Dry Eye Clinic
- Dry Eye Syndrome is a very common condition which occurs as we age and when our body is unable to make enough tears, or if the tears evaporate too quickly.
- As the surface of the eye dries out, the eyes can quickly become red, inflamed and very irritable.
- Healthy tears contain three layers, the mucin layer, the aqueous layer, and the lipid layer, which are produced in a healthy balance to ensure tears lubricate, stick to the eye, and do not evaporate too quickly. A blockage in the ducts or glands can create an imbalance in these layers, and many sufferers of dry eye syndrome are surprised to find there is an issue with their tear production, as they may be producing a vast amount of tears.
- It’s very common and often goes undiagnosed for years. Treating it will provide you with the relief that you need.
We run a specialist dry eye clinic where a specially qualified optician will examine your eyes and find a treatment plan that will help alleviate the symptoms. The treatment could be as simple as some eye drops to advanced therapies to help the dry eyes
Frequently Asked Questions
The symptoms can vary significantly, with individuals reporting everything from a slight irritation to severe pain. In our experience, the most common symptoms are:
- Blurred vision which is either temporary or permanent
- A burning sensation in your eye
- A feeling that something is inside your eyelids
- A gritty or itchy feeling that is at its worst in the mornings
- Painful and irritable eyes
- Redness and swelling of the white of your eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Discomfort when wearing contact lenses
- Excessive watering
A number of factors can increase your risk of dry eyes:
Digital devices – when we work at a computer or use or phone we tend to blink less frequently which can cause dry eyes.
Ageing – although dry eye syndrome can occur at any age, but it becomes increasingly more common later in life, especially after age 50.
Indoor environment – air conditioning, ceiling fans and forced air heating systems all can decrease indoor humidity, causing dry eye symptoms.
Outdoor environment – Arid climates and dry or windy conditions increase the risk of dry eyes.
Flying – The air in the cabins of airplanes is extremely dry and can lead to dry eyes
Health conditions – Certain diseases like diabetes, thyroid-associated diseases, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and Sjorgen syndrome contribute to dry eye problems.
Medications – Many prescription and non-prescription medicines, including antihistamines, antidepressants, certain blood pressure medications and birth control pills increase the risk of dry eye symptoms.
Eyelid problems – when we blink or sleep some of us don’t close our eyelids fully which can cause dry eyes.
The main things is that it’s treatable.
At Realeyes we run a Dry Eye Clinic, where we run through some specialist tests. We will prescribe a course of treatment which could be as simple as applying specialist drops to more advanced treatment like increasing the tear flow in your eyes through special plugs.
We will discuss all the treatment options available and map out a treatment path. We will also monitor you frequently to ensure the treatment plans are working or if any adjustments are needed.
You can book an appointment by:
Phoning you local branch
Popping into your local branch
Secure Online booking portal: www.realeyesuk.com/bookings
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We offer a full range of services to meet your eye care needs from a comprehensive eye health examination, contact lens consultations, as well as medical eye care.
