Dry Eyes
Dry eye disease is the most common eye condition in the world and occurs when the tears do not adequately wet the front of the eyes for a variety of reasons. This can lead to inflammation and damage to the surface of the eye. Symptoms of dry eye include a stinging or burning sensation, redness, a feeling of grittiness, blurred vision and even watery eyes. It can be caused by various factors, including aging, environmental conditions, screen use, and certain medical conditions or medications. Managing dry eye typically involves artificial tears, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, medical treatments to improve tear production and retention.
Symptoms vary greatly between individuals and this makes diagnosis difficult. Just because your symptoms may not be bad does not mean that you don’t have severe dry eye and this can impact the health of your corneas.
Treatment options
Treatment options tend to be some or all of the following:
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Home treatments involving hot compresses and lid cleansing
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Drops or sprays
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Vitamin supplements
Dry eye consultations from £45*
If we suspect dry eye we recommend clients have a dry eye consultation. At this 30 minute appointment conducted by one of our expert optometrists, we will:
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Take a full history and symptoms.
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Complete a dry eye questionnaire.
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Assess several measures of tear function using state of the art technology and microscopy. This will help us assess they type of dry eye so that we can make tailored recommendations for you.
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Produce a dry eye report indicating the severity of any dry eye found.
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Give treatment and lifestyle advice on how to improve the tear film.
Pricing
Dry eye Assessment
Introductory price £66
Eyecare plan price £45
ZEST (one off treatment )
Price £200
Eyecare plan price £150
IPL Treatment package for dry eye
4-5 treatments 2 week apart
Price £999
Eyecare plan price £899
IPL with ZEST package
Zest performed at First IPL appointment
Price £1150
Eyecare plan price £1050
Zocular Eyelid System Technology (ZEST)
ZEST is an inpractice deep cleaning system that utilises the power of ZokrekTM technology and activated Okra polysaccharide complexes. The treatment is designed to be gentle yet highly effective with immediate clinical improvements seen.
Zest is a gentle exfoliation process used to effectively manage dry eye conditions such as Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), Blepharitis and Demodex by lifting debris from the eyelid margin and remove the biofilm that contributes to inflammation, redness and dry flaky skin. This procedure is safe and gentle and allows us to manage your condition is a natural and convenient way and improve eye health.
The ZEST treatment in clinical studies has been shown to yield immediate and substantial improvements in symptoms associated with dry eye. The efficacy of the ZEST procedure has been widely recognised by both medical professionals and patients worldwide, as it has been demonstrated to improve objective and subjective measures of dry eye effectively.
Optilight IPL
Do you suffer from dry, itchy, red or burning eyes?
You are not alone. Nearly 20 million people in the UK are estimated to suffer from Dry Eye Disease. Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) is considered a leading cause in Dry Eye Disease, accounting for up to 86% of cases. Dry Eye Disease due to MGD can have a significant impact on your quality of life, leading to foreign body sensation, pain, blurry vision, dry or watery eyes.
We know how frustrating this can be – and you deserve a solution.
We are proud to be offering Optilight IPL, the only scientifically proven light therapy for treating Dry Eye Disease. Now you do not need to visit Harley Street, we can treat you, right here in Wetherby.
What is Optilight IPL Treatment?
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy is an effective treatment for dry eye disease, particularly for those with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). IPL improves gland function by reducing inflammation, melting gland obstructions, and eliminating abnormal blood vessels that contribute to eye dryness.
This non-invasive procedure enhances tear quality and quantity, offering long-lasting relief from discomfort, irritation, and blurred vision. IPL is a safe option for those who have not responded well to traditional treatments, providing a more permanent solution and improving overall eye health and quality of life.
How Does it Work?
At a fundamental level, IPL works by delivering energy in the form of light which directly and/or indirectly interacts with different target tissues. The energy absorption by the tissue results in a reduction in inflammatory factors, eradication of demodex, bacteria and destruction of thread veins.
Benefits of IPL
The main benefits of IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) therapy for treating dry eye include:
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Reduces Inflammation: IPL decreases inflammation around the eyelids, which is a key contributor to dry eye symptoms.
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Improves Meibomian Gland Function: It helps clear blockages in the Meibomian glands, enhancing the production of healthy oils in tears.
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Enhances Tear Quality: By improving oil secretion, IPL helps stabilize the tear film, reducing evaporation and dryness.
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Eliminates Abnormal Blood Vessels: IPL can target and eliminate abnormal blood vessels that contribute to chronic inflammation.
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Non-Invasive and Safe: The procedure is non-invasive, with minimal discomfort and low risk of side effects.
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Long-Lasting Relief: Patients often experience sustained relief from dry eye symptoms after a series of IPL treatments.
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Improves Overall Eye Health: Regular IPL treatments can prevent further deterioration of the Meibomian glands and maintain better eye health over time.
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May Reduce Dependency on Eye Drops: With improved tear quality, patients may need fewer artificial tears and other lubricants.
What Happens During Treatment?
Consultation:
Before the treatment, you’ll typically have a consultation with one of our expert Optometrists. They will assess your skin type, the severity of your condition, and discuss your medical history to ensure IPL is suitable for you.
Preparation:
Skin Cleansing: The treatment area will be thoroughly cleaned to remove any makeup, oils, or impurities.
Protective Gear: You may be given protective eyewear to shield your eyes from the bright flashes of light during the procedure.
Gel Application: A cool gel may be applied to the skin to enhance the light’s penetration and to cool the skin during the treatment.
The IPL Treatment Procedure:
Device Application: The IPL device, which has a handheld applicator, is used to deliver pulses of broad-spectrum light to the treatment area.
Light Emission: The device emits a series of intense pulses of light. The light energy penetrates the skin and is absorbed by the targeted pigments.
The absorbed light energy is converted into heat, which damages the targeted cells and encourages the skin to naturally heal and regenerate.
Meibomian Gland expression: Anaesthetic will be applied to the eyes and gentle pressure applied to the eyelids to release oil form the meibomian glands.
Post-Treatment Care:
Cooling and Moisturizing: After the procedure, a cooling gel or a soothing moisturizer may be applied to the treated area to reduce any redness or swelling.
Sun Protection: You’ll be advised to avoid direct sunlight and to use a high SPF sunscreen to protect the treated area, as the skin will be more sensitive to UV rays after the treatment.
Avoidance of Irritants: It’s recommended to avoid using harsh skincare products or exfoliants for a few days post-treatment to allow the skin to heal properly.
We recommend a course of 4-5 treatments 2 weeks apart.
What results should I expect?
IPL addresses the root causes of dry eye disease. We usually start to see results after the 3rd or 4th treatment. With an improvement in symptoms of dry eyes and less need for drops. Some people report clearer vision and less redness of the eyes. The IPL is also great at targeting and stimulating collagen production meaning that fine lines are wrinkles are reduced in the treatment area also.
Maintenance treatments are usually recommended every 6-12 months, to ensure the best long term results.
It should also increase your suitability for eye surgery such as cataract surgery or vision correction