
DEFINITION of Dry Eye Disease
Dry eye disease, also known as dry eye syndrome or keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is a common and often uncomfortable eye condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when your eyes don't produce enough quality tears to keep them lubricated and comfortable. This can lead to various symptoms, including irritation, redness, and blurred vision. By understanding the causes and symptoms and applying appropriate management strategies, you can relieve discomfort and improve the health of your eyes.

Several factors can contribute to dry eye disease:
Age: Dry eyes become more common as we get older, with hormonal changes often playing a role.
Environmental Factors: Exposure to dry, windy, or smoky conditions can lead to evaporation of tears.
Medical Conditions: Certain health conditions, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disorders, can increase the risk of dry eyes.
Medications: Some medications, including antihistamines and antidepressants, can reduce tear production.
Screen Time: Prolonged screen time can lead to reduced blinking and increased evaporation of tears, contributing to dryness.

SYMPTOMS of Dry Eye Disease
Dry eye disease can manifest in various ways:
Stinging or Burning Sensation: Many people with dry eyes report a persistent stinging or burning sensation.
Redness: Eyes may appear bloodshot due to irritation.
Blurry Vision: Vision can become temporarily blurred due to unstable tear film.
Sensitivity to Light: Dry eyes can make your eyes more sensitive to light.
Stringy Mucus: You might notice stringy mucus in or around your eyes.

TYPES of Dry Eye Disease
Aqueous Deficiency DED
Occurs when the lacrimal glands fail to produce enough tear fluid.
This can result from several factors, including autoimmune diseases, hormonal changes, and age-related decline in tear production.
Common Causes: Sjogren's Syndrome, Lacrimal Gland Dysfunction due to aging, surgery, or radiation and medications like antihistamines, beta-blockers, and diuretics
Prevalence: Accounts for approximately 10% of all dry eye cases
Evaporative DED
Characterized by rapid evaporation of tears, often due to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)
Common Causes: Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), Blepharitis, and environmental factors like wind, dry climates, and prolonged screen use
Prevalence: Accounts for approximately 86% of all dry eye cases
Mixed DED
Mixed Dry Eye is a combination of aqueous deficient and evaporative DED where patients experience both inadequate tear production and increased tear evaporation.
Prevalence: Accounts for 26% of DED, overlapping with both other types

PREVENTION of Dry Eye Disease
Preventing dry eye disease can be challenging, but some lifestyle changes can help reduce your risk:
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Take regular breaks when using screens.
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Wear wrap-around sunglasses to protect your eyes from wind and dust.
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Stay hydrated by drinking enough water.
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Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke, which can exacerbate dry eyes.
We can provide a detailed assessment to discuss your needs and what options would be most suitable for you.


MANAGEMENT of Dry Eye Disease
Managing dry eye disease often involves a combination of lifestyle changes, home remedies, and medical treatments. Here's what you can do:
Lifestyle and environmental changes
Adding foods rich in omega-3s, like salmon or flaxseeds, to your diet can improve tear quality. In addition, using a humidifier at home or work can maintain a more humid environment, reducing evaporation.
Warm Compress and Lid Hygiene
Applying a warm compress to your closed eyelids can help unblock oil glands, whereas cleaning your eyelids with a damp cotton bud can improve tear distribution.
Over the counter Medications
Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can provide relief by supplementing your natural tears.
Prescription Medications
In more severe cases, prescribed anti-inflammatory eye drops or medications to stimulate tear production can help.
Procedures
Minimally-invasive techniques that address the underlying pathology of DED. Examples include Intense Regulated Pulsed Light (IRPL) or meibomian gland expression.

TREATMENT of Dry Eye Disease
Dry Eyes How to Treat: Aqueous Deficiency DED
Artificial Tears: First-line treatment to provide immediate relief
Punctal Plugs: Tiny silicone plugs can be inserted into the tear ducts to reduce tear drainage
Prescription Eyedrops: Anti-inflammatory medications to increase tear production
Evaporative DED
Warm Compresses and Lid Hygiene: Cleaning of the eyelids to manage MGD and blepharitis
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Supplements to improve gland function
ACTIVA mask: Applies heat and vibration to the eyelids to improve meibomian gland expression
Intense Regulated Pulsed Light: A form of light treatment which helps break the vicious cycle of inflammation and restore tear gland function


The E Y E S P A Protocol
This is our proprietary treatment protocol for MGD, combining IDRA imaging, ACTIVA meibomian gland expression and TEARSTIM IRPL therapy. It is offered as a series of 4 treatments over 3 months
The IDRA® Analyser
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High fidelity comprehensive analysis of the ocular surface
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Provides detailed information about the tear film composition, non-invasive tear break up time calculation, lipid layer thickness and other parameters
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The intelligent analysis provides treatment recommendations and follow up algorithms
The ACTIVA® Mask
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The device pads apply heat and vibration to the eyelids for 15 minutes to improve the expression of meibum from the meibomian glands
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This improves the response of the glands to the subsequent IRPL treatment
The TEARSTIM® IRPL Platform
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IRPL uses light to stimulate the meibomian glands to improve its function
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Targets the cause of meibomian gland dysfunction by unclogging the glands, reducing inflammation and improving the tear film quality.
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One of the only treatments that potentially helps to regenerate meibomian gland structure
The BLEPHEX® Device
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Uses small exfoliating brushes to cleanse the lid margin and eyelashes from bacteria and their toxins in patients suffering from anterior blepharitis.
Treatment COSTS
Initial Dry Eye assessment including IDRA
£250
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Review Dry Eye assessment including IDRA
£150
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Follow-up Activa session
£50
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Follow-up TearStim session
£250
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BlephEx session
£90
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The EyeSpa Protocol
£1,000
£84 pcm*
The EyeSpa Protocol with BlephEx
£1,200
£100 pcm*
The EyeSpa PLUS Package:
Initial assessment + the EYESPA protocol + 2x follow up visits over 12 months
£1,200
£100 pcm*
The EyeSpa PREMIUM Package:
Initial assessment + the EYESPA protocol with BlephEx + 2x follow up visits over 12 months
£1,400
£117 pcm*
*Interest-Free Finance over 12 months available for all annual packages
Why Choose Us

Clinical Excellence
Our expert consultants have accrued over two decades of clinical experience in all fields of eye disease

Cutting Edge Technology
We only use the most advanced and up-to-date equipment in all our diagnostic and treatment procedures

Scientific Vigilance
Evidence-based practice is the core of everything we do, and we continually adopt new and emerging technology

Patient-Centred Care
We take the trust you put in us extremely seriously, and your best interest will always remain our top priority