Studies have found that nearly 85% of Australians have been impacted by symptoms of dry eye in their lifetime.
Dry eye syndrome is a chronic eye condition requiring ongoing management to treat the causes and the symptoms. Treatments are aimed at improving the health of the eye surface and improving overall eye comfort and quality of life. Several types and levels of treatment are available, depending on the severity and cause of the dry eye condition. Combinations of treatment strategies may required for more advanced dry eye cases.
Common Dry Eye Symptoms - Here's what to look out for
Symptoms and severity of dry eyes tend to increase with age, are more common in women, contact lens wearers, post-cataract or LASIK surgery, and people who spend much time in front of computer screens.
Increasing Age
As you age your natural tear production decreases. The use of medication and health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid changes can also lead to more dry eye symptoms.
Occurrences in Women
Due to the hormonal changes and fluctuations in women, especially during menopause, women 's tear production and quality can be affected.
Contact Lens Wearers
Some contact lenses reduce oxygen flow to the cornea, causing gritty and dry symptoms after periods of wear. An increase in evaporation and moisture absorption can also create dry eye symptoms.
Post Surgery
Dry eyes are very common post-surgery symptoms of LASIK and cataract surgery as the operation heavily involves the cornea and the nerves.
Prolonged Screen Time
Prolonged periods of screen time either at work or while studying can lead to lower blink rates and strained eyes while focusing. Regular breaks are recommended while using any technology.
The main causes of dry eye include
Inadequate natural production of tears
Increased evaporation of tear film from eye
Incomplete or reduced blinking
Hormonal and age changes
Overwearing of contact lenses
Dry, windy and air-conditioned environments
Side effects of certain systemic medications
Blepharitis and inflamed eyelids
Meibomian gland dysfunction
Increased evaporation of tear film from eye
Incomplete or reduced blinking
Hormonal and age changes
Overwearing of contact lenses
Dry, windy and air-conditioned environments
Side effects of certain systemic medications
Blepharitis and inflamed eyelids
Meibomian gland dysfunction
​We diagnose and monitor your dry eyes by careful slitlamp examination of your eye surface, eyelids, assess your blinking, look for dry spots with special coloured dyes, as well as using sophisticated imaging instruments to analyse your tear film layer quality and rate of evaporation.
Our optometrists can help devise a personalised treatment plan to improve tear film status, quality and consistency to help you achieve long-lasting results. It is important to note that dry eyes are a chronic eye condition requiring ongoing management to treat the causes and the symptoms. Adherence and compliance to treatment recommendations is vital to achieve the best possible long-term outcome in management your dry eye condition and maintaining good eye comfort.
Our Process |
1. Book an Eye Test
A comprehensive eye test will allow our optometrists to diagnose the sub-type of dry eye present. We will also discuss any lifestyle factors and visual habits that may contributing to your symptoms.
2. Dry Eye Evaluation
Our dry eye evaluation extends beyond a generic assessment - we will evaluate your tear film quality, consistency, evaporation rate and lid integrity using the latest dry eye technology. This will aid in the diagnosis and staging of your dry eye disease.
3. Advanced Dry Eye Solutions
Once the sub-type of dry eye has been identified, our optometrists will provide you with a tailored solution. Our dry eye treatment options will delve into the root cause of your dry eye - we take the severity of your condition into account to best manage your case and provide lasting relief.
A comprehensive eye test will allow our optometrists to diagnose the sub-type of dry eye present. We will also discuss any lifestyle factors and visual habits that may contributing to your symptoms.
2. Dry Eye Evaluation
Our dry eye evaluation extends beyond a generic assessment - we will evaluate your tear film quality, consistency, evaporation rate and lid integrity using the latest dry eye technology. This will aid in the diagnosis and staging of your dry eye disease.
3. Advanced Dry Eye Solutions
Once the sub-type of dry eye has been identified, our optometrists will provide you with a tailored solution. Our dry eye treatment options will delve into the root cause of your dry eye - we take the severity of your condition into account to best manage your case and provide lasting relief.
Our Clinical Technology
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We utilise the latest dry eye technology to help assist in the diagnosis, assessment, and management of your dry eye condition. Our testing is non-invasive and captures sensitive information regarding your tear film quality, consistency and evaporative rate. Our use of technology also allows us to showcase treatment responses over time.
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Advanced Dry Eye Solutions
At Eyecare Concepts, we understand that not all dry eye conditions are the same. This is why we tailor treatment options to provide long-lasting relief.
We focus on treating the cause of dry eye - not just the symptoms.
EYESPA | BLEPHASTEAM
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The most common cause of dry eye is Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Lining the margin of the eyelids are tiny oil glands that secrete oil to coat the eye surface, to prevent evaporation of the tear film. In MGD, the openings of the glands become clogged, reducing the amount and quality of the oil secretions.
Using moist heat goggles at the ideal pre-set temperature, we can melt the crusty oil build-up and unblock the oil gland openings, improving the quality of the tear film and treating the root cause of dry eye for longer-lasting relief. The 15-minute EyeSpa treatment is a relaxing and soothing experience. Regular in-office treatments can supplement hot compresses and lid hygiene at home. |
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IPL | Intense Pulsed Light Dry Eye Treatment
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Intense Pulsed-Light (IPL) therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses broad-spectrum light to target the meibomian glands and reduce tear film evaporation. This innovative technology helps restore normal meibomian gland function by improving the quality of oil secreted from our glands thereby improving tear film quality and consistency. Treatment results are cumulative. Clinical effect appears rapidly after each session, and their persistence over time increases with the number of sessions administered.
Significant improvement in dry eye symptoms and clinical signs are generally achieved by the third session. The fourth session helps to consolidate the achieved outcome. As with all medical treatments, each person is different and outcomes can vary between individuals. IPL treatment is most beneficial for patients with evaporative dry eye caused by mild-to-moderate meibomian gland dysfunction. |
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ZEST Procedure | Zocular® Eyelid System Treatment
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ZEST is a treatment that utilizes a natural gel derived from okra to remove harmful biofilm, a layer of bacteria and debris, from the eyelids. Chronic sufferers of dry eyes are recommended to undergo ZEST treatment for long-lasting and immediate results and relief. ZEST gel is applied to bot the top and bottom eyelids and gently massaged to remove biofilm ad cleanse the eyelashes. After just one treatment, patients typically experience improved Dry Eye and Blepharitis symptoms. No anaesthetic eye drops need to be administered for this treatment. Patients with clinically significant dry eye symptoms are a priority for ZEST treatment. Patients using or interested in Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) often see increased positive results where ZEST is performed before or on the day as the first session of IPL. |
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Meibomian Gland Expression
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Meibomian Gland Expression is a manual procedure which aims to restore oil production and clear blockages in the Meibomian glands. These blockages prevent the quality and quantity of oil needed for healthy tear films and leads to dry eye disease. Expression can be used as both a diagnostic measure and a therapeutic treatment for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). Optometrist's apply pressure to compress the lower and upper eyelids to remove blockages and assess the severity of the MGD.
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