Dry Eye Therapy
Dry eye is a common condition that occurs when our eyes do not produce enough tears or when our tears evaporate too quickly. It may be related to getting older or to external factors such as air quality or humidity. If you've ever experienced discomfort like this, we can help . . .
Our mission is to ensure you receive prompt and effective relief from dry eye.
Your tear film . . .
Your tear film is a vital three-layered liquid coating on your eye's surface spread by blinking, that provides lubrication, clear vision, and protection. It consists of an inner mucus layer (helps tears stick), a middle watery (aqueous) layer (nourishes and cleans), and an outer oily (lipid) layer (prevents evaporation).
How do I know if I have Dry Eye?
Symptoms . . .
Dry eye can have a dramatic effect on your quality of life. Common symptoms may include: dryness, stinging or burning sensation, redness, a gritty feeling, sensitivity to light, watery eyes (as a response to the irritation), blurred vision and discomfort when wearing contact lenses.
Diagnosis . . .
As part of our Ultimate and Enhanced Eye Examinations, we carry out an initial dry eye assessment. This includes: offering advice and recommending therapeutic dry eye products and Holistic advice. For more severe cases, we recommend a separate dedicated Dry Eye appointment.
Dry Eye therapies . . .
Lubricating eye drops
The first step in relieving dry eye symptoms is often the use of lubricating eye drops. With a bewildering array of products on the market, it's essential you receive the right advice on which product is appropriate for your type of dry eye. We offer such advice along with a tried and tested range of drops.
Heat masks
Age-related dry eye can often involve mild Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). Regular use of a dedicated heat mask has been shown to improve gland function and reduce the symptoms of dry eye.​ We offer a range of dedicated heat mask products.
Lid Hygiene
An effective and regular lid hygiene regime, using specialist products, can improve tear production and reduce the symptoms of dry eye. This is especially the case with Blepharitis and where MGD is suspected.​ We offer a range of dedicated lid hygiene products.
Holistic advice
Where we assess your dry eye is principally due to external factors such as: smoking, medication, working in a low-humidity office, hot environments or activities that expose your eyes to high air flow, we offer advice on how to mitigate these external factors to help you maintain a healthy tear film and reduce the symptoms of dry eye.
Dry Eye treatments . . .
Blepharitis
When dry eye symptoms become more severe, it's time to consider an active treatment. This is especially true when there's an underlying condition like Blepharitis, which can cause dry eye, Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), styes, eyelid irritation and inflammation. Therapeutic eye drops and heat masks can prove less effective and, for some patients, simply maintaining a strict daily lid hygiene regime can prove difficult.
NuLids Pro
For Blepharitis, we offer a revolutionary intensive eyelid micro-exfoliation procedure. Carried out at regular intervals, this treatment can reduce or even eliminate the symptoms associated with Blepharitis. NuLids Pro treatment is available at our Crownhill practice.
Medication
As part of a more active treatment plan, we may also recommend a prescription medication, such as a steroid, antibiotic eye drops or oral antibiotics. These will often be prescribed in combination with other therapies or treatments. Prescription medication is prescribed on a private basis only.
Punctum plugs
Where dry eye has been assessed as being due to aqueous (Water) deficiency, Punctum plugs can be used to reduce drainage of your tears. This treatment can help restore the tear layers and reduce the symptoms of dry eye.
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