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What is dry eye treatment?
IN THIS VIDEO I PROVIDE A BRIEF EXPLANATION
Everything you need to know about dry eye and how we treat it
IN THESE TOGGLES YOU WILL FIND THE DETAILS YOU ARE LOOKING FOR
Dry eye disease, or dry eye syndrome, is a chronic condition caused by insufficient or low-quality tears produced by the eyes. As a result, the eyes are not adequately lubricated by tears, and dry eye symptoms develop.
Dry eye disease is very common and affects millions of people worldwide. It is also one of the most common reasons why patients visit our eye clinic.
Dry eye can result from a variety of factors, including underlying health conditions. The most common characteristic of dry eyes is discomfort. You may also experience pain, usually in the form of a mild stinging or burning sensation. Dry eyes may also be exacerbated in certain situations, such as warm weather or excessive screen use.
There are two leading causes of dry eyes:
- Insufficient or low-quality tears can have a big impact on our eye health. Tears are crucial for easing the friction caused by blinking, washing dirt or debris from the eyes, fighting germs and keeping the lens clear.
- Meibomian Gland dysfunction or MGD contributes to increased evaporation of the tear film. This occurs due to a failure of Meibomian glands to secrete a sufficient amount of oil for providing the healthy tear film on the cornea. People diagnosed with MGD often suffer from clogged Meibomian glands caused by Blepharitis or Rosacea.
As a result, often the eyes will try to overproduce tears to compensate for the dryness, but due to deficiency in the oil layer on the eye, tears will evaporate rapidly, causing watery eyes.
There are many factors that may cause, contribute or aggravate the dry eye disease. Some of them can not be changed due to their nature, others can be adjusted or replaced.
Non modifiable factors:
- Age – dry eye is more common among people over age 40
- Sex – women are twice as likely to suffer from dry eyes as men due to hormonal changes such as pregnancy or menopause, as well as various lifestyle choices
- Ethnic differences – latest study showed that Asians have a poorer Meibomian gland function and more susceptible to develop dry eyes
- Health conditions and compromised immune system – Sjogren syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, IBS, thyroid problems and vitamin A deficiency
Modifiable factors:
- Allergies – choosing correct medication at the right time should prevent from developing dry eye
- Medication – replacing or terminating the use of antihistamines, antidepressants, oral contraception, beta-blockers and hormone replacement therapy will help to avoid dry eye
- Screen use – excessive lighting from the screen causes Digital Eye Strain or DES, and reduced blinking caused by computer stare contributes to dry eye
- Contact lenses – overuse and unhygienic habits can lead to inflammations and infections, resulting in dry eye
- Cosmetic products – makeup and other products clog meibomian glands that can lead or worsen dry eyes
- Environment – living in polluted conditions as well as harsh extreme weather often adds to dry eye
- Lifestyle – habits such as smoking, drinking and poor diet may intensify dry eye symptoms
Dry Eye Disease affects 1 in 3 people in the UK and an estimated 344 million people in the world. It is also one of the most misdiagnosed conditions as symptoms and signs can be contradictory. This can explain why often patients experience different dry eye symptoms in their severity and type.
Dry eye symptoms include:
- Pain or soreness
- Burning, scratchy or stinging sensation
- Blurred vision
- Redness
- Light sensitivity
- Watery eyes
- Sticky eyes
- Eye fatigue
You may also find that you experience the symptoms of dry eyes more at different times of the day, particularly when you are most tired. For many people, this means that symptoms are more noticeable in the mornings, just after having woken up, and in the evenings, just before bed.
It is essential to consult a doctor or ophthalmologist if you are concerned about your eye health, as some underlying conditions that result in dry eye can be serious. Getting an eye test or examination can help identify whether you have dry eyes and what is causing them. For more information, take our dry eye quiz to find out if you could have dry eye disease.
The severity of dry eyes can vary from person to person, but it is usually mild and not cause for serious concern. The symptoms for milder cases can be easily treated using simple solutions like eye drops. For more serious cases, it can be detrimental to your quality of life and even go on to cause more significant issues if left unmanaged. Below are some of the possible complications resulting from dry eye:
- Infection: Our tears carry proteins that help protect our eyes from germs, and if our tear production isn’t working as it should, this can result in infection.
