence 35 J/cm²
Lightguides 15 × 35 mm, 8 × 15 mm, 6.4 mm Ø
Cooling Continuous contact cooling, IPL handpiece (SapphireCool™)
Procedure time About 15 minutes
Treatment course 4 sessions
OptiLight treatment wavelength range A spectrum bar from 400 to 1200 nanometres. A 590 nanometre cut-off filter removes everything below 590, so OptiLight treats with 590 to 1200 nanometres. TREATMENT SPECTRUM 590 nm cut-off filter OptiLight: 590 to 1200 nm 400 nm 1200 nm filtered
Standard IPL covers 400 to 1200 nm. A 590 nm cut-off filter limits what OptiLight delivers to 590 to 1200 nm.
Indications for use

US: Improvement of signs of Dry Eye Disease (DED) due to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), also known as evaporative dry eye or lipid deficiency dry eye, in patients 22 years of age and older with moderate to severe signs and symptoms of DED due to MGD and with Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV.

Used in conjunction with other modalities, such as meibomian gland expression, artificial tear lubricants and warm compresses. Applied to the malar region of the face, from tragus to tragus including the nose, while the eyes are fully covered by protective eyewear.

EU: Evaporative Dry Eye Disease (DED), also known as dry eye syndrome or lipid tear deficiency, due to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). This indication is intended for Fitzpatrick skin types I-V.

Contraindications
  • Ocular surgery or eyelid surgery within 6 months prior to the first treatment
  • Neuro-paralysis within 6 months prior to the first treatment
  • Uncontrolled eye disorders affecting the ocular surface
  • Pre-cancerous lesions, skin cancer or pigmented lesions in the treatment area
  • Uncontrolled infections or immunosuppressive diseases
  • Recent ocular infections
  • History of cold sores or rashes in the perioral area (Herpes simplex 1 and 2, SLE, porphyria)
  • Photosensitive medication or herbs within 3 months prior to the first IPL session
  • Recent or planned radiation therapy to the head or neck
  • Recent or planned chemotherapy
  • History of migraines, seizures or epilepsy
Possible side effects
  • Pain or discomfort
  • Damage to natural skin texture
  • Change of pigmentation
  • Scarring
  • Excessive edema
  • Fragile skin
  • Bruising
  • Burns
  • Pruritus
  • Xerosis

Diagnostics

Add ANTARES on the diagnostic side.

ANTARES from Lumenis is an automated dry eye diagnostic platform and corneal topographer.

Dry eye reportMeibographyTear breakup timeTear meniscusTopography
QualityAccurate and reproducible, with low intra-rater variability.
SpeedQuick exams and quick results.
ComfortComfortable for patients and easy for the physician.

OptiLight questions

What does OptiLight do?

It applies precise, intense broad-spectrum light across the cheeks and nose to treat dry eye due to MGD, as part of a protocol that also includes gland expression, lubricants and warm compresses.

What is OptiLight's FDA status?

OptiLight was the first IPL to be FDA approved for managing dry eye due to MGD, and it remains the only one.

What comes with the OptiLight platform?

A patented OPT handpiece, an ergonomic IPL handpiece with SapphireCool contact cooling, Optimal Pulse Technology, settings tailored to each patient and established treatment protocols.

How long is each session?

About 15 minutes, and a full course is 4 treatments.

What should patients expect afterward?

Some redness can appear and usually fades within a few hours. Patients go back to daily activities as their doctor advises.

What is Optimal Pulse Technology?

OPT delivers energy with no-spike consistency, so treatment stays targeted, uniform, precise and controlled, including on the delicate skin below the eyes.

Which wavelengths does OptiLight deliver?

590 to 1200 nm, through a 590 nm cut-off filter.

Published studies

  • Liu R, et al. Am J Ophthalmol. 2017;183:81-90. PubMed
  • Yin Y, et al. Curr Eye Res. 2018;43(3):308-313. PubMed
  • Dell SJ, et al. Clin Ophthalmol. 2017;11:817-827. PubMed
  • Toyos R, Briscoe D. J Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2016;7:6.
  • Kassir R, et al. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2011;13(5):216-222. PubMed
  • Papageorgiou P, et al. Br J Dermatol. 2008;159(3):628-632. PubMed
  • Prieto VG, et al. Lasers Surg Med. 2002;30(2):82-85. PubMed

Adding OptiLight to the practice.

Lumenis sells OptiLight direct, with training and support included. The lubricants used alongside it at home are in the artificial tears and lubricants guide.

Visit Lumenis All in-office procedures

OptiLight, OPT™, SapphireCool™ and ANTARES are trademarks of Lumenis. Vision Rescue does not sell this device. Read the complete Lumenis instructions for use, including every warning, precaution, contraindication and possible side effect, before treating. Individual results vary.