OphthalmoPro has outlined several developments in its New Zealand dry eye portfolio, including the installation of an Eye-light device at Auckland University’s School of Optometry and Vision Science (SOVS) and the launch of two new topical products.
SOVS purchased the Eye-light device, distributed by OphthalmoPro, to deliver low level light therapy (LLLT) treatments with both the red mask and blue mask, company territory manager David Harris said.
During a recent demonstration, LLLT provided immediate symptomatic benefit for some patients, he said, in contrast to intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments that may require multiple sessions. The device can also be used to treat Sjogrens syndrome and stubborn chalazia. “With LLLT safe for children as young as seven years old this offers a lot of clinical potential when compared to IPL alone,” Harris said.
“A patient who received treatment reported that her eyes felt ‘softer’ and that it was ‘easier for expression’ after the low-level light therapy. The patient, who’d had previous dry eye treatments, noted how much better the treatment felt compared with IPL alone, particularly commenting on the improved sensation during the post-treatment eye squeeze. This was her first experience with combined IPL and low-level light therapy,” said Harris.
The Eye-light device with red mask and IPL cartridge is used for the management of meibomian gland dysfunction and evaporative dry eye, as well as management of chalazia and styes. Its placement within the university clinic means optometry undergraduates will be exposed to the technology during their training, said Harris. He added that 19 Specsavers locations in New Zealand are currently using the device, along with several independent optometry and ophthalmology practices.
