If you live with the scratchy, burning, or watery feeling of dry eye, you know how much it can affect your day. While eye drops offer some relief, they often feel like a temporary fix. Our team at Heartland Eye Consultants can help you explore ways to address the source of your discomfort for longer-lasting comfort.
Low-level light therapy (LLLT) is a gentle option that uses light to address some of the causes of dryness, such as blocked oil glands and inflammation.
What Is Low-Level Light Therapy and How Does It Work?
Low-level light therapy uses specific types of light to gently warm your eyelids. This warmth helps support the glands that keep your eyes lubricated, decreasing the symptoms of dry eye.
Focused on the Factors Contributing to Dry Eye
Some people experience dry eye because of issues with the tiny oil glands that line their eyelids. When these glands don’t function properly, it’s called meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Low-level light therapy is designed to help these glands function better.
The Main Sources of Dry Eye Discomfort
To see if LLLT can help you, it is useful to know what causes that gritty feeling in your eyes. For most people, the discomfort from dry eye comes down to 2 main issues.
- Blocked oil glands: Your eyelids are lined by small glands that produce an oil layer for your tears. This oil stops your tears from drying up too fast. When the glands get clogged, your eyes lose that important protection.
- Inflammation: Redness and swelling around the eyelids can make dry eye symptoms feel worse. This can also interfere with how your tears are produced.
How LLLT Provides Relief for Dry Eye
Helps Unclog Your Oil Glands
The gentle warmth from the light helps soften the hardened oil blocking your meibomian glands. This allows the oil to flow freely again, which helps restore the protective layer on your tears.
Reduces Redness and Swelling
The light energy can also help calm inflammation around your eyes. When swelling goes down, your glands can work better, and your eyes feel much more comfortable.
Promotes a Healthier Tear Film
With a healthy amount of oil and less inflammation, your tear film becomes more stable. This means your tears don’t evaporate as quickly, which keeps your eyes hydrated and comfortable for longer periods.
What to Expect from Your LLLT Treatment
Knowing what happens during and after the treatment can help you feel at ease. The process is straightforward, and our team works to make your experience a positive one.
During the Session
You can recline comfortably in a chair, and a light therapy device is then positioned over your face to deliver the treatment. Most people just feel a gentle warmth on their skin.
Timeline for Results
Many people report feeling better after their first few sessions. Our team of experienced eye doctors in Omaha can create a personalized plan based on your unique needs and explain what timeline might work for you.
Treatment Safety and Side Effects
LLLT is considered a safe treatment with minimal risks. You might notice temporary redness or warmth on the treated skin, but this usually fades quickly. It is a gentle option for managing dry eye symptoms.
Find Out if LLLT Is Right for You
A thorough eye exam is a great way to determine if this is the right approach for you. A conversation with a member of our team can help you explore personalized treatment options and determine whether this approach can provide the relief you need.
Don’t Live with Dry Eye
If you are ready to find longer-lasting comfort for your dry eye, our team at Heartland Eye Consultants is here to help you understand your options. Schedule a consultation today to discover if low-level light therapy can bring you relief and clarity.
