Dry Eye Assessments
Caring for your eyes goes beyond just achieving clear vision; it’s about ensuring long-term comfort and eye health. That’s why we’re proud to offer our dedicated Dry Eye Clinic, which focuses on alleviating the discomfort and challenges caused by this common, yet often misunderstood condition.
Dry eye occurs when your eyes either don’t produce enough tears or when the quality of your tears isn’t optimal. Tears play a vital role in protecting and maintaining the surface of the eye, as well as in providing clear vision. When tear production or composition is compromised, it can lead to a variety of symptoms and potential complication.
Dry eye can be caused by factors such as ageing, hormonal changes, environmental influences like wind or dry air, extended screen use, certain medications, and underlying health issues like autoimmune diseases. These factors disturb the tear film, leading to irritation and dryness.
Common symptoms of dry eye include:
- Burning or stinging sensation
- Redness
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Eye fatigue
- Excessive tearing
Identifying these symptoms early is key to seeking effective treatment. At our Dry Eye Clinic, we provide expert diagnostics and personalised care plans to meet your specific needs.
Dry Eye Consultation
Since the tear film is a complex structure, a thorough evaluation is needed to identify the root cause of dryness. That’s why we recommend a dry eye consultation.
During this appointment, the optometrist will perform a detailed assessment using advanced diagnostic tools to better understand your condition. Based on this evaluation, a tailored treatment plan will be developed, which may involve the use of specialised products or in-clinic procedures.
Treatment Options
We offer a variety of effective treatments designed to relieve symptoms and improve the health of your eyes. Depending on the severity and underlying causes of your dry eye, we may suggest a combination of therapies that are customized to your needs.
Treatment options include specialised eye drops or gels to restore moisture, ease irritation, and improve the tear film’s stability. Home care treatments like heat masks can also help by improving the function of the oil glands in your eyelids.
Additionally, in-clinic treatments such as NuLids or ZEST may be recommended to effectively manage moderate to severe dry eye symptoms.
NuLids
The NuLids System is a clinically proven device that uses a gentle, oscillating silicone tip to clean and stimulate the meibomian glands in the eyelids. These glands produce the lipid layer of the tear film, which is essential for maintaining proper eye lubrication. When these glands become blocked, the tear film is compromised.
Regular use of NuLids can help manage conditions like Dry Eye Disease, Blepharitis, Demodex, and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, which can worsen if left untreated. NuLids treatment has been shown to safely and effectively clear obstructions in the glands, providing relief from symptoms.
This comfortable, quick, and pain-free procedure can offer immediate relief and, with continued use, help manage dry eye over time.
ZEST (Zocular Eyelid System Treatment)
ZEST is a thorough eyelid and lashes cleansing treatment designed to remove oil, bacteria, mites, and debris that can cause inflammation along the eyelid margins. This buildup not only damages the eyelid but can also affect the surface of the eye, leading to symptoms like dryness, grittiness, redness, and blurred vision.
The ZEST treatment uses a patented gel made from okra, which is applied to the eyelid margins using a special cleaning swab. The optometrist will massage the gel into a foam before rinsing it away with saline. This process can reduce swelling and inflammation while soothing soreness and itchiness.
Our optometrist will recommend the number of treatments needed to achieve the best results for your symptoms.