Opti-Therm Uses

Ophthalmology:

  • As a refractive surgeon, targeting a perfect visual outcome relies heavily on a normal tear film.
  • An inadequate tear film, largely due to dysfunctional oil glands results in a poorly lubricated surface of the eye, which induces inflammation, discomfort, feeling of grit or sand in the eyes, red eyes, and importantly blurred vision.
  • Dry eye disease, secondary to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD – see below), otherwise known as posterior blepharitis is a common and often under diagnosed and under treated condition.
  • We are now commonly treating MGD prior to refractive procedures including LASEK and PRK(Laser vision correction procedures), as a large percentage of people have an unstable tear film secondary to this. After the procedure Opti-Therm is once again essential on the other end of the temperature spectrum with regards the cooling function to decrease inflammation and discomfort.
  • Opti-Therm is also a great supplementation to ocular allergy treatment. Cold therapy works exceptionally well here providing instant relief from itchy eyes.

There are a number of other causes of irritation and inflammation in and around the eyes including but not limited to sinus related problems (sinusitis and nasal congestion) for which the heat therapy will also work well.

Plastic surgery procedures:

Any surgery around the eyes and on the face will cause some amount of post operative swelling, bruising and discomfort.

For this,the Opti-Therm cold therapy is ideal.

The following procedures will be ideal for the use of Opti-Therm:

  • Blepharoplasty ( removal of tissue from either the upper and or lower lids)
  • Face lift
  • Brow lift
  • Eyelid reconstruction after tumor removal
  • Tightening procedures of the eyelids
  • Rhinoplasty
  • Sinus surgery

For instructions, please refer to the directions for use icon.

Aesthetic procedures:

Preserving longevity for both men and women has become an intrinsic part of growing older.

In achieving this goal many people turn to the following procedures for which Opti-Therm (cold packs) can provide post procedure relief and keep any swelling and potential bruising to a minimum:

  • Botox injections on and around the brow and forehead
  • Fillers around the eyebrows and side of head
  • Facial chemical peels
  • Facial threading procedures
  • Microblading
  • Permanent eye makeup
  • The cold inserts can even be used for any of these procedures on and around the mouth. Just keep the insert out of the mask and apply the cold pack directly to the treated area.

Please refer to the instructions “how to use” section.

What is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?

Dry red eyes

What are meibomian glands?

  • They are oil producing glands found in the upper and lower eyelids.
  • Healthy meibomian glands are absolutely vital to a healthy tear film-when these misbehave, they are responsible for the majority of dry eye symptoms.
  • If you have chronic or uncontrolled dry eye symptoms and have never been told about meibomian glands, don’t be surprised, but take the time to educate yourself about meibomian glands (MG) and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).

What is MGD?

  • Your oil glands have gone on strike!
  • These glands secrete the lipid(oily) layer of your tear film which is crucial in preventing evaporation of the tears.
  • Failure of these glands to produce or secrete oil-due to chronic blockage, thickening of the meibum, will affect the quality and stability of the tear film, which in turn will produce classic dry eye symptoms even in people whose other dry eye test results appear normal.
  • Promoting good meibomian gland health is often the number one task of the chronic dry eye patient.
  • MGD is quite common and often goes undiagnosed. Even when diagnosed, it often is not treated effectively until it becomes chronic or severe.

Continued compliance with a lid regime is important long term to prevent recurrence of this chronic condition.

The Opti-Therm Solution:

  • Warm Opti-Therm in the microwave as instructed (nominally 20 seconds).
  • Strap the Opti-Therm mask over your eyes for 10 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes in the evening. See this as a treat, instead of a chore and it will change the way you treat MGD. This procedure helps melt the oil in the blocked glands.
  • Once completed apply gentle massage through the mask to the lower and upper eyelids. This helps to remove the plugs which may be blocking the opening of the glands at the lid surface.
  • Perseverance is essential!

Please refer to the package insert in the Opti-Therm box for a comprehensive description of use.