Dry Eye Clinic

We understand the importance of proper eye care and the impact it can have on a person's overall health and quality of life. At our dry eye clinic, we specialise in providing a comprehensive range of services to diagnose and treat dry eye syndrome, a common condition that can cause discomfort, sore red eyes, ocular irritation, and even vision problems.

To reduce your risk of dry eyes, take the following precautions:

• Keep your body well hydrated regularly drinking water. 
• Use "floral foam" in a pot of water to humidify the room.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine as they have a dehydrating effect.
• Run a humidifier in your home during winter or if you live in a dry climate.Avoid sitting adjacent to an air-conditioner or heater.
• Avoid smoking.
• Moisten your contact lenses routinely with rewetting drops.
• Clean your contact lenses daily and replace them as directed. Wear close-fitting sunglasses when outdoors (particularly on windy days).
• Eat salmon or oily fish once a week and consider taking a daily supplement of omega-3 fatty acids.
• Check if any of your medications are likely to cause dry eye. Common medications that contribute to dry eye include classes of blood pressure medication, antihistamines, HRTs, some antidepressants and some acne medication.

Our team of optometrists are committed to providing personalised care to each of our patients. We begin by conducting a thorough examination to assess the severity of the dry eye condition and identify any underlying causes that may be contributing to the problem. Based on this evaluation, we recommend a customised treatment plan that may include a combination of the following options:

1. Eye drops: There are several types of eye drops that can help alleviate the symptoms of dry eye syndrome. These drops may include artificial tears, anti-inflammatory drops, or prescription cyclosporin eye drops such as Ikervis or Cequa that can help increase tear production.

2. Lid hygiene: Proper eyelid hygiene is essential for maintaining healthy eyes. We teach our patients how to clean their eyelids and lashes properly to remove any debris, bacteria, or irritants that may be contributing to their dry eye symptoms.

3. Blephasteam: This is a therapeutic device that uses warm, moist heat in conjunction with manual gland expression to help loosen the oil in the meibomian glands of the eyelids. This treatment can help improve the quality of tears and alleviate evaporative dry eye symptoms.

4. Intense Pulsed Light therapy (IPL) is a non-invasive procedure that can help alleviate the symptoms of sore, red eyes. The mechanism is one of unclogging blocked glands in the eyelids and stimulating the parasympathetic nerve connected to the meibomian glands, signalling it to regenerate, stimulate oil secretion, and subsequently stabilise the tear film.

5. Punctal Plugs: Depending on the severity and type of the dry eye condition, we may recommend additional treatments such as punctal plugs, which are small devices that can be inserted into the tear ducts to help retain moisture in the eyes. These are available in both temporary and permanent plugs and are particularly indicated in cases of Sjogren's syndrome related lacrimal gland dysfunction.

6. Low Level Light Therapy (LLLT), also referred to as photobiomodulation, is the use of a specific wavelength of "cold" red light to treat meibomian gland related dry eye. It is often performed in conjunction with meibomian gland expression. LLLT can be performed as a stand alone treatment, however we have found results to be more effective when applied in conjunction with IPL.   Effect of low-level light therapy in individuals with dry eye disease

7. Oral Medications:  Specific classes of antibiotics can help to restore meibomian gland function by reducing inflammation and improving oil production in the eye lid. Omega-3 supplements such as Lacritec that combine omega-3 and omega-6 can help reduce tear film instability by reducing inflammation. 

At our dry eye clinic, we believe that education is an essential component of eye care. We take the time to educate our patients about the best ways to care for their eyes, including tips on maintaining a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and avoiding certain environmental factors that may contribute to dry eye syndrome. We also offer guidance on other methods of ocular care that can help keep their eyes healthy in between visits.

We understand the impact that this condition can have on a person's quality of life, and we are committed to helping our patients achieve optimal eye health. If you are experiencing symptoms of dry eye, please don't hesitate to contact us to schedule an appointment.