Dry Eye Clinic

Dry Eye is a common eye condition characterised by symptoms of burning, itching, grittiness, dryness, excessive tearing, contact lens intolerance, sensitivity to light and blurry/smeary vision. Whilst dry eye can be uncomfortable it rarely causes serious eye damage. Dry Eye is a chronic (long-term) condition which often requires ongoing management rather than a single, one off cure and for successful treatment it is important that the treatment plan is tailored to the individual. We therefore encourage those struggling with dry eye symptoms to book a Dry Eye Assessment with one of our expert optometrists.

What causes dry eye symptoms?

Over 85% of Dry Eye cases are caused (either entirely or in part) by excessive evaporation of the tears. The thin layer of tears on your eye surface consists of three layers; the first is a mucous layer that helps the middle, watery later stick to your eye. The outer most layer is formed of oil and have the important job of limiting evaporation. In most cases of dry eye this oil layer is deficient due to abnormalities of the Meibomian glands (found in your eyelids) that produce the oil. This abnormality is termed Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD).

Many cases of Dry Eye are multifactorial meaning two or more causes contribute towards the symptoms of dry eye. Where possible avoiding the causes of dry eye will help but unfortunately this is not aways possible.

Other causes of Dry Eye include:

• Aqueous deficiency (not producing enough of the watery layer).
• Low blink rate (common with VDU use).
• Environmental factors that increase tear evaporation (e.g. air conditioning).
• Hormonal factors (e.g. menopause).
• Contact lens wear.
• Certain medications.
• Abnormal eye lid position or inability to close your eyes fully.

What will happen during the Dry Eye Assessment?

During your Dry Eye Assessment the optometrist will perform a detailed history to fully understand your symptoms and to consider your general health and medication history in the context of your dry eye. A structured series of investigations will follow to assess your tear quality, tear quantity, eyelid health, blink patterns and to grade the degree of eye inflammation present.

The optometrist will ask you about the treatments you have tried thus far and, after ascertaining the underlying cause(s) of your symptoms, your optometrist will formulate a individualised management plan.

In most cases a telephone review with your optometrist is arranged for a month after your Dry Eye Assessment to review your progress and to amend your management plan if necessary.

How is Dye Eye Treated

An individualised dry eye treatment plan is formulated during the Dry Eye Assessment and will depend upon the identified cause(s), severity of symptoms and lifestyle factors. Recommended treatments may include:

• Tear supplements/drops.
• An eyelid care regimen to perform daily at home.
• Ocular medications.
• Lifestyle and diet advice.
• The fitting of punctal plugs to increase tear retention.
• Combined IPL and LLLT treatment (using the Eye-Light device) for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD).
• Eyelid exfoliation and cleaning using the Nu-Lids device.

How do I book my Dry Eye Assessment?

The Dry Eye Clinic is currently available at our Sevenoaks branch, Leslie Warren Opticians with two of our specialist Optometrists, Matthew Carter and Sara Windsor. Simply get in contact with a member of our practice team to arrange your appointment.

In most cases a telephone review with your optometrist is arranged for a month after your Dry Eye Assessment to review your progress and to amend your management plan if necessary.

Our current appointment and treatment fees are found on our fees page.