- Damage to the surface of the eye: Without an adequate layer of protective tears, the surface of your eye is vulnerable to scratches and inflammation.
- Loss of vision: In rare cases, when infection or inflammation caused by dry eyes is left untreated, loss of vision may occur.
For more information, please read our article ‘Can dry eye cause blindness?’.
- You will be asked to complete a Dry Eye Disease Index Questionnaire (OSDI).
- Meibography (a non-invasive test) will be performed to assess tear breakup time (TBUT) and lipid layer thickness (LLT).
- Followed by Slit lamp assessment to determine tear quality and quantity.
- Lastly, meibomian gland expression is carried out to measure the quality of meibum, an oily substance essential for preventing tear film evaporation.
There is a range of effective dry eye treatment options available to help manage dry eyes. These can often help manage the symptoms, but further treatment might be necessary in severe or chronic cases. If this is the case for you, it is crucial that you seek treatment from an expert ophthalmologist like Samer Hamada. Some of the treatment options Eye Clinic London can offer to patients are listed below.
Antibiotic Drops
If an infection is present antibiotic drops can be used to resolve the infection. These will usually need to be used regularly through the day and sometimes through the night, depending on the severity of the infection.
Hot Compresses
These work by unblocking oil glands in the eye, which increases tear quality. This can also improve eyelid health and reduce the risk of infection.
Artificial Tears
Artificial tears can relieve the symptoms of dry eyes, helping you live a discomfort-free life. These will need to be used regularly to feel the full benefit.
Lumenis Optima M22 IPL
The Lumenis Optima M22 IPL is a revolutionary dry eye treatment that uses light therapy in the eye area to break the cycle of dry eyes commonly caused by meibomian gland dysfunction, a common condition which inflames the eyelids. The IPL (intense pulsed light) can help restore the tear film layer, prevent infection, and reduce abnormal blood vessels and inflammation.
If you suffer from dry eye symptoms and are in need of a diagnosis and effective treatment, please book a consultation today.
Who needs dry eye treatment?
IF ANY OF THE CHALLENGES BELOW SOUND FAMILIAR, WE CAN HELP YOU
FED-UP WITH ATTENTION-SEEKING EYES
Dry eye can make you feel frustrated, unproductive and uncomfortable.
The fatigue, visual disturbances and discomfort can interfere with your quality of life. As a side effect, it can hinder you during social events and at work, making it hard for you to establish meaningful relationships and progress in your career.
Studies show that this persistent setback causes anxiety and depression.
Simple everyday tasks can be hard to perform. Using the computer, reading at night, and driving can be exhausting. Your dry eyes may prevent you from engaging in outdoor activities and meeting new people.
Perhaps you’d like to wear contact lenses, but they exacerbate the dryness, leaving glasses as your only option.
You may have noticed that you’re becoming impatient and struggling to concentrate on your work. You probably want to be able to have a pleasant catch-up with friends, without the attention always being brought back to your gritty, stinging, irritated eyes.
After dry eye treatment, you are no longer vulnerable to eye infection or damage. Therefore you can embrace long walks, relax in front of the TV and cook a nice meal without the itching, watering and eye rubbing.
Lastly, friends, family and colleagues will notice that you are less distracted, more engaged, and no longer embarrassed by those awful red and angry-looking eyes.
Why you should consider dry eye treatment
THE BEST THING ABOUT DRY EYE TREATMENT…
YOU HAVE SOOTHED, BRIGHT AND HEALTHY EYES
You have had access to the best dry eye treatment strategies and support. And most importantly have total control of your dry eyes. They are no longer dry, red or irritable, and you even have the option to wear contact lenses.
YOU FEEL UPLIFTED, PRODUCTIVE AND COMFORTABLE
Now you can engage in meaningful conversations, give a presentation at work or do some people watching at your favourite cafe, uninterrupted by those bothersome dry eyes.
YOUR AVERAGE DAY IS NOW A WHOLE LOT EASIER
Now that your eyes feel awake, focused, and content, everyday tasks are a breeze. You can work on your computer, read a book or go for a brisk walk out in the fresh air. Your vision is clearer, and your eyes are also protected from infection.
