New clinical research supported by Lumenis reports that Lumenis’s Dynamic Muscle Stimulation technology (DMSt™) is effective in addressing lower lid laxity and improving eye blinking quality in patients with dry eye disease (DED).1
The study, titled “Dynamic Muscle Stimulation of the Periorbital Area for Improvement of Blinking in Dry Eye Patients,” was recently published in the journal Clinical Ophthalmology.
Lower lid laxity is a highly prevalent yet often underdiagnosed condition, which can be associated with the natural aging process, sleep apnea and floppy lids, nocturnal lagophthalmos, and some variations in orbital anatomy.
Patients with eyelid laxity are more than twice as likely to develop severe ocular surface symptoms and signs of dry eye disease due to the lid’s diminished ability to maintain proper tear film distribution, which can exacerbate dryness and inflammation.2
James Chelnis, MD, FACS, an oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Manhattan Face & Eye,‡ led the study, which explores the use of DMSt—the technology behind OptiLIFT, the latest innovation from Lumenis—in enhancing eyelid muscle function, improving blink dynamics and thus alleviating dry eye symptoms.
The study included 30 patients with lower lid laxity and moderate to severe DED who received four weekly DMSt treatments, which resulted in the following outcomes at follow-up, one month after the fourth treatment:
- The proportion of subjects displaying normal Lower Lid Distraction Test results (an indicator of reduced lower lid laxity) increased from 3% at baseline to 80% at follow-up
- 93% of patients demonstrated normal Snap-Back Test results (an indicator of reduced lower lid laxity) at follow-up, compared to 30% of subjects at baseline
- 93% of subjects demonstrated normal blink rate at follow-up, compared to 37% at baseline
- 73% of subjects demonstrated normal blinking quality, compared to 0% at baseline
- Decreased modified Meibomian Gland Score (MGS) by 78% over the course of treatment (an indicator of improved meibomian gland function)
- 286% increase in tear break-up time over the course of treatment (an indicator of tear film stability/dry eye severity)
- 53% decrease in Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) over the course of treatment
The publication highlighted that treatment options for lower lid laxity have historically been limited to conservative approaches—such as nighttime ointments, taping, and blinking exercises—or surgical correction in more advanced cases.
The findings suggest that DMSt closes this gap by providing a proactive, non-invasive option that may reduce the need for surgery.
“The results of our study underscore a significant advancement in how we manage dry eye disease by addressing a common underlying contributor—lower lid laxity,” said Dr. Chelnis. “Lumenis’s Dynamic Muscle Stimulation (DMSt) empowers practitioners by offering a method of treating the structural elements contributing to ocular surface disease – a method that supplements and enhances our ability to effect root causes of our patients’ symptoms. And for patients, this innovation represents a significant step forward in care and symptom relief.”
Lumenis introduced OptiLIFT in early 2025. OptiLIFT's Dynamic Muscle Stimulation technology works by activating the facial muscles with electrical impulses, tightening and toning the periorbital muscle to create a naturally lifted look.
OptiLIFT is easy to integrate into practice, with three presets designed specifically for treatments around the eye, and it can be used on a wide range of skin types.
For more information on OptiLIFT as a non-invasive approach to address lower lid laxity, visit https://information.lumenis.com/optilift.
# # #
‡ The study investigator, Dr. James Chelnis, also serves as a consultant for Lumenis Be. Ltd.
About OptiLIFT
OptiLIFT’s Dynamic Muscle Stimulation technology works by activating the facial muscles with electrical impulses, tightening and toning the periorbital muscle. The device’s radiofrequency (RF) component precisely delivers heat to skin layers to enhance collagen formation.3 For more information, visit https://information.lumenis.com/optilift.
The OptiLIFT System and its accessories are intended for dermatological procedures requiring ablation and resurfacing of the skin when using VoluDerm Energy (Microneedling Applicator). It is also intended for use in dermatologic and general surgical procedures for non-invasive treatment when using RF Energy and for muscle conditioning to stimulate healthy muscles (OptiLIFT Applicator).
OptiLIFT System is not intended to be used in conjunction with therapy or treatment of medical diseases or medical conditions of any kind. OptiLIFT System is intended to be operated by a trained professional who is present to monitor treatment.
The OptiLIFT System is contraindicated for patients with pacemakers, defibrillators, any implanted electronic device, or metal implanted in the treatment area.
Side effects may include any of the following: prolonged or significant pain, damage to natural skin texture (blister, burn), excessive skin redness (erythema), excessive swelling (edema), fragile skin bruising, excessive itching, change of pigmentation (hyper-pigmentation or hypopigmentation), scarring transient skin break-out such as acne and pimples.
For a complete list of contraindications and risks, please refer to the User Manual.
References
Chelnis, James G., and Alexandra Chelnis. "Dynamic Muscle Stimulation of the Periorbital Area for Improvement of Blinking in Dry Eye Patients." Clinical Ophthalmology, vol. 2025, no. 19, Mar. 26, 2025, pp. 1057–1071. https://doi.org/10.2147/OPTH.S513989.
Chhadva, P, AL McClellan, CR Alabiad, WJ Feuer, H Batawi, and A Galor. 2016. Impact of eyelid laxity on symptoms and signs of dry eye disease. Cornea 531-535.
Haim Kaplan, Andrea Gat, Clinical and histopathological results following TriPollar radiofrequency skin treatments. Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy 2009; 11: 78–84 DOI: 10.1080/14764170902846227.