New Research Highlights Lumenis Dynamic Muscle Stimulation Technology in Managing Lower Lid Laxity and Blinking Quality
New findings demonstrating Lumenis’s Dynamic Muscle Stimulation technology (DMSt) can effectively address lower lid laxity and improve blinking quality in patients with dry eye disease (DED).[1].
According to Lumenis, lower lid laxity—often associated with aging, floppy lids, nocturnal lagophthalmos, sleep apnea, and certain anatomical variations—is a frequently overlooked contributor to DED. Patients with eyelid laxity face over twice the risk of severe ocular surface issues due to impaired tear film distribution.[2]
The study, published in Clinical Ophthalmology, evaluated 30 patients with lower lid laxity and moderate to severe DED. Participants underwent four weekly DMSt treatments, with outcomes measured 1 month after the final session. The study was led by James Chelnis, MD, FACS, oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Manhattan Face & Eye, and a consultant for Lumenis.
The research revealed significant functional and symptomatic improvements:
Lower Lid Distraction Test: Normal results increased from 3% at baseline to 80% post-treatment
Snap-Back Test: Normal results rose from 30% to 93%
Blink Rate: Normalized in 93% of patients, up from 37%
Blink Quality: Normalized in 73%, compared to 0% initially
Meibomian Gland Function: 78% improvement in modified Meibomian Gland Score
Tear Film Stability: Tear break-up time improved by 286%
Symptom Severity: Ocular Surface Disease Index decreased by 53%
Historically, lower lid laxity management options have been limited to conservative approaches—such as lubricating ointments, taping, or blinking exercises—or surgical correction for advanced cases. The study indicates that DMSt offers a proactive, noninvasive alternative, potentially reducing the need for surgical intervention.
“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,” Dr. Chelnis said. “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.”
Launched in early 2025, Lumenis' OptiLIFT uses DMSt to activate facial muscles via electrical impulses, tightening and toning the periorbital area for a naturally lifted appearance. The system offers three preset treatment modes for the eye area and is compatible with a broad range of skin types, making it easy to integrate into clinical practice.
References
[1] 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.
[2] 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.