Explore Our Dry eye and blepharitis Services

Dry eye is a disease of the surface of the eye which leads to ocular symptoms such as burning, stinging or gritty feeling eyes and sometimes blurry vision.

Blepharitis is a linked condition often resulting in red, itchy, swollen eyelids with crusting around the base of the eyelashes. It can be associated with an infestation of demodex mites.

We run a dry eye specific clinic during which we can help you to understand the condition and its causes. We can then advise you on techniques for managing your symptoms and offer some treatments in clinic to help restore the delicate balance of the external eye environment.

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Topcon Myah

Hycosan

Zest

Optase

Body Doctor

What We Offer

Initial assessment…£75

A comprehensive initial assessment including a thorough history and symptoms with a questionnaire recommended by the tear film and ocular surface disease society (TFOS). This will help us to understand potential causes and the extent of any issues. I will then use the Topcon Myah to assess the lids and blink mechanism as well as the tear quantity, quality and break up time (how long it takes between blinks for the protective tear film to break up).

I will look in particular detail at the meibomium glands. These provide the oily lubricant part of the tears (meibum) and can be prone to blockage and atrophy over time. It is estimated that approximately 85% of dry eye sufferers have an evaporative form of dry eye which is where the tears evaporate too quickly because there is a lack of the protective meibum in the tear film. The Topcon Myah can obtain an infrared image of the meibomium glands in order to quantify the scale of any issues and monitor their condition over time. I may also express a small amount of meibum in order to assess the patency of the glands and the quality and quantity of any secretions.

Next steps

Dependant on the outcome of the initial assessment I may recommend one or a combination of options including:

  • Meibomium Gland Expression… £75 A technique performed with local anaesthetic in clinic to clear any stale solidified secretions blocking the glands. This is a good way of kickstarting the gland function and when followed up with regular warm compresses at home can substantially improve the tear break up time.

  • ZEST deep lid cleanse… £120 This is an innovative, natural approach to the management of blepharitis, demodex, dry eye, meibomium gland dysfunction and eye inflammation. Exclusively distributed by The Body Doctor Ltd, ZEST uses a patented Okra-based system to provide immediate and long-lasting relief.

  • Warm compresses, lid hygiene and artificial tears. I will provide you with a routine to follow at home using products and techniques proven to improve the tear film and ocular surface. Consistency is essential in managing these conditions as they are often chronic in nature.

For anyone who suffers to any degree with chronic dry eyes, blepharitis or meibomium gland dysfunction it is helpful to think of maintaining your eyes in a similar way as you would your teeth. Daily cleansing and lubrication if required, regular warm compresses and lid massage at home and bi-annual appointments for a deeper clean in the clinic in the same way as you would with your oral hygienist. This routine helps to ensure healthy comfortable eyes in the long term. Well worth investing the time and effort!