Eyelid laxity is associated with increased tear break-up time, corneal staining, meibomian gland dropout, meibum quality, and Schirmer’s score.1 Therefore, addressing eyelid laxity should be a part of the dry eye disease (DED) treatment algorithm, say 3 optometrists who use a device that does just that. That device is OptiLift, from Lumenis.
Tightening and Toning
OptiLift uses Dynamic Muscle Stimulation technology (DMSt) to restore muscle tone to the face to address lower lid laxity and impaired blinking.
Specifically, the DMSt technology tightens and tones the periorbital muscles2 to create a naturally lifted look, while also improving blink mechanics, according to the company.
Additionally, OptiLift incorporates radiofrequency to precise-
ly deliver heat to different skin layers to enhance collagen formation, says Lumenis.
It is contraindicated in patients who have pacemakers, defibrillators, or any implanted electronic device or metal-implanted device near the treatment area, says the company.
Ideal Patients
Julie McLaughlin, OD, ABODipl, a DED specialist at Lehigh Eye Specialists, in Allentown, Pennsylvania, says the device is particularly beneficial in patients older than age 30, who begin to lose muscle mass in the lower lid.
“The lids are so important to blink dynamics and tear drainage,” she explains. “OptiLift offers a noninvasive means of providing demonstrable relief of DED symptoms, which is why I think patients who have eyelid laxity have been interested in it since it’s become available.”
Celesta Ferreira, OD, a DED specialist at Cypress Optique, in Cypress, Texas, says the lid-tightening effects of DMSt have resulted in functional and aesthetic improvements; particularly in patients with significant corneal staining and severe DED secondary to sleep apnea.
“I’ve observed increased lower lid tone and structural support (from OptiLift), which enhances ocular surface exposure and tear film stability,” Dr. Ferreira explains. “Patients often report that their eyes feel more comfortable, appear brighter and whiter, and that the treatment instills greater confidence and visual clarity.”
Informing Others
John A. McCall Jr., OD, FAAOMS, president of the American Academy of Optometric Medicine and Surgery, who also practices in Crockett, Texas, says that having an in-office device that both provides symptomatic relief from DED and improves cosmesis can be a practice builder.
“Patients who have eyelid laxity and are experiencing dry eye symptoms, such as burning and foreign-body sensation, have been pleased with the relief they’ve gotten as a result of OptiLift, and many have expressed feeling better about their appearance,” he explains. “Their satisfaction and happiness with the device has prompted them to inform others about it, who then want to undergo the treatment.”
Dr. McCall says he sees his allied staff’s role growing in this area, and there are plans to create a spa-like atmosphere in the dedicated treatment room with calming music and low lighting.
“Usually, patients are waiting to have a retinal photograph taken or undergo ocular coherence tomography,” he notes. “Soon, we’ll have several patients excitedly anticipating a spa treatment that provides ocular and aesthetic benefits too.”
References
1. Chhadva P, McClellan AL, Alabiad CR, Feuer WJ, Batawi H, Galor A. Impact of Eyelid Laxity on Symptoms and Signs of Dry Eye Disease.Cornea. 2016;35(4):531-535. doi:10.1097/ICO.0000000000000786.
2. Chelnis, James G., and Alexandra Chelnis. "Dynamic Muscle Stimulation of the Periorbital Area for Improvement of Blinking in Dry Eye Patients." Clinical Ophthalmology, vol. 2025, no. 19, Mar. 26, 2025, pp. 1057–1071. https://doi.org/10.2147/OPTH.S513989.