Low Level Light Therapy

What is Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT)

Also known as photobiomodulation, LLLT is a treatment that uses light—typically in the red to near-infrared wavelengths—to stimulate healing, reduce inflammation, and improve cellular function, without using high heat or lasers that cut tissue. The light is “low level” in the sense of being non-ablative and generally gentle.

Some key points:

• The light is delivered in controlled pulses or steady waves by our medical grade LED device

• The wavelengths used are chosen because they penetrate skin/tissue to reach the target meibomian glands.

• It is non-invasive and usually painless. There’s often minimal to no downtime.

• Risks are generally lower than more aggressive light or laser treatments.

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction & Dry Eyes: Why LLLT Helps

About meibomian glands are and what goes wrong in MGD:

• The meibomian glands are tiny oil glands located in the eyelids. They secrete lipids (oil) that form part of the tear film, particularly the outer (lipid) layer, which helps prevent evaporation of tears.

• In meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), these glands can get clogged, the oil can thicken or stagnate, glands may become inflamed, or gland output becomes insufficient or of poor quality. When that happens, the tear film becomes unstable, leading to tear evaporation, dry spots, irritation, redness, burning, and sometimes even excessive tearing.

LLLT can help in several ways:

1. Stimulating Gland Function
   The light energy absorbed by cells in the glandular tissue can increase metabolic activity, improve mitochondrial function, and help “unplug” or “liquefy” more viscous secretions. This helps restore or improve the flow of oil (meibum) from the glands.

2. Reducing Inflammation
   Dry eye and MGD are often associated with chronic low-grade inflammation. LLLT has anti-inflammatory effects—e.g. reducing inflammatory cytokines, improving blood flow, reducing oxidative stress. That helps reduce irritation and damage to the eyelid margin and ocular surface.

3. Improving Tear Film Stability
   When the oil layer is replenished and of better quality, the tears don’t evaporate as quickly. That means the eye surface stays moist longer, improving comfort, reducing dryness, and the burning sensation.

4. Symptom Relief
   Many people report relief of symptoms like grittiness, burning, stinging, redness, and light sensitivity. Some may also see improved tear break-up time (TBUT), less reliance on artificial tears, and better overall ocular surface health.

5. Possible Ancillary Benefits
   LLLT may also help with associated eyelid issues (chalazion, styes), and sometimes improves skin appearance around the eyes like less redness, and perhaps cosmetic improvements, due to its effects on skin cells.

What the Treatment Is Like

Here’s what someone can expect:

• The session usually lasts ~15 minutes.

• The patient relaxes in a chair; the large mask that delivers the light over the eyes and periorbital region is used.

• The light is applied gently; one may feel warmth or mild tingling, but no sharp pain.

• Multiple sessions are usually needed (e.g. several over a few weeks), depending on severity. Maintenance sessions may also be required.

• Because it’s non-invasive, recovery is very quick — often no downtime.

Evidence & Outcomes

• Studies have shown that LLLT improves both signs (e.g. gland function, tear break-up time, inflammation) and symptoms in many patients with dry eye / MGD.

• Some reports show measurable improvement after even just one session, though more consistent and long-lasting results often require multiple treatments.