DRY EYE DISEASE

Dry eye disease is a common condition that occurs when you don’t produce good quality tears which form the protective tear film over your eyes. 

Dry Eye often presents with an uncomfortable sore, gritty sensation, they may even sting or burn, and this is caused by not enough quality tears being produced. Dry Eye is common with ageing and found more in women than in men. It can be linked to some medical conditions and medication and also with prolonged computer use if you don’t blink enough.

You may experience dry eyes in certain situations, such as on an airplane, in an air-conditioned room, while riding a bike or after looking at a computer screen for a few hours and whilst this may not necessarily lead to anything serious, we do recommend you see one of the Thorndon Eye Clinic team to discuss your eye concerns, left untreated, Dry Eye can lead to long term eye damage.

SEVERE DRY EYE DISEASE

In severe cases, a more comprehensive approach may be required. At Thorndon Eye Clinic, we will ensure the very best treatments are used to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your eyes. 

SYMPTOMS OF DRY EYE

Symptoms of Dry Eye Disease could include:

• Watery eyes

• Gritty or sandy eyes

• A burning sensation in your eyes

• Red and/or itchy eyes

• Increased light sensitivity

Often there is more than one symptom present and all symptoms need to be taken into account.

No matter what the cause of your Dry Eye, we will determine the very best approach to treat your condition and there are numerous treatment options available to you.

TREATMENTS FOR DRY EYE

At Thorndon Eye Clinic, we offer a range of solutions for your Dry Eye, dependent on the severity of your condition. Using state of the art equipment and the latest technology, you can ensure your eye care will be in the best of hands. 

Internationally, ophthalmic experts have begun treating Dry Eye using IPL and LIPIFLOW achieving notable results, where IPL is used to decrease the inflammation and LIPIFLOW targets and softens the unsaturated fatty acids deep in the tear glands.

When you arrive at Thorndon Clinic, we will undertake a thorough eye assessment, which will include a LIPISCAN, to establish the cause of your Dry Eye. Following your assessment, your clinician will work on a programme of treatment for you.

LIPISCAN

Thorndon Eye Clinic has advanced LIPISCAN technology that allows us to image your tear glands and to see the amount of damage that has occurred. 

A small light is held under your lower lid and infrared light passes through the eyelid to allow the glands to be seen. This simple, painless procedure provides us with the information to work on a plan for you. 

LIPIFLOW

LIPIFLOW is a simple and gentle procedure where “activators” are placed on your eyes and the eyelids themselves are gently heated. The activator the gently pulses your eyelids to express poorly flowing tears and unblock the tear glands. This gives the glands a chance to reset and start functioning correctly. This in-house procedure takes approximately 15 minutes.

INTENSE LIGHT PULSATION (IPL)

IPL has been used for years in the beauty industry for hair removal and the treatment of skin conditions such as Rosacea and it is now a well-established in treating dry eyes. IPL works by emitting light pulsations that generate energy at a specific wavelength. This wavelength emits energy under the top dermal (skin) layer. The energy heats the surrounding area and this in turn softens the tear gland. As a result of IPL treatment, inflammation and redness recede.

At Thorndon Eye Clinic, we have a state-of-the-art Lumenis M22 IPL machine. This type of IPL has the advantage of uniform pulsations of high energy light – so that the delivery of your treatment is safer and more effective. 

Our IPL Team are highly trained, and all have certificates in Laser and IPL safety protocols.

IPL is an in-house treatment offered by Thorndon Eye Clinic and requires 4-6 fortnightly treatments where only the skin under your lower eyelids is treated, not the eyes themselves. 

TESTIMONIALS

“I suffered from serious Dry Eye after cataract operations. Nothing helped and it was extremely debilitating. Thorndon Eye Clinic suggested Lipiflow as a last resort. The treatment was very soothing and the effect immediate. My eyes were cured, and I was delighted” – R.B. WELLINGTON

“IPL radically improved my years of eye discomfort and random tears I had from dry eyes, and I enthusiastically recommend the treatment and Thorndon Eye Clinic” – DANIEL, WELLINGTON