Australian optometrist and early adopter of the latest intense pulsed light (IPL) system from Lumenis, Mr Jason Holland, has outlined how the device is used in his clinic and why he considers the technology to be revolutionary.
OptiLight is the only light-based technology that is FDA approved and TGA listed for the treatment of dry eye disease (DED) due to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
Lumenis, which pioneered IPL technology, unveiled OptiLight for the Australian and New Zealand market in November 2021. That same year it also secured US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) De Novo authorisation.
The system – backed by several clinical studies – is designed for a consistent, precise, and controlled light-based treatment for DED.
Holland, considered a leading optometrist with expertise in DED, now assists managing more than 80 optometrists across the Optical Superstore network. Since 2000, he has also worked with leading Brisbane ophthalmologist Dr Andrew Apel and founded a clinic specialising in dry eye treatment and glaucoma co-management within The Eye Health Centre, which is described as a pinnacle of dry eye management in Australia using advanced technology and practice protocols.
Historically, Holland says many practitioners have treated DED by only managing symptoms with artificial tears and therapeutic eye drops – and not the underlying disease.
However, the OptiLight IPL system – now an important part of his dry eye clinic – helps treat the root cause of MGD by reducing abnormal vasculature in the periorbital area, reducing inflammatory markers in the tear film and improving meibum quality and expressability.
A key part of this is Lumenis’ patented Optimal Pulse Technology (OPT).
“OptiLight works via photothermolysis, basically light is filtered to target abnormal vasculature causing destruction of abnormal vessels in the periorbital region,” Holland, who frequently lectures across Australia and in South East Asia, said.
“OPT means that the rapid pulses of light are consistent from the start to the end of the pulse ensuring greater efficacy and superior treatment outcomes.”
In terms of other unique features, Holland said OptiLight’s small tip makes access easier and the chilled head ensures minimal collateral effects on the skin.
When he uses the device in his clinic, he said treatments usually take 20-30 minutes. He recommends four to eight initial treatments and then top-up treatments as required.
“Normally patients can expect no significant change after one treatment. Most patients notice some difference after three treatments,” he said.
Backed by studies
DED is a common disorder that causes dry, gritty, burning, tired eyes and fluctuating vision. In January 2020, Optometry Australia reported around 77%1 of Australians have suffered from dry eye symptoms, yet only 26%1 have visited an optometrist to discuss treatment options. Current literature even suggests that up to 86%2 of dry eye patients demonstrate signs of MGD.
In a multi-centre, double-blinded, randomised controlled FDA, OptiLight and its OPT technology were shown to significantly improve tear breakup time, meibum quality, and meibomian gland expressibility.3
The clinical trial joins other studies of Lumenis’ IPL with OPT, that have shown the same results, as well as reduction of inflammatory markers.4-7
“In my clinic we deal with dry eye disease every day and have found that in order to make a meaningful impact on the disease, we need to address the underlying inflammation,” Holland said.
“Lumenis’ OPT technology helps us to address inflammation, as shown in published clinical trials, which improves the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease due to MGD. Lumenis’ OPT is an essential tool in our dry eye toolkit.”
More reading
Lumenis OptiLight making its mark on the Australian optometry market
How dry eye can elevate your practice
Dry eye – a multifactorial approach to a multifactorial disease
References
- Gao et al. (2019) Int J Ophthalmol 12(11):1708-1713.
- Liu et al. (2017) Am J Ophthalmol 183:81-90.
- Optometry Australia, the 2020 Vision Index Report
- 4. Lemp et al. 2012
- FDA study sponsored by Lumenis: internal reference LUM-VBU-M22-IPL-17-01.
- Yan et al. (2020), Eye & Contact Lens 2021, 27(1):45-53.
- Arita et al. (2019) Ocul Surf 17(1):308-13.
