Screening for Chronic Dry Eye Syndrome at our Dry Eye Clinic
At Options Eyecare we have a specialist Dry Eye Clinic with access to all the resources required to treat the various different types of Chronic Dry Eye Syndrome.
Dry eye syndrome is very common and can be caused by a variety of factors, so it’s only by discussing your symptoms and examining your eyes that we can determine the best treatment plan for your condition.
Book an assessment today to obtain your Treatment Package for Chronic Dry Eye Syndrome.
What Causes Dry Eyes?
This list is designed to give you an overview of several causes of dry eye syndrome but does not cover all known causes. If you are feeling any of the symptoms of dry eyes listed above, or are feeling any kind of discomfort in your eyes, please contact our optometrist to make an appointment or discuss your symptoms with us over the phone.
Dry Eye is categorised into two main types:
- Aqueous Tear Deficient Dry Eye (Sjögren Syndrome Dry Eye or non-SSDE): A failure of lacrimal tear secretion which can be due to disease or obstruction of the lacrimal glands.
- Evaporative Dry Eye: is due to excessive water loss from the exposed ocular surface and can have many causes.
Sjögren Syndrome Dry Eye is an exocrinopathy in which the lacrimal and salivary glands, as well as other organs, are targeted by an autoimmune disease. Non-SSDE may also result from obstruction of the lacrimal glands due to cicatrising conjