Patient undergoing Low-Level Light Therapy, with a device emitting red light on their face, demonstrating the application of specific wavelengths for skin treatment.

Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) for Dry Eyes

Living with dry eyes can be a daily challenge, impacting your comfort and quality of life. At Leightons, we offer Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT), also known as photobiomodulation, an advanced, non-invasive treatment for dry eye disease. Consult your optometrist to see if this treatment is right for you.

What to Expect During the Procedure?

The LLLT treatment is quick, usually lasting around 15 minutes, with the entire appointment taking up to 30 minutes.

During the procedure, you'll relax comfortably while a specialised mask or device is placed over your eyes and surrounding area. This device emits low-level light that penetrates the skin, promoting healing and reducing inflammation in the tissues around the eyes. These specific wavelengths help stimulate the Meibomian glands to improve their function and reduce inflammation. The LLLT process can significantly improve eye comfort and relieve dry eye symptoms.

Patient seated comfortably during Low-Level Light Therapy, with a device emitting red light on their face, illustrating advanced skin treatment using specific light wavelengths.

Who Should Have IPL Treatment

Before starting LLLT treatment, it's essential to undergo a thorough Dry Eye Assessment. During this consultation, your eye care professional will evaluate your eye health and symptoms to determine if LLLT is the right option for you. They will explain how LLLT works, discuss its potential benefits for your specific case, and address any concerns or questions you might have about the procedure. This consultation ensures that you receive a personalised treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and helps set realistic expectations for the therapy's outcomes. LLLT may be suitable for you if:

  • You have been diagnosed with dry eye disease, particularly due to MGD.
  • You experience symptoms such as burning, itching, redness, or a gritty sensation in your eyes.
  • Other treatments, such as artificial tears or warm compresses, have not provided sufficient relief.
Optometrist preparing to administer a Schirmer's test on a patient during a dry eye assessment, with paper strips visible for measuring tear production.

Book an appointment

Book online

You can book a dry eye assessment or an eye test at any time using our online booking system. Please note, LLLT procedure is available only at our Southampton and St Albans locations.

Book by Phone

Call us on 0800 40 20 20. Lines are open Monday to Saturday, 8:30am to 5:00pm. Our team is available for appointment bookings as well as to answer to any queries you may have.

Frequently Asked Questions

The price for Low-Level Light Therapy is £200 per session, with occasional maintenance sessions costing £99 each.

For our MyLeightons patients, the cost is reduced to £160 per session, and follow-up appointments are included within the plan. The MyLeightons Care Plan offers exceptional value for both eye and ear care, providing benefits such as discounts on products and health services.

Low-Level Light Therapy offers several significant benefits for dry eye treatment:

  • Improved Gland Function: LLLT helps restore the natural function of the Meibomian glands, leading to a more stable and healthier tear film.
  • Reduction in Symptoms: Many patients experience a significant reduction in symptoms such as dryness, irritation, and redness.
  • Non-Invasive and Painless: The treatment uses light, is gentle, non-invasive, and does not involve any needles or incisions.
  • Quick and Convenient: The procedure is quick, lasting about 15 minutes.

Most patients require a series of 3 to 4 sessions, spaced one week apart, depending on the severity of their condition.

Some patients may benefit from occasional maintenance sessions every few months to sustain the results. Your eye care professional may recommend specific aftercare instructions to maximise the benefits of LLLT.

After the procedure, you can resume your normal activities immediately. Some patients notice improvement in symptoms after the first session, while others may require multiple sessions to experience significant benefits.

LLLT is generally safe and well-tolerated, with few reported side effects. However, some patients may experience:

  • Mild Redness: Temporary redness or warmth in the treated area, which typically subsides within a few hours.
  • Rare Sensitivity: Some individuals may experience increased sensitivity in the treated area, but this is usually mild and temporary.

The procedure is painless, though you may notice some light sensitivity, and you may feel a slight warming sensation. It may take 2-3 minutes for the after-image of the light to fade.