Look Good & Feel Better
At BRFE, not only are we well-equipped to provide full eye exams, but we also offer dry eye treatments and aesthetic services for your skin. Save yourself time and experience the convenience of having both dry eye and aesthetic concerns addressed by the same team.
Whether you would like to get rid of those under-eye bags or need relief from that stinging sensation you feel in your eyes, our team of experienced optometrists is at your service with a range of modern treatments, including OptiLIGHT by Lumenis.
Enjoy comfort and clarity with the help of BRFE. Request your appointment with us today!
Book AppointmentOptiLIGHT by Lumenis
OptiLIGHT by Lumenis is a light-based, noninvasive treatment done in the area below the eyes to manage dry eye. The first and only IPL FDA-approved for dry eye management.
The treatment is safe, gentle, and is backed by more than 20 clinical studies.
Visit our OptiLIGHT by Lumenis page to learn more about this technology and how it works.
Get Dry Eye Relief with OptiPLUS
Struggling with dry, irritated eyes? We can help. OptiPLUS by Lumenis is an innovative dual-frequency radiofrequency (RF) technology that can help relieve dry eye symptoms.
OptiPLUS precisely targets heat energy to gently unblock clogged tear glands, a leading cause of dry eyes. This natural stimulation allows your eyes to produce their own tears, bringing lasting relief from dryness and discomfort.
OptiPLUS also stimulates collagen production deep within the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Experience the dual benefits of OptiPLUS today.
What Is Dry Eye?
Dry eye is a chronic condition that develops when your tears are unable to provide enough lubrication for your eyes. Tears play an important role in your eye health and are produced by many glands in your eyelid. A healthy tear is made of 3 separate layers: oil, water, and mucus. Dry eye can develop if there is a deficiency in any of those layers.
Dry eye can lead to inflammation and can damage the eye’s surface if left untreated. People with dry eye often experience discomfort, but you can get relief with proper treatment and lifestyle adjustments.
Symptoms
People with dry eye may have the following symptoms:
- Stinging or burning sensations
- Redness
- Light sensitivity
- Blurred vision
- Watery eyes
- Stringy mucus in or around the eye
Risk Factors
Certain factors may increase your chances of experiencing dry eye, such as:
- Age: Dry eye tends to be more common in adults over the age of 65
- Biological factors: Some women have a higher chance of developing dry eye due to hormonal changes from pregnancy and menopause.
- Medications: Antihistamines, decongestants, blood pressure meds, oral contraceptives, and antidepressants are examples of medications that can cause dry eyes.
- Environmental conditions: Exposure to smoke, wind, and dry air can lead to dry eye symptoms.
Other Dry Eye Strategies
At BRFE, we’re proud to provide care that is specifically tailored to you and your family’s needs.
We know dry eye can be a nuisance and affect your daily life. Our goal is to enhance your eye health with your convenience in mind. There’s a wide variety of treatments available that can reduce discomfort and help the eye retain moisture.
We’ll help you find the right option for your unique eyes and lifestyle.
Ocular ZEST
ZEST, also known as Zocular Eyelid System Treatment, uses an okra-based gel to clean debris that has accumulated on your eyelids and lashes. Okra is an effective cleanser that is gentle on the eye and soothes inflammation. Afterward, the gel will be rinsed off with a saline solution.
Punctal Plugs
A punctal plug is a tiny device placed in the tear ducts of your eye (called puncta), which are small openings in your eyelid that drain tears from your eyes. The punctal plug placed in your eye is meant to stop tears from draining out of your eye. This helps keep moisture on your eye’s surface and reduce dry eye symptoms.
Look Good & Feel Your Best
At BRFE, our team of experienced optometrists is well-equipped to provide quality aesthetic services to address your skin concerns. We care deeply about your skincare needs, and with a solid grasp of facial anatomy and the layers of the skin, our team is ready to use our knowledge to help.
Whether you’re trying to get rid of dark spots, bags under your eyes, or fine lines and wrinkles, we are here for you. Our priority at BRFE is to get to know you on a deeper level, personalizing our approach to help you achieve your desired look.
Common Aesthetic Concerns
Some of the most common aesthetic eye and skin concerns we help address with intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy include:
- Acne
- Rosacea
- Red spots
- Dark spots
- Crow’s Feet
- Under eye bags
- Fine lines and wrinkles
How IPL Can Help
IPL therapy uses light-based energy to help improve the texture and appearance of skin. The light energy is converted to heat and absorbed by the pigment in your skin cells, destroying any unwanted spots or blemishes.
This is similar to laser therapy but different in that it uses multiple wavelengths of light, rather than just 1, to treat the skin. This can be a very effective treatment and is also gentle on the skin, minimizing potential side effects.
Before Your Appointment
Before your appointment, we kindly ask that you avoid the following:
- Sun exposure: IPL uses high-energy light waves, and avoiding the sun helps prevent burning. If you are going to be under the sun, we highly recommend wearing a broad-spectrum SPF.
- Tanning products: These may interfere with the treatment, making it less effective at delivering desired results.
- Waxing: If your goal is hair removal, your hair follicles need to remain intact for the IPL to effectively target them and prevent further growth. The process of waxing extracts your hair follicles, leaving nothing for the IPL to target.
During Your Appointment
At the beginning of your procedure, the area being treated will be cleansed, and a cool gel will be applied to your skin. You’ll be given dark glasses to protect your eyes while the IPL device is used on your skin. The length of the procedure will depend on the size of the area being treated. Multiple treatments may be required to get your desired result.
After Your Appointment
Right after receiving an IPL treatment, you may notice your skin is slightly red, swollen, and perhaps a little sensitive as well. It might feel like you have a sunburn, which typically lasts only a few hours. Applying ice packs or a cold washcloth to your face can help reduce redness and swelling.
BRFE Is Ready to Help
Quality care, modern techniques, and a team that cares. That’s what you’ll get at BRFE. Whether you’re seeking comfort from dry eye symptoms or would like to address aesthetic concerns, we’ve got everything you need all in 1 place.
Book AppointmentVisit Our Location
Our Address
- 207 S Michigan Ave.
- Big Rapids, MI 49307
Contact Information
- Phone: (231) 796-5321
- Fax: (231) 796-2957
Our Hours
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
Parking is available in front of our building, or park in the lot a few doors down to the south.
Our office is closed on the first Tuesday of every month from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM for staff meetings.
For Ocular Emergencies, Call:
231-527-9111