Freedom Eye Laser

Dry Eye Clinic

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction/ Blepharitis treatment

symptoms of dry eye

A large percentage of the population suffers from dry eyes caused by Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, also known as Blepharitis. The condition is chronic and progressive, meaning that it gets worse over time without treatment.

A person’s age, health, environment and lifestyle all affect your risk of developing Dry Eye.

There are many symptoms of dry eye. The eye can feel scratchy and irritated, with a gritty, foreign body sensation. In windy or air-conditioned environments, the eyes can become watery. The eyes can also get quite red and there is a crusty discharge on the lashes.  A feeling of pressure behind the eyes, persistent eye fatigue and irritation can not only affect vision but a person’s frame of mind and sense of wellbeing.

If left untreated, this can lead to pain, ulcers or scars on the cornea.

What causes Dry Eye?

Dry Eye is more common among people over age 40 and in patients with systemic inflammatory conditions. Certain medications, contact lens use and some cosmetic interventions such as false lashes or eyelash extensions can worsen dry eye and its symptoms.  Environmental factors such as dry weather and wind, heating and air conditioning can also worsen the symptoms of Dry Eye.

Healthy tears are vital to your eyes function and comfort. The tear film has 3 layers:  an outermost oily layer that protects against evaporation, a middle aqueous layer that wets and nourishes and an innermost mucin layer that allows the tear film to adhere to the cornea.

With Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), the oil secreted by the Meibomian glands can become thick so it doesn’t effectively penetrate the tear film. This creates an imbalanced and unhealthy tear film that fails to moisturise the eyes leading to dry, gritty, tired, red eyes and blurred vision.

Dry Eye is a chronic, relapsing condition that leaves eyes feeling irritated and sore. It can also significantly affect a person's sense of wellbeing.

Dry Eye and its management
Watch Video

THE FREEDOM EYE LASER DIFFERENCE

Dry eye syndrome is a chronic, relapsing condition with a spectrum of causes that has debilitating effects on a patient’s vision and a general sense of well-being.

At Freedom Eye Laser we have created a dedicated clinic with advanced diagnostic and treatment options to deliver the most effective therapies.  We offer a comprehensive approach that tailors your treatment to the cause(s) and the severity of your condition.

Our aim is to restore the tear film to a healthy state with comfortable eyes, fewer dry eye symptoms and sharper vision.

Freedom Eye Laser treatment to relieve symptoms of Dry Eye:

Baseline/ Maintenance

We take baseline measurements that will indicate the severity of dry eye.  The measurements will be reviewed over time to evaluate the effectiveness of the chosen treatment approach.

Simple daily measures such as lid cleanses, masks, eye drops and supplements are the first lines to improve comfort.  These treatments rely heavily on patient compliance.

Medical Therapy

Medical therapy involves the use of pharmacological treatments.  Topical agents locally reduce inflammation and optimize gland effectiveness.  While more through measures include courses of oral antibiotics and steroid drops.

Intense Pulse Light Therapy (IPL)

Clinical trials have shown that Intensive Pulse Light Therapy (IPL) improves the stability of tear film to relieve eyelid inflammation and increase comfort in around 90% of patients. Most patients require multiple treatments (4 or more) to improve meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).

Once a normal tear film is achieved, IPL can resolve the symptoms of MGD for an extended period.  Maintenance treatments are then employed to preserve normal gland and tear production.

What to expect

We invite you to experience the remarkable changes this dedicated clinic could make to your life.

Step 1 – Book in for an appointment with us

Freedom Eye Laser have a dedicated clinic that utilises the most effective therapies. The clinic is run by Nazanin who is an experienced Optometrist.  She takes the time to understand our patients’ concerns and the impact dry eye has on their lives.  Nazanin evaluates the cause(s) and severity of your condition then tailors a solution to reduce symptoms.  She carefully monitors the treatment’s effectiveness over time and adjusts the care as needed.

Book an appointment directly, a referral for this clinic is not required – Contact Us now.

Step 2 – Initial consultation

We use advanced diagnostics to determine the underlying cause and severity of your symptoms.  This comprehension evaluation allows us to design an individualised treatment plan to ease your experience of dry eye.

Step 3 – Treatment

We will match the treatment intensity to the symptoms and severity of your condition.  This may include maintenance treatments such as lid cleanses, masks, eye drops and supplements.  For more intensive treatments, medications or IPL will be suggested when needed.