EYE SPA

Dry eye is a very common disease affecting millions of Australians. Victoria is no exception, so here at Eye Laser Specialists we have set up a specialised dry eye clinic in Melbourne to treat what can be a debilitating condition.

What is Dry Eye?

Dry eye results from an abnormality of the tear film that covers the transparent dome at the front of the eye known as the cornea. This abnormality can arise from inadequate tear production or from a decrease in the quality of the tears, resulting in a dry and irritated ocular surface.

There are two basic groupings of dry eye – evaporative dry eye and aqueous deficiency dry eye. Evaporative dry eye arises from a decline in the function of certain glands surrounding the eyelids, known as Meibomian glands. Aqueous deficiency dry eye is less common and is a result of a reduced production of the watery aqueous layer of the tear film.

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How Do I Know if I Have Dry Eye?

Dry eye can manifest in many different ways and not all patients will identify the feeling as dryness. Some other symptoms of dry eye include:

● Grittiness or a feeling of something stuck in the eye
● Red eyes
● Tired eyes
● Fluctuating or blurry vision
● Itching and irritation
● Watery eyes as a response to the irritation from dryness

Eye Spa: Your Dry Eye Specialist in Melbourne

Dry eye can have a significant impact on quality of life for many people – that’s why at Eye Laser Specialists we offer the Eye Spa, a specialised dry eye centre for our Melbourne clients. After an in-depth discussion with our experienced clinicians you will undergo a thorough assessment to evaluate the cause of your dry eye. This examination may include:

● The use of diagnostic dyes: These dyes are formulated specifically for use in the eye and can be very helpful for highlighting patterns of dryness on the ocular surface.

● Meibomian gland imaging and assessment: As evaporative dry eye arising from Meibomian gland dysfunction is involved in the vast majority of dry eye cases, it is useful to visualise the state of these glands in the eyelids.

● Tear osmolarity: Studies have shown that an increased level of osmolarity in the tears is linked with inflammation. Inflammation in turn contributes to dry eye conditions and must be managed in a successful dry eye treatment plan.

● General assessment of the health of the surface of your eye.

Many patients will benefit from treatments commonly prescribed for dry eye. The use of artificial tear lubricants, warm compresses, flaxseed and omega-3 supplementation can often be helpful to alleviate dry eye symptoms. Being aware of certain environmental factors that may be contributing to dryness is also very useful, such as the position of air-conditioning or heating vents in your home or office, the prolonged use of computers and screens, the use of contact lenses, or incomplete eyelid closure during sleep. A discussion with your dedicated dry eye specialist will help to highlight any of these environmental contributors and help you find solutions to address them.

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Advanced Dry Eye Treatment

Some patients may require more intensive dry eye therapy to achieve comfortable eyes that no longer feel gritty or sore. The Eye Spa at Eye Laser Specialists is equipped with specialised technology to treat dry eye.

IPL and LLLT

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Low Level Light Therapy (LLLT) have been shown to effectively treat Meibomian gland dysfunction and related evaporative dry eye. Brief bursts of light are applied to the delicate eye area by a trained professional. These specific wavelengths of energy reduce the number of abnormal blood vessels involved in inflammation of the eye, brightening the whites of the eyes and leaving them feeling fresher.

Lipiflow

Dry eye disease is often due to blockage of one or more Meibomian glands. Simultaneous heat and gentle pressure is applied to the eyelids with the Lipiflow machine; this helps to unblock the glands and encourages better quality secretion.

BlephEx

An eyelid condition known as blepharitis can often contribute to dry eye. The BlephEx device cleans and exfoliates irritants from the eyelids and eyelashes to reduce inflammation and improve the overall health and hygiene of the eyelid.

Don’t suffer with dry eye any longer. Call 1300 297 583 today and book a consultation at the Eye Spa for happier, healthier eyes.

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