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How OptiLight Treats Chronic Dry Eye in St. Clair & Richmond

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Nearly 16.4 million adults in the U.S. have been diagnosed with dry eye disease, and many more are still undiagnosed, brushing off the signs as screen fatigue or allergies. At St. Clair Eye, we’re seeing this more frequently in both St. Clair and Richmond, especially among people who spend hours in front of screens or out in the elements

At St. Clair Eye, we are seeing more patients affected by this condition—and fortunately, we have a powerful new solution. OptiLight by Lumenis is a non-invasive treatment that targets the root cause of dry eye, helping our patients experience lasting relief and clearer vision.

How Dry, Tired Eyes Could be Affecting Your Life

Dry eye disease is more than an inconvenience. When your eyes constantly feel uncomfortable—whether they’re stinging, watering, or just hard to keep open—it can wear you down. You might notice that your vision blurs after a few hours on the computer, or that your eyes feel heavy and irritated during your evening drive.

For some people, it even disrupts sleep or makes reading and screen time frustrating. These symptoms don’t just interfere with your comfort—they affect how well you function at work, home, and with your family.

How OptiLight Offers Long-Lasting Relief from Dry Eye

Finding the right solution for chronic dry eye means understanding what is causing the problem. For many people, it stems from inflammation and a lack of oil production in the meibomian glands—tiny glands in your eyelids that help keep your tears from evaporating too quickly. That is where OptiLight comes in.

A New Approach That Targets the Source

OptiLight is a non-invasive, light-based treatment designed to manage chronic dry eye caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). It uses gentle pulses of intense pulsed light (IPL) around the eyes to reduce inflammation, improve the function of the oil-producing glands in your eyelids, and support healthier, more stable tear production.

What to Expect from OptiLight

The procedure is quick—about 15 minutes—and most patients say it feels warm, but not painful. You will wear protective shields to cover your eyes, and we will apply cooling gel to the treatment area before we begin. You can get back to your regular activities right after your visit.

These IPL treatment protocols typically include four sessions spaced a few weeks apart. Depending on your specific needs, we may also pair OptiLight with other dry eye treatments, like meibomian gland expression, warm compresses, or prescription eye drops.

Real Dry Eye Relief from a Team That Knows Your Needs

At St. Clair Eye, we take dry eye seriously because we know how deeply it can affect your quality of life. Dr. Michael Caister and Dr. Liesl Black lead our team with decades of experience, advanced training, and a genuine passion for patient care. We don’t just hand you artificial tears and send you on your way—we take the time to understand what is causing your symptoms and build a care plan around your needs.

Whether you are dealing with the early signs of dry eye or have suffered from dry eye disease for years, we are here to help. Our OptiLight treatments are performed right here in the office by the team you know and trust. We proudly offer personalized solutions that give our patients in St. Clair and Richmond the comfort and clarity they deserve.

Book Your Dry Eye Consultation in St. Clair or Richmond for Real Relief

Dry eye doesn’t have to be your norm. At St. Clair Eye, we offer a safe, effective way to treat chronic dry eye with OptiLight. If your eyes feel dry, tired, or irritated often, it is time to take the next step.

Experience the difference —schedule your dry eye consultation in St. Clair or Richmond and determine if OptiLight is right for you.