NOTHING IS HOLDING YOU BACK
You feel more confident in yourself now that your eyes aren’t letting you down. As a result you’re excelling in your work, and your social life is thriving. Your family are the first to notice that you’re mood and general energy have improved.
YOUR EYES ARE NO LONGER THE ENEMY
It can often feel as though there is no solution to dry eyes syndrome and that you have to endure that awful feeling forever. But you don’t have to. With proper assessment, diagnosis and treatment,you can live a comfortable and content life.
I am fee-assured by private medical insurance providers
I AM PROUD TO BE RECOGNISED BY THE FOLLOWING INSURERS
Affiliations and memberships
I AM PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH THE FOLLOWING ORGANISATIONS
How my eye care services work
FOCUS ON WHAT MATTERS MOST IN 3 EASY STEPS
STEP ONE: CONTACT US
Give us a call on 0203 807 5063 or click the button below to book a consultation to figure out which eye treatments suit you best.
STEP THREE: DISCUSS YOUR PAYMENT OPTIONS
Have the confidence of knowing that our team will help you to choose the best payment option most suitable for your circumstances. Our affordable 0% finance can enable you to spread the cost for your treatment.
During this COVID period you don’t have to suffer with dry eyes. Get some relief by booking a video appointment with our Consultant. You’ll receive expert advice and a prescription (if necessary) to provide you with a soothing solution from the safety of your home
Even more information about dry eye
VIDEO AND BLOG POSTS TO THAT FURTHER EXPLAIN AND ILLUSTRATE DRY EYE DISEASE AND TREATMENT
How To Treat Dry Eyes In Children
How To Treat Dry Eyes In Children Dry eyes in children can be a chronic condition,
Can Dry Eye Cause Blindness?
Can Dry Eye Cause Blindness? Dry eye
What causes dry eyes?
Samer Hamada explains what causes dry eyes. He speaks about how technology has increased the number of people affected by dry eyes disease ...
How To Stop Dry Eyes At Night
How To Stop Dry Eyes At Night Dry
Waking Up With Dry Eyes: Causes & Treatment
Waking Up With Dry Eyes: Causes & Treatment
Patient Reviews
MY PATIENTS ARE MY BEST PROMOTERS
“As soon as I met Mr Hamada, I knew I was in safe hands. He is an expert in his field, and very reassuring. His work was impeccable, and I would thoroughly recommend him to anyone wanting a professional, kindly, expert service.”
“I came all the way from the US to be evaluated by Mr. Samer Hamada who provided me with a world-class experience. I was treated with technology that doesn’t exist in the United States. My vision improved significantly since the surgery. Mr. Samer Hamada is definitely a Keratoconus expert.”
“I am glad to be with Mr Hamada. I am glad to be examined by Mr Hamada who acts responsibly and professionally. I never had this experience before from a previous ophthalmologist. I am thankful to Mr Hamada for the successful diagnosis and treatment of my case.”
“What a Consultant. Dr. Hamada is a man who was born for this profession. As soon as we walked into the room you felt that you had met a man who was gentle and kind. His demeanour was of a man who knew his trade. He speaks in a way that you will understand. He explains exactly what is wrong and the way he will help fix it for you.”
“My eyes got really sore, tired and gritty feeling this year. It kept getting worse for about 6 months and every time I thought about it, I kept thinking it would eventually go away, but it just didn’t budge. So I want to say a big thank you to eye doctor Mr Samer Hamada who finally sorted me out! Apart from the eye tests I expected, he also took a really personal approach. I appreciate that he asked questions about my whole diet and lifestyle which helped him to quickly figure out why my eye surface was inflamed. I now have simple steps I can take to reduce the inflammation through diet and lifestyle changes which I’ve now been doing for 2 weeks. I also have been using the special non-preservative eye drops and gels that Mr Hamada provided. My eyes are already feeling so much better and I’m so relieved to have had help to sort this out. If you’ve been noticing your eyes getting dry – don’t wait to sort it out as it keeps getting continually worse and you can find relief very quickly with the right help.”
“Mr Hamada’s London Eye Care and his team are a delight. Nothing was too much trouble and the help, support, advice and guidance before during and after the surgery was all world class. I have worn glasses since the age of 13 years and had the onset of cataracts for the last five so it has all been very much a life changing experience to be free from glasses once more.”
