Dry Eye Clinic
Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common eye conditions, affecting millions of people in the UK. Our dedicated Dry Eye Clinic provides thorough assessment and personalised treatment to help you find lasting relief.
What is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome (also called dry eye disease) usually occurs when the eyes either don’t produce enough tears, or the tears produced are of poor quality and evaporate too quickly.
The tear film is a thin, three-layered coating that covers the surface of the eye. It is essential for clear, comfortable vision. When the tear film breaks down, the ocular surface becomes exposed and inflamed, causing the characteristic symptoms of dry eye.
Dry eye is a chronic condition, but with the right management symptoms can be significantly reduced. Untreated, it can lead to corneal damage and sight loss which is why early assessment is important.
Did You Know?
- Dry eye affects approximately 1 in 3 people over the age of 65 in the UK.
- Women are twice as likely as men to develop dry eye syndrome.
- Screen time reduces blink rate by up to 66%, making digital dry eye increasingly common.
- Meibomian glands — responsible for the oily tear film layer — can atrophy when not stimulated regularly.
- Dry eye is one of the most common reasons for contact lens intolerance.
Common Symptoms of Dry Eye
Symptoms vary from mild to severe and often fluctuate throughout the day. If you experience several of the following, a dry eye assessment is recommended.
- Persistent dryness or itching
- Gritty or sandy sensation in the eyes
- Burning or stinging
- Watery eyes (reflex tearing)
- Blurred vision, especially later in the day
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Tired or heavy eyelids
- Discomfort when wearing contact lenses
What Causes Dry Eye?
Age & Hormones
Tear production naturally decreases with age. Hormonal changes, particularly in women during menopause, also reduce tear quality.
Screen Use
Extended use of computers, smartphones, and tablets significantly reduces blink rate, causing faster tear evaporation.
Environmental Factors
Air conditioning, central heating, wind, and low humidity all accelerate tear film evaporation.
Medications
Antihistamines, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and some contraceptives can reduce tear production.
Contact Lens Wear
Some contact lens materials reduce oxygen supply and disrupt the tear film, particularly with extended wear.
Medical Conditions
Conditions such as blepharitis, rosacea, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjögren's syndrome are associated with dry eye.
Treatment Options
Treatment is tailored to the underlying cause and severity of your dry eye. Most people see significant improvement with the right combination of approaches.
Lubricating Eye Drops
Preservative-free artificial tears and gels supplement the natural tear film and provide immediate relief. We recommend formulations suited to your specific dry eye type.
Lid Hygiene & Warm Compresses
Regular lid margin cleaning and warm compresses help unblock meibomian glands, improving the oily layer of the tear film that prevents evaporation.
Dietary Supplements
Omega-3 fatty acid supplements (fish oil or flaxseed oil) have been shown to improve tear film quality and reduce inflammation associated with dry eye.
In-Practice Procedures
For more significant cases, we offer procedures such as meibomian gland expression and Blephex or NuLids treatments.
Our Assessment Process
A dry eye assessment at Albrighton Eye Clinic is a private appointment lasting approximately 45–60 minutes.
Symptom Review
We discuss your symptoms, lifestyle, medical history, and any medications that may be contributing to your dry eye.
Tear Film Assessment
We evaluate the quantity and quality of your tear film using non-invasive tests, including tear break-up time measurement.
Meibomian Gland Evaluation
The oil-secreting meibomian glands in your eyelids are assessed to identify any dysfunction affecting tear film stability.
Ocular Surface Examination
The cornea and conjunctiva are examined for signs of damage caused by dry eye, using specialised ocular dyes if appropriate.
Personalised Treatment Plan
Based on your assessment, we create a tailored management plan and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.
Ready to find relief from dry eye?
Book a dedicated dry eye assessment with our specialist team. This is a private appointment, please call us or use the contact form to arrange.