What is dry eye syndrome?
A condition affecting the eyelid and eye surface
Fluid coating the eye consists of oils and water called the tear film. If these become imbalanced, through tear film evaporation or an inadequate production of tears, we can develop dry eyes.
Dry eye disease is a big problem for many individuals, resulting in a feeling of discomfort, pain, burning, light sensitivity, grit/ sand in the eyes, excessive watering and blurred vision. The condition can become severe enough to interfere with daily life. But, there is now a growing body of professionals devoted to understanding dry eye disease and developing ways to manage it.
Dry eye disease is defined by the Tear film and Ocular Surface Society as affecting the ocular surface and having many causes. It is characterised by a loss of homeostasis of the tear film resulting in tear film instability, hyper-osmolarity, ocular surface and neuro-sensory inflammation and damage.
Treatment is aimed at restoring the balance of the whole tear film.
Symptoms
Symptoms can include any of the following:
- Sore, itchy, stinging eyes
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity on windy days
- Light sensitivity
- Red eyes
- Watery eyes
We offer a Dry Eye Clinic service at our Wyndham clinic
Launched in 2019, Australian Eye Specialists offers a Dry Eye Clinic at our Wyndham clinic.
We use efficient and effective technologies to analyse, diagnose and treat dry eye syndrome.
- Oculus Keratograph 5M technology is used to scan and analyse the surface of the eye. The test is fast, painless and non-invasive. This gives us a detailed understanding of the extent of the condition.
Meibomian glands lining the inner eyelid
- The Espansione Eye-Light (IPL) low level light therapy (LLLT) uses specialised light to treat dry eye safely, painlessly and cost-effectively. This is used to treat evaporative dry eye which is quite a common form of dry eye disease. This quick procedure consists of 5 light pulses to each side of the face over the cheekbone, followed by a warm mask applied for 15 minutes to improve circulation and improve tissue physiology.
Maintaining eye health
Our dry eye clinic team can provide you with a range of products to help you treat and maintain your eye health over the long term.