Dry Eye

About Dry Eye

Dry eye is a condition that occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to irritation, discomfort, and potential damage to the surface of the eye.

Causes of dry eye include:

• Aging, particularly in postmenopausal women
• Medical conditions such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis
• Medications like antihistamines, decongestants, or birth control
• Environmental factors, such as dry climates or excessive screen time
• Contact lens use

Symptoms

Common symptoms of dry eye include:

• A gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes
• Redness
• Stinging or burning sensation
• Blurry vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Excessive tearing (as a response to irritation)

Diagnosis

Diagnosing dry eyes typically involves a combination of patient history, symptom evaluation, and clinical tests. Common diagnostic tests include:

• Schirmer Test: Measures tear production by placing a small strip of filter paper under the lower eyelid and assessing wetting after 5 minutes.
• Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT): After fluorescein dye is instilled, the time taken for the tear film to break up on the cornea is measured; shorter times indicate instability.
• Ocular Surface Staining: Using dyes like fluorescein, to detect damage to the corneal and conjunctival surface.
• Meibomian Gland Evaluation: Expression of glands to check for blockages or quality of meibum (oil).

Treatment

Treatment options can vary depending on the cause and severity:

• Artificial tears or lubricating eye drops
• Prescription eye drops to increase tear production
• Lifestyle changes, such as using a humidifier or taking breaks from screen time
• Punctal plugs (small devices inserted into the tear ducts to reduce tear drainage)
• Warm compresses and eyelid scrubs to reduce inflammation

Costs

A consultation including comprehensive assessment and personalised treatment plan is at a cost of £350.

The Process

At Kent Eye Centre, we understand that dry eye can be an uncomfortable and persistent condition. That is why we have established a dedicated Dry Eye Clinic to provide tailored treatment plans for each patient. Our expert team offers a range of services to manage and alleviate dry eye symptoms, helping you achieve better eye health and comfort.

Our Dry Eye Clinic includes:

• Comprehensive Assessments: We evaluate tear production, eyelid health, and tear film quality to understand the root causes of your dry eye symptoms.
• Advanced Diagnostic Tests: Utilising tests like Tear Breakup Time (TBUT), we identify the underlying issues contributing to dry eye.
• Prescription Treatments: We offer anti-inflammatory eye drops and medications that stimulate tear production to help restore natural moisture.
• Punctal Plugs: For patients who require assistance in retaining tears, we provide punctal plugs to improve moisture retention.
• Lid Hygiene & Warm Compress Therapy: We offer guidance on eyelid hygiene and use of warm compresses to manage Meibomian gland dysfunction, a leading cause of dry eye.
• Patient Education: Our team will advise on lifestyle adjustments, such as using humidifiers, taking regular breaks from screens, and staying hydrated to support long-term eye health.

At Kent Eye Centre, we are committed to helping you find relief from dry eye and improve your overall quality of life. Schedule an appointment with our Dry Eye Clinic today to start your journey to healthier, more comfortable eyes.