Millions of men and women all across the world suffer from dry eyes, a common condition that affects the eyes, causes discomfort, and interferes with daily life. At Wichita Vision Institute in Wichita, KS, we offer an advanced dry eye treatment option called LLLT that uses a device equipped with LED light therapy to target the cause of dry eyes at the source and resolve the symptoms long term.
LLLT, also known as low-level light therapy, is a non-invasive treatment that uses LED light technology as a treatment for dry eyes. Many factors contribute to dry eyes, from medical conditions like hormonal fluctuations and the side effects of medications to environmental and seasonal changes. However, regardless of what has caused you to experience dry eyes, you need a solution to address the source of the issue.
Dry eyes result from the eyes producing inadequate tears, or in some cases, eyes that do produce enough tears, but those tears quickly evaporate after production, causing dry eyes. This condition is often referred to as meibomian gland dysfunction. LLLT addresses the root cause of dry eyes and can resolve unpleasant symptoms and correct the problem altogether.
There are many benefits to undergoing a dry eye treatment plan with LLLT. The treatment process is non-invasive and nonsurgical and doesn’t rely on medications, eyedrops, or other topical eye solutions to address the condition that could cause adverse reactions or further irritate your eyes. The treatment only uses LED light to correct dry eyes and delivers long-term results. Some of the other treatment benefits include the following:
LED lights have been used in the cosmetic industry for years to address cosmetic and aesthetic concerns. LED lights are known for their ability to reduce inflammation, increase collagen production, and kill acne-causing bacteria. However, research has shown that LLLT provides an effective solution for those suffering from dry eyes.
Red light can help reduce any inflammation in the area, while blue light is known for its bacteria-killing properties, and yellow light promotes drainages and can reduce swelling, all of which can help work to unclog blocked meibomian glands.
We will begin your treatment by evaluating the current state of your eyes to determine the severity of your condition. We will perform the TearLab Osmolarity test, an advanced form of dry eye testing that will measure the salt concentration of your tears and give us more information about the state of your eyes and your overall condition. This test produces the score that we can, in turn, use to diagnose your condition and develop your treatment plan with LLLT.
During your LLLT treatment, we will situate the device as close to your eyes as possible, and you will remain beneath the light for 15 to 30 minutes with your eyes closed. You won’t need any pre-treatment numbing cream, and you won’t feel any discomfort. Once it’s over, you can go about your normal daily activities and expect results relatively quickly.
Patients can expect results after just one treatment. Our consultation process is designed to develop a customized treatment plan that’s right for you. We can give you more details about what your treatment plan will look like at that time. Depending on the severity of your condition and your treatment goals, you may benefit from a treatment protocol that includes several sessions with several weeks between each.
Most patients report that they notice results within hours of initial treatment.
The best candidates for LLLT treatments are patients suffering from meibomian gland dysfunction and other symptoms resulting from dry eyes. Whether you’ve been suffering from chronic dry eyes or this is a newer condition that has negatively impacted your quality of life, we can meet with you during an initial consultation to determine the right treatment option for you. Both adults and children make good candidates for this treatment since it is non-invasive, safe, and FDA-approved.
You don’t have to suffer from the symptoms of dry eyes any longer than you have, and you don’t have to invest in more eye drops or medications in an attempt to find short-term relief from your symptoms. LLLT treatments provide the long-term relief from dry eyes needed to enjoy the activities you love symptom-free.