Dry Eye Disease (DED) is a chronic condition that affects the quality and quantity of tears produced by the eyes. It occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to discomfort, irritation, and inflammation of the eyes, as well as blurred vision and sensitivity to light.

Common symptoms of Dry Eye Disease include:

- Dryness

- Itching or burning

- Redness

- A feeling of grittiness or sand in the eyes

- Watery eyes (due to a reflex response to irritation)

DED can be caused by a variety of factors, including ageing, hormonal changes, certain medications, environmental conditions (such as dry or windy weather), and underlying health conditions (such as autoimmune diseases or diabetes).

Treatment for Dry Eye Disease depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. It may include lifestyle changes, diet changes, and in most cases, procedures such as Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy.

At Dry Eye Solution, we specialise in diagnosing and treating Dry Eye Disease using the latest technology and techniques. Our goal is to provide personalised care and relief for our patients, so they can enjoy clear, comfortable vision.

Dry Eye Disease is a vicious cycle of inflammation and it starts with tear film instability.

There are a number of causes associated to causing chronic dry eye. Causes can include, but are not limited to:

• Blepharitis

• Medications (diuretics, antihistamines, anti-depressants, beta-blockers)

• Ageing – tends to affect people above the age of 50

• Menopause or changes in hormones (eg. pregnancy/oral contraceptives)

• Contact lens wear

• Lack of Vitamin A

• Computer and screen use – due to decreased blinking when using a computer

• Air-conditioning

• Auto-Immune Conditions/Rheumatoid Arthritis/Collagen Vascular Diseases

• Laser Surgery

• Cataract Surgery

• Allergies

• Windy conditions

• Dehydration

• Smoke

• Low Humidity

Our Optometrists can work with you to determine the cause to assist with effectively reducing the impact of certain causes that can make symptoms worse.

There are various Dry Eye treatment options available to patients. However, we recommend avoiding the temptation to self-treat at home and instead seeking professional medical advice.

There may be a number of factors contributing to chronic Dry Eye and an expert can assist in determining the cause. Many eye drops for Dry Eye on the market and home remedies can in fact worsen the symptoms causing further damage to the eye and lids.

Whilst there are several treatment options available, none have proven as effective as IPL treatment in reducing the severity of the symptoms. We offer the best treatment available in the world today using the only TGA and FDA approved device for Dry Eye treatment - the Lumenis IPL.

Our goal is to get you to a maintenance level - meaning after your treatment plan, you can ive life normally symptom free.

Unfortunately, there is not a cure for Dry Eye, but it can be managed and symptoms significantly reduced with effective treatment.

Together, with our Optometrists, the Dry Eye cause may identified. In which case, there may be ways to reduce the effect. Other treatments or things to do to help symptoms are:

• A cold compress will soothe inflammation

• Eye drops, gels or ointments can be used to lubricate the surface of the eyes (these are sometimes called ‘artificial tears’) however, we recommend only using a treatment as suggested by an eye care professional as many options on the market can in fact worsen symptoms. Eye drops do not ‘fix’ Dry Eye Disease and only offer temporary relief. Symptoms will progressively get worse without IPL treatment.

• If taking medications, it is recommended to seek a Doctor’s advice about any medicine side effects as these can often be a contributor.

• And of course, the Lumenis IPL device which is incredibly successful and effective in treating the condition.

Dry Eye or Meibomian Gland Dysfunction can feel very uncomfortable for anyone suffering with the condition. Red itchy eyelids are the most prominent symptom of chronic Dry Eye. It may also sting or burn as the eyelids are agitated from the symptoms. Eyes may feel gritty, like you have something in your eye. Eyes can also become more tired and struggle with reading, writing or looking at a computer screen for long periods. Symptoms may worsen in certain environments such as airplanes, air conditioning or riding a bike.

An Optometrist or Ophthalmologist can diagnose the condition and refer you to us at Dry Eye Solution. You can also visit us without a referral. One of our highly trained optometrists will perform a comprehensive Dry Eye Assessment, and create a tailored treatment plan for you.

With your permission we can send a full report to your eye health provider outlining your diagnosis and treatment care plan.

We provide easy access for patients across Sydney, Central Coast and Newcastle.

Here at Dry Eye Solution our Optometrists offer the best treatment available in the world today for Dry Eye Disease. We use medical grade IPL devices with both FDA and TGA approval for the treatment of Dry Eye Disease.

Our team of expert optometrists have been specially trained to give you the best care available.

Dry Eye is a progressive disease and symptoms will get worse if left untreated.

Eye drops do not ‘fix’ Dry Eye Disease and only provide temporary relief. They do not deal with the root cause of the disease - the inflammation.

There are a number of Dry Eye treatments available, for example warm compresses and blephasteam but none have proven as successful as IPL treatments for improving symptoms.

If your optometrist can’t help you at their practice we can help you at ours.

Whilst the symptoms of Dry Eye are prominent, Dry Eye is usually formally diagnosed through a variety of tests, including:

• The surface of the eye will be examined using a specialist microscope (a ‘slit lamp biomicroscope')

• Using a drop of sodium fluorescein (a yellow dye) and placing it into the eyes. The eye’s tear film is then able to be evaluated once the coloured dye mixes with the tears.

• Tear production can be measured using strips of filter paper placed between the lower lid and eye.

We recommend a cold compress which is more soothing to the eyes.

A warm compress can be a good pain and irritation reliever, however sometimes it can lead to more irritation.

One study showed two groups of patients - first group; patients used a warm compress and massaged Meibomian Glands every day for 3 months. In the second group patients received one IPL treatment per month for 3 months.

At end of 3 months both groups improved, better OSDI (Ocular Surface Disease Index) results, better TBUT (tear break-up time), better Meibum quality, Meibomian Gland express-ability. Meibomian Gland drop out improved in both groups. Meibomian Gland microstructure improved in IPL group and inflammatory cells were reduced. A reduction of interleukin 17 and interleukin 6 (inflammatory markers on ocular surface) were also noted in IPL group.

The study of IPL group showed a reduction of inflammation coming from the patient's own glands.

There was no change to the appearance of gland or inflammatory mediators in non IPL group

IPL group after 3 treatments - glands are less inflamed and Acinar diameter is reduced

The group using daily warm compress and massage needs to go on daily forever or symptoms come back.

Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids. Blepharitis usually affects both eyes along the edges of the eyelids. Blepharitis commonly occurs when tiny oil glands near the base of the eyelashes become clogged, causing irritation and redness.

It is recommended to treat blepharitis quickly. Leaving untreated can accelerate inflammation which can cause the eyelids to become irritated, red and swollen. As a result, the eyes ability to produce tears can be impacted causing Dry Eye Disease.

IPL is an effective treatment for Blepharitis.

While there isn’t a cure for low-grade blepharitis as it is often chronic, symptoms can be significantly reduced with treatment. Treatments include:

• Cleaning around eyelids with a clean cotton bud or clean face cloth and saline.

• Antibiotic ointments or medications (these must be prescribed by a GP or Optometrist

• IPL treatment is a very effective treatment for blepharitis as it reduces the inflammatory markers and improves the Meibomian Gland function.

Currently, there is no cure for ocular rosacea. However, there are treatments to assist in reducing the symptoms. We recommend making an appointment as early as possible so that the condition does not worsen.

The treatment for skin rosacea and ocular (eye) rosacea are different. Skin symptoms are often treated using a topical antibiotic applied directly to the area, whereas rosacea of the eyes is treated with an oral antibiotic.

Tetracycline and doxycycline are sometimes prescribed for this condition. Antibiotics usually take approximately six weeks, depending on the dose. Low-dose medication may take longer to work. However, hese antibiotics can make your Dry Eye worse.

IPL has proven incredibly successful in the treatment of ocular rosacea, but cannot be used if a patient is taking tetracycline or doxycycline. Speak to us today about our protocols regarding these medications.

IPL, or Intense Pulsed Light, is a cutting-edge treatment offered at Dry Eye Solution that targets Dry Eye Disease (DED) by stimulating the Meibomian glands. These glands, located in the eyelids, produce the oily layer of the tear film, which is crucial for preventing tears from evaporating too quickly. IPL treatment uses gentle pulses of light to warm and open clogged Meibomian glands, allowing them to function properly and restore the eye's natural moisture balance. This helps alleviate symptoms of Dry Eye, such as irritation, redness, and discomfort, leading to improved eye health and vision. Dry Eye Solution's IPL treatment is safe, effective, and can provide long-lasting relief for those suffering from DES.

During an IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatment for Dry Eye, a specialised device is used to administer gentle pulses of light to the skin around the eyes. This light energy is absorbed by the pigment in the skin and converted into heat, which then targets the Meibomian glands, located in the eyelids. These glands produce the oily layer of the tear film, which helps prevent tears from evaporating too quickly.

The heat from the IPL treatment warms and opens clogged Meibomian glands, allowing them to function properly and restore the eye's natural moisture balance. This can alleviate symptoms of Dry Eye, such as irritation, redness, and discomfort, and improve overall eye health and vision.

As for the sensation during the IPL treatment, most people describe it as a warm or slightly uncomfortable feeling, but not painful. The procedure is generally well-tolerated, and any discomfort is usually brief. We will take steps to ensure your comfort during the treatment.

Overall, IPL treatment for Dry Eye is a safe and effective option that can provide long-lasting relief for those suffering from Dry Eye.

Your skin will look noticeably improved immediately after treatment. You will have a more even skin tone, less redness and any sunspots will fade/disappear as a result of a course of treatments.