Combining OptiLight with Other Dry Eye Therapies

Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This leads to symptoms such as irritation, burning, redness, light sensitivity, and blurry vision. Common underlying causes include meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and blepharitis. Because dry eye can result from multiple factors, it often requires a comprehensive and layered treatment approach.
 

Advanced Dry Eye Treatment with OptiLight IPL

At Friedman Optometry, we offer OptiLight Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), an FDA-approved treatment designed specifically for dry eye caused by MGD. OptiLight uses precise pulses of light to reduce inflammation, improve gland function, and enhance tear film stability. This non-invasive therapy not only targets the root cause of evaporative dry eye but also helps reduce symptoms linked to rosacea and eyelid inflammation - two common contributors to chronic dryness.

While OptiLight is a powerful standalone treatment, combining it with other therapies can lead to more consistent and long-lasting relief. Depending on your symptoms and underlying causes, your doctor may recommend additional treatments.
 

Punctal Plugs

Punctal plugs are small, biocompatible devices inserted into the tear ducts to help retain moisture on the surface of the eyes. By slowing the natural drainage of tears, these plugs allow for better lubrication, reducing dryness and irritation. This simple and reversible procedure is often recommended for patients with chronic dry eye who need additional support to maintain consistent tear levels.
 

Eyelid Hygiene Therapies

Proper eyelid hygiene plays a key role in managing MGD and blepharitis. We often recommend gentle yet effective products from Oasis for daily use. The Oasis Rest & Relief Eye Mask provides moist heat therapy to open oil glands and improve tear quality. The Oasis Hypochlorous Cleansing Spray helps reduce bacteria and inflammation on the eyelids, while the Oasis Lid & Lash Cleansing Pads make it easy to remove debris and prevent gland blockages. Together, these therapies support healthier eyelids and more stable tear production.
 

Prescription-Strength Medications

For patients with moderate to severe dry eye, prescription-strength medications may be necessary to control inflammation or boost tear production. These treatments can include medicated eye drops, anti-inflammatory agents, or other targeted therapies customized to your specific needs. When combined with OptiLight and other supportive therapies, prescription medications can help achieve more complete and lasting relief from dry eye symptoms.
 

Benefits of a Personalized Dry Eye Treatment Plan

Each patient’s condition may be influenced by different factors. Our doctors take the time to perform a thorough evaluation, including advanced diagnostic testing, to identify the root cause of your symptoms. From there, we create a personalized dry eye treatment plan that may include OptiLight IPL, eyelid hygiene therapies, punctal plugs, or prescription-strength medications. This tailored strategy ensures that every aspect of your eye health is addressed, helping you achieve clearer, more comfortable vision and long-term results.
 

Reclaim Comfort with a Customized Dry Eye Plan

Managing dry eye effectively requires more than temporary relief. Our team combines advanced technology like OptiLight IPL with customized therapies and ongoing care to deliver asting results.

If you’ve been struggling with chronic dryness or discomfort, schedule a dry eye evaluation at Friedman Optometry to discover the right combination of treatments for your needs. Contact our office in Rancho Cucamonga or San Bernardino, California, by calling (909) 987-3330 or (909) 881-2020 to book an appointment today.