Dry Eye Clinic

Our dry eye treatment plans

Here at Focus Medical Eye Centre we believe you should not have to put up with gritty sore eyes. Approximately 80% of people will be affected by dry eye symptoms at some stage of their life. In the majority of cases a reduced lipid layer is the root cause in which the tears evaporate too quickly causing discomfort. There are various factors causing lipid instability and simple eye drops will not treat the underlying cause but only offer short-term relief. We are able to offer detailed assessment, bespoke treatment and management plans in our specialist dry eye clinics.

A full dry eye assessment and treatment plan includes the following:

• Detailed History and Symptoms
• Diagnostic Tests including Inflammation testing as required
• Microscopic examination of the eye
• Debridement
• Meibomian Gland Expression
• Deep clean of the eyelids and removing biofilm (Blephex)
• Bespoke Treatment Plans & Follow up appointments

What are the causes of dry eye?

Dry eye occurs when the eye does not produce tears properly, or when the tears are not of the correct consistency and evaporate too quickly. This leads to the eye drying out, becoming red or swollen and irritation.

Some people can also have episodes of ‘watery eye’ in which the eye over produces tears in response to the irritation caused by the dry eye.

In addition, inflammation of the surface of the eye may occur along with dry eye. If left untreated, this condition can lead to pain, ulcers, or scars on the cornea, and some loss of vision. However, permanent loss of vision from dry eye is uncommon.

A failure to produce enough tears is called an Aqueous Deficiency and a failure to stop the tears evaporating too quickly is called Evaporative Dry Eye. The glands that produce the oily part of the tear film are generally affected here.

Causes may include the following:

• The natural aging process, especially during menopause
• Side effects of certain medications such as antihistamines and birth control pills
• Diseases that affect the quality and ability to make tears such as Sjorgens syndrome, Collagen vascular diseases, Thyroid Eye Disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Structural problems with the eyes that don’t allow them to close properly or a problem with the tear ducts. This can be from cosmetic surgery
• Environmental factors such as strong winds and heating
• Inflammation of the surface of the eye such as Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (Fig 1&2) and Blepharitis (Fig 3)

What are the symptoms of dry eye?

Dry eye symptoms may include any of the following:

• Stinging or burning of the eye
• A sandy or gritty feeling as if something is in the eye
• Episodes of excess tears following very dry eye periods
• A stringy discharge from the eye
• Pain and redness of the eye
• Episodes of blurred vision
• Heavy eyelids
• Inability to cry when emotionally stressed
• Uncomfortable contact lenses
• Decreased tolerance of reading, working on the computer, or any activity that requires sustained visual attention
• Eye fatigue

We offer the following options…

Find out more about our Demodex treatments here…
Find out more about our Blephex treatments here…

We offer the following options to access our specialist dry eye clinics…

Eyeplans

Dry eye management tends to be an ongoing commitment with regular review and treatment needed. In addition, various products are required to help manage dry eye such as lubricants and special lid cleaners. Here at Focus Medical Eye Centre we have broken down the clinical fees and product fees into manageable monthly amounts to help spread the costs throughout the year.

Fee Plan and Products

£15.00 a month Direct Debit includes a full dry eye assessment* and treatment plan including 6 monthly reviews and 6 monthly Blephex treatment.

*Year 1 full eyeplan covers initial assessment, 1 month follow up, 5 month first review and 6 monthly review thereafter.

Eyeplans

£19.00 a month Direct Debit includes 1 product every 3 months i.e. Thealoz Duo eye drops. This gives up to a 15% saving compared to the normal retail price.

£22.00 a month Direct Debit includes 2 products every 3 months i.e. Thealoz Duo eye drops plus lidcare wipes.

Pay As You Go

A full dry eye assessment with treatment and management plans costs £110.00. This includes 1 Blephex treatment and 1 follow up appointment. Subsequent follow ups are charged at £50.00 per consultation and Blephex is £60.00 per treatment.

Punctal Plugs

Approximately 20% of dry eye is due to Aqueous Deficiency where the eyes do not produce enough tears. Focus Medical Eye Centre also offers Punctal Plug occlusion of the tear ducts.

These are very small pliable plugs which prevent tears escaping through the eyes drainage system and preserves what little tears an individual may. This is a very effective treatment for the right patient.

Punctal plug fitting costs £120.00 including a set of plugs. Plan members save £30.00 clinical fee for this service.

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light Therapy)

IPL therapy is a painless, non-invasive treatment that uses light pulses around the eyelids and cheeks to improve dry eye symptoms. It enhances tear production, clears gland obstructions, reduces inflammation, and provides relief from eyelash parasites (Demodex).

Benefits include improved tear quality, reduced dry eye symptoms, better contact lens comfort, and even a reduction in fine lines around the eyes.

A full course consists of four sessions, priced at £600, with each session providing cumulative, long-lasting effects. Top-up sessions are available for £200 each.