“We saw Mr Hamada after our 14-year-old son was diagnosed with keratoconus by another specialist. Mr Hamada talked us through the pros and cons of the cxl epi off and epi on procedures, he answered all our many and detailed questions without rushing us and as openly and honestly as possible. We opted to go ahead with cxl epi off with Mr Hamada. Our experience with Mr Hamada and his team, from his incredibly informative and supportive Secretary Joanna, nurse Mimi and Mr Hamada himself who was incredibly reassuring and put us and our son at ease both before, during and after the procedure, and at each follow-on appointment, has been the best possible. I would go so far as to say that he and his team are by far the best medical team I have ever experienced. I recommend him highly and would be happy to speak to anyone considering an expert in this field.”
“I would not hesitate to recommend Dr Hamada and his team. From the first call to inquire about booking an appointment to booking it, I was so impressed with his wonderful secretary Joanna- she really is worth her weight in gold, her lovely manner and care made me decide to go for this clinic. Dr Hamada was a lovely man with a very kind and thorougher way about him – he put my 4-year-old daughter at ease. The appointment was lengthy but at no point were we rushed and able to ask as many questions- things were explained so well. I would have no hesitation at all to recommend anyone to use Dr Hamada and his team- I have already recommended to some other parents.”
“Mr Hamada, his assistant Joanna and his ophthalmic technicians provide a caring, efficient and high quality service. From the admin through to the surgical aftercare we were very well looked after and we had a high degree of confidence in Mr Hamada’s abilities. Our daughter’s cataracts have been corrected (under general anaesthetic) and her quality of life has improved substantially. You also feel well cared for throughout – the human touch is vital in healthcare, but not always delivered, so well done and thanks to all of the team.”
“We were referred to Dr.Hamada by one of the UK experts. The expert himself admitted that Dr.Hamada was better than him!! We were not disappointed at all. Dr. Hamada was excellent with my child. His communication skills and knowledge were exemplary. He gave us clear management plan and would not hesitate to recommend him.”
“Dr Hamada is an excellent, highly competent doctor with a very kind and sympathetic manner. His reputation for successfully treating dry eye patients seems unparalleled. His team are all extremely friendly and helpful, especially Dr Hamada’s PA Joanna, making the overall experience better than anywhere else I’ve been!”
“Appointment setting and follow-up were very efficient and well managed. Mr Hamada was kind, reassuring, knowledgeable and had a very warm manner with my young son, making him instantly feel at ease. I feel that we can trust him and that he will finally be able to solve my son’s long-term eye problems that have stumped other eye doctors.”
“A real care provider – true in letter and spirit. After having seen few other consultants we were lucky to see Mr. Hamada. He treated my mother’s eyes and the prolonged inflammation finally went away. My mother went on to receive a corneal graft. Mr. Hamada and his clinic are simply wonderful. Their response is immediate every time even if it’s the weekend. Mr. Hamada puts a lot of personal attention answering every question very patiently and alleviating any fears. His manner is so kind that puts his patients completely at ease. This caring trait continues in the rest of his staff especially his assistant Joanna. I really can’t thank them enough. I thoroughly recommend anyone with eye problems to go to Mr. Hamada. You couldn’t be in better hands. He has treated my mother who is a long sufferer of eye problems. I am grateful always to Mr. Hamada and Joanna for all the support they have provided throughout.”
We have replaced some of the images of real patients who provided these testimonials to protect their privacy.
Helpful links to more dry eye information
COMPREHENSIVE INFORMATION FROM TRUSTED AUTHORITIES
About the expert
Mr Hamada | Consultant Ophthalmologist and Corneal Surgeon
MD, MSc, DO (hons), FRCSEd, FRCOphth I am Samer, founder and consultant ophthalmic surgeon with over 20 years’ experience in ophthalmology. I am a world-renowned specialist in cornea, cataract and refractive surgery. I’m not only a leading surgeon but also the only dual fellowship trained in corneal diseases in children from reputable institutions in the UK. At Eye Clinic London I work closely with other consultant ophthalmologists, optometrists and orthoptists to achieve the best outcomes for our patients. Our main aim is to make sure our patients get the safest and best treatments available to them. We put your safety before anything else so you can rest assured that if you choose us you will be in the best and safest hands.