Plasma Pen

The NuVissa plasma pen is a precision, non-incisional technology used to treat select ocular surface and eyelid conditions — most notably conjunctivochalasis (CCH).

At Dry Eye Equation, we primarily use the NuVissa plasma pen to address redundant, loose conjunctival tissue that interferes with tear flow, comfort, and ocular surface stability.

What is conjunctivochalasis (CCH)?

Conjunctivochalasis is a condition in which the conjunctiva (the thin, clear tissue covering the white of the eye) becomes loose, redundant, or folded, particularly along the lower eyelid margin.

These folds can:

  • Disrupt normal tear distribution
  • Block tear drainage
  • Increase friction during blinking
  • Contribute to chronic inflammation and irritation

CCH is commonly underdiagnosed and often mistaken for routine dry eye — especially when symptoms persist despite appropriate treatment.

Symptoms associated with conjunctivochalasis

Patients with CCH may experience:

  • Chronic foreign body sensation
  • Burning or irritation that worsens with blinking
  • Tearing (epiphora) or paradoxical dryness
  • Symptoms that worsen late in the day
  • Incomplete relief from drops or other dry eye treatments
  • Discomfort that improves when the eyelid is pulled away from the eye

If dry eye treatments help some but not enough, CCH may be part of the problem.

How the NuVissa plasma pen works

The NuVissa plasma pen uses controlled plasma energy to precisely contract and resurface targeted tissue without cutting or sutures.

When applied to redundant conjunctival tissue:

  • The plasma energy causes controlled tissue contraction
  • Excess conjunctiva tightens and retracts
  • Tear flow and ocular surface mechanics improve
  • Inflammation and friction are reduced

This approach allows us to address the mechanical cause of symptoms — not just treat surface dryness.

Why plasma therapy for CCH?

Compared to traditional surgical approaches, plasma therapy:

  • Is minimally invasive
  • Preserves surrounding tissue
  • Allows for precise, localized treatment
  • Is performed in-office
  • Requires little downtime

For appropriately selected patients, it can provide meaningful symptom improvement without formal surgery.

What to expect during treatment

  • Performed in-office
  • Topical anesthesia is used for comfort
  • Treatment time is brief
  • Mild irritation or redness is expected initially
  • Healing occurs gradually as tissue remodels

Post-treatment care is customized and may include lubricants or anti-inflammatory support.

Other uses of the NuVissa plasma pen

While conjunctivochalasis is our primary indication, plasma technology may also be used selectively for:

  • Benign eyelid lesions (when appropriate)
  • Eyelid margin irregularities
  • Tissue tightening in select periocular conditions
  • Adjunctive ocular surface repair in complex dry eye cases

Candidacy depends on anatomy, diagnosis, and overall ocular surface health.

Is NuVissa right for you?

NuVissa plasma therapy may be considered if:

  • You have persistent dry eye symptoms despite advanced treatment
  • Exam findings show conjunctival redundancy or folds
  • Symptoms worsen with blinking or tear pooling
  • Mechanical factors are contributing to ocular surface irritation

A comprehensive Dry Eye Evaluation is essential to determine whether conjunctivochalasis — or another structural issue — is contributing to your symptoms.

The bigger picture

Dry eye is often multifactorial. For some patients, no amount of drops, heat, or inflammation control will fully resolve symptoms if mechanical issues like conjunctivochalasis are left untreated.

Plasma therapy allows us to address this missing piece — thoughtfully, precisely, and conservatively.

Does the plasma pen hurt?

The area is thoroughly numbed with topical anesthetic before treatment. Most patients feel pressure or mild awareness, not pain. Some irritation or soreness afterward is normal and temporary.

Is this surgery?

No. Plasma therapy is non-incisional — there are no cuts, stitches, or sutures. It is performed in-office and targets tissue precisely without traditional surgical techniques.

What is the downtime?

Downtime is typically minimal. Mild redness, swelling, or irritation is expected initially and gradually improves as the tissue heals. Most patients resume normal activities quickly, with some temporary activity restrictions.

How is this different from treating dry eye with drops or devices?

Drops and devices help manage inflammation, tear quality, and gland function.
Plasma therapy addresses a mechanical problem — excess or loose conjunctival tissue that interferes with tear flow and comfort. When conjunctivochalasis is present, treating the tissue itself may be necessary for lasting relief.

How do I know if I have conjunctivochalasis?

Conjunctivochalasis is diagnosed during a detailed eye exam. It is often suspected when:

  • Dry eye treatments help but don’t fully resolve symptoms
  • Symptoms worsen with blinking or late in the day
  • There is tearing along with dryness
  • Pulling the eyelid away temporarily improves comfort

Is plasma therapy safe for the eye?

Yes, when performed by an experienced eye care specialist using appropriate techniques. The plasma energy is precisely controlled and localized, and the surrounding ocular structures are protected throughout treatment.

Will this permanently fix conjunctivochalasis?

Plasma therapy can provide long-lasting improvement, but conjunctivochalasis can be influenced by age, tissue quality, and ocular surface inflammation. Some patients may need additional treatments over time.

Can this be done on both eyes?

Yes, when indicated. Treatment is customized based on the severity and location of conjunctival redundancy in each eye.

Are there risks?

As with any ocular procedure, risks exist but are uncommon. These may include temporary irritation, redness, inflammation, or delayed healing. All risks and expectations are reviewed in detail before proceeding.

Is this a cosmetic treatment?

No. While plasma pens are sometimes marketed cosmetically, our use of the NuVissa plasma pen is medical and functional, focused on improving ocular surface health and comfort.

Can this be combined with other dry eye treatments?

Yes. Plasma therapy is often part of a comprehensive dry eye plan and may be combined with IPL, LLLT, Tixel, gland expression, or prescription therapies to optimize outcomes.

How long does the procedure take?

The procedure itself is relatively brief, typically completed within a single office visit after adequate numbing time.

How do I know if I’m a candidate?

A Dry Eye Evaluation is essential to determine whether conjunctivochalasis or another structural issue is contributing to your symptoms — and whether plasma therapy is appropriate.