A simple way to treat dry eyes that works for everyone

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WHY I HAD DRY EYE TREATMENT AT EYE CLINIC LONDON (AND MAYBE YOU SHOULD TOO)

Maybe you’ve had to tell the kids that you can’t go on that bike ride because cycling isn’t much fun when you have to keep stopping to put in your eye drops. Or perhaps it’s the day of your best friend’s wedding, and all you can think about is that awful gritty sensation in your eye. Maybe you’ve always felt self-conscious in your glasses, but contact lenses aren’t an option because they just make things worse.

Whatever your circumstances, the constant irritation and discomfort caused by dry eyes can hinder you during every aspect of daily life. Studies show that this persistent setback can damage relationships, limit career progression and is linked to anxiety and depression.

So what causes dry eye disease?

Dry eye disease is a common health problem worldwide and is predominantly caused by Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). There are about 80 Meibomian glands in the upper and lower eyelids of each eye. These glands are responsible for producing an important oil called the lipid layer. This layer acts as natural lubrication that makes the surface of your eyes smooth and clear and helps protect your eyes from infection. If the glands aren’t producing enough tears, or if the quality of the tears isn’t very good, troublesome symptoms can arise. These can include stinging, burning, sensitivity to light, eye redness, blurred vision, eye fatigue and even excessive watering.

Other triggers of dry eye disease include ageing, certain medical conditions and medications, laser eye surgery and environmental factors.

Technology and the eyes

Postmenopausal women used to be at highest risk of dry eye disease due to changes in hormones that affect tear production. However, the condition is now more prolific with the rise of technology and increased use of digital devices in our lives. Spending hours a day staring at a screen causes our blink rate to slow and so our eyes are not naturally cleansed as often as they should be. This cleansing is essential for replenishing the tears and oils needed for healthy vision. Without them, our eyes become as dry as the Sahara desert.

Fortunately, at Eye Clinic London, we can provide the best treatments, strategies and support so that dry eye sufferers can regain total control of their eyes.

In this post, we share everything you need to know about treating dry eye disease so that you can take the next step towards comfortable and soothed eyes, free from distraction and irritation.

Some treatments focus on reversing or managing a condition or factor that’s causing your dry eyes. Other treatments can improve your tear quality or stop your tears from draining away from your eyes too quickly.

The diagnoses

First things first, we need to determine what is causing your symptoms. To do this, we take a detailed history of your symptoms, general health, previous eye infections, conditions, your lifestyle, occupation, medications, allergies, whether you wear contact lenses or have had laser eye surgery.

Next, we assess your vision and examine your eyes. We will determine your eyes gland function, tear evaporation and flow rate, the skin around your eyes, your eyelid position, blink rate, the eyelid margins, under the surface of the eyelids and the cornea. Only once we have a comprehensive overview of your overall eye health and lifestyle can we begin treatment.

Technology and the eyes

Postmenopausal women used to be at highest risk of dry eye disease due to changes in hormones that affect tear production. However, the condition is now more prolific with the rise of technology and increased use of digital devices in our lives. Spending hours a day staring at a screen causes our blink rate to slow and so our eyes are not naturally cleansed as often as they should be. This cleansing is essential for replenishing the tears and oils needed for healthy vision. Without them, our eyes become as dry as the Sahara desert.

Fortunately, at Eye Clinic London, we can provide the best treatments, strategies and support so that dry eye sufferers can regain total control of their eyes.

In this post, we share everything you need to know about treating dry eye disease so that you can take the next step towards comfortable and soothed eyes, free from distraction and irritation.

Some treatments focus on reversing or managing a condition or factor that’s causing your dry eyes. Other treatments can improve your tear quality or stop your tears from draining away from your eyes too quickly.

The diagnoses

First things first, we need to determine what is causing your symptoms. To do this, we take a detailed history of your symptoms, general health, previous eye infections, conditions, your lifestyle, occupation, medications, allergies, whether you wear contact lenses or have had laser eye surgery.

Next, we assess your vision and examine your eyes. We will determine your eyes gland function, tear evaporation and flow rate, the skin around your eyes, your eyelid position, blink rate, the eyelid margins, under the surface of the eyelids and the cornea. Only once we have a comprehensive overview of your overall eye health and lifestyle can we begin treatment.

Technology and the eyes

Postmenopausal women used to be at highest risk of dry eye disease due to changes in hormones that affect tear production. However, the condition is now more prolific with the rise of technology and increased use of digital devices in our lives. Spending hours a day staring at a screen causes our blink rate to slow and so our eyes are not naturally cleansed as often as they should be. This cleansing is essential for replenishing the tears and oils needed for healthy vision. Without them, our eyes become as dry as the Sahara desert.

Fortunately, at Eye Clinic London, we can provide the best treatments, strategies and support so that dry eye sufferers can regain total control of their eyes.

In this post, we share everything you need to know about treating dry eye disease so that you can take the next step towards comfortable and soothed eyes, free from distraction and irritation.

Some treatments focus on reversing or managing a condition or factor that’s causing your dry eyes. Other treatments can improve your tear quality or stop your tears from draining away from your eyes too quickly.

The diagnoses

First things first, we need to determine what is causing your symptoms. To do this, we take a detailed history of your symptoms, general health, previous eye infections, conditions, your lifestyle, occupation, medications, allergies, whether you wear contact lenses or have had laser eye surgery.

Next, we assess your vision and examine your eyes. We will determine your eyes gland function, tear evaporation and flow rate, the skin around your eyes, your eyelid position, blink rate, the eyelid margins, under the surface of the eyelids and the cornea. Only once we have a comprehensive overview of your overall eye health and lifestyle can we begin treatment.

The result

It is our goal at Eye Clinic London to provide you with the very latest dry eye treatment strategies and support so that you can regain total control of your eyes.

Your vision will be clearer, and your eyes will be healthy and protected from infection. You may even have the option to wear contact lenses should you need them.

Everyday tasks, such as working on the computer, reading a book or going on a brisk walk out in the fresh air will be a breeze.

Patients often report feeling happier, with renewed energy, confidence and convenience now that dry eyes are no longer holding them back.

It can often feel as though there is no solution to dry eyes and that you have to endure that awful feeling forever. But you don’t have to. With proper assessment, diagnosis and treatment, we can get your eyes back to normal so that you can live a comfortable and content life.