Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry Eye Disease is one of the most common reasons that patients visit us at theOPTOMETRIST. The most common form of Dry Eye is Evaporative Dry Eye, affecting 9 out of 10 people suffering Dry Eye Syndrome (86%).1 Evaporative Dry Eye is often caused by blockage of the oil glands in your eyelid (the Meibomian Glands). Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) leads to the tears evaporating faster than normal due to a shortage of oils in your tear film.
Proper treatment of Dry Eye Syndrome involves much more than just artificial tears. Eye drops usually relieve your symptoms but this is only temporary. Without proper treatment, inadequate tears can make daily activities frustrating or, in some cases, debilitating. Patients find that their personal and professional lives are affected and have difficulty with activities like reading, watching TV, driving and even socialising. With the increased use of digital devices, the prevalence of dry eyes is also increasing.
At theOPTOMETRIST, our goal is to detect and treat the underlying causes of your dry eyes. After a comprehensive dry eye assessment, we will create your dry eye treatment action plan. This may include one or more treatment options utilising the latest technology in dry eye care: Blephasteam goggles, Intense Pulse Light (IPL) and Lipiflow. We may also perform meibomian gland expression to unblock your glands in order to bring the flow of natural oils back to proper consistency.
An important component of your dry eye treatment action plan will be the recommendation (if required) of lifestyle changes, dietary changes, supplements, specific eye drops and consistent use of at-home, warm compress products, such as the EyeGiene® Insta-Warmth System or the Bruder Eye Hydrating Compress - all of which are available for purchase in our clinic.
Contact us today and make an appointment for a Dry Eye Assessment.
References:
1 Lemp MA, et al. Distribution of aqueous deficient and evaporative dry eye in a clinic- based patient population. Cornea. 2012 May;31(5):472-8.
Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. theOPTOMETRIST has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Please consult our optometrists, or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.