WHAT IS DRY EYE DISORDER?
It is thought almost three quarters of a billion people worldwide suffer from DED (Dry Eye Disorder) but most cases remain undiagnosed. In our own clinics, more than two thirds of our customers have experienced symptoms of dry eye conditions that would benefit from treatment.
In most cases we can treat DED with our LLLT (Low level light therapy) mask.
Symptoms
- Irritation/scratchiness
- A stinging/burning sensation
- Light sensitivity
- Redness
- Feeling like something is in them
- Night-time driving issues
- Excessive wateriness
- Blurred vision/fatigue
- Soreness/grittiness
What Causes Dry Eye Symptoms?
- Prolonged use of screens
- Dry environments (including air conditioned rooms)
- Poor diet
- Air pollution
- Use of eye cosmetics and false eyelashes
- Menopause
- Wearing contact lenses
- Prolonged use of systemic drugs (eg antihistamines or other medicines; some antidepressants or blood pressure regulation)
- Medical conditions such as blepharitis, Sjögren’s syndrome or lupus
- Laser surgery
WHAT IS MGD?
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) is one of the most common conditions that contributes to dry eye disease. Mild MGD can be treated with our LLLT mask and even sometimes reversed. More severe cases will need Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy, which we also offer in our clinics.
Symptoms of MGD
The eyes and lids become swollen as the glands become blocked. As the eyes become dry, they can feel sore or gritty, as if there’s something in the eye. The eyes may be red and watery and vision may be impaired by the eyes becoming smeary.
If the glands become dysfunctional the quality of the oily layer reduces and this contributes to the eye becoming dry and the uncomfortable symptoms associated with dry eye disease.
MGD is a common condition and can affect anyone but is more likely to happen after the age of 40, if you have diabetes or oily skin conditions. It is also more common in women.
DRY EYE CLINIC
Before any treatment can be recommended, we start with an initial analysis of your tear film. This is important not only to identify the severity of the problem but also so that we can measure and monitor the results.
We have three levels of treatment. For mild cases we can offer products which relieve the symptoms, together with some manual massaging of the meibomian glands by one of our opticians.
Should it be necessary, we offer treatment courses of LLLT. Usually four treatments over the course of one month will help most customers. This is our most common form of treatment for those suffering from dry eye conditions.
Should you have severe dry eyes, we also can offer Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) either on its own or in conjunction with LLLT. Four treatments should significantly reduce the symptoms of dry eyes for a period up to eighteen months.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call one of our optometrists.
