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About the Guest(s):

• Dr. Sandy Zhang-Nunes: Sandy is a seasoned Oculoplastic Surgeon with approximately ten years of experience at USC. She has published papers on the use of light therapies to treat dry eyes and contributes significantly to the field with her knowledge of aesthetics and laser technologies.
• Dr. Laura Periman: Based in Seattle, Dr. Periman runs a private practice where she specializes in cornea and external disease. Known as the "Dry Eye Master," she leverages her Instagram platform to share extensive knowledge on treating dry eyes with advanced light devices.
• Dr. James Chelnis:  Practicing in Manhattan Eye and face and serving as volunteer faculty at Mount Sinai, Dr. Chelnis has spoken on laser technology at prestigious ophthalmology courses. He brings a wealth of experience in private practice to the discussion.
• Dr. Anaïs Carniciu: With valuable practical knowledge in both intense pulse light and broadband light, Dr. Carniciu draws from her background in private practice in Westchester to contribute to the conversation on light therapies for ocular conditions.

Episode Summary:

In this enlightening episode of The Oculofacial Podcast, host Dr. Julie Woodward leads an insightful discussion with four esteemed experts on the innovative use of light therapies for treating dry eye conditions. The talk covers intricate details and theories behind technologies such as intense pulse light (IPL) and broadband light (BBL), unveiling the impact on ocular health.

Diving into the subject matter, Dr. Sandy Zhang-Nunes shares her transitional journey from facial aesthetics to the world of dry eye treatment, highlighting how light therapies have evolved to offer relief to patients. This is paralleled by Dr. Laura Periman's own experiences, who has noticed incidental improvements in dry eyes from aesthetic treatments. Dr. James Chelnis brings a perspective on treating diverse conditions such as thyroid eye disease with light therapies and contemplates the future of these treatments. Lastly, Dr. Anaïs Carniciu discusses the importance of targeting the underlying problems of dry eye with meticulous treatments around the eyelids.

Key Takeaways:

• IPL and BBL are effective light-based treatments for managing dry eye symptoms and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
• There are varying approaches and protocols for treating the eyelid margins, with some experts opting for direct treatment and others focusing on adjacent areas.
• The discussion includes acknowledgment of associated conditions such as blepharospasm and the potential systemic benefits of light therapy in dry eye patients.
• Debates on the use of corneal shields during treatments highlight differing opinions on safety and patient comfort.
• Insurance coverage for light-based dry eye treatments remains a largely out-of-pocket expense for patients, reflecting the ongoing challenge of integrating new modalities into established healthcare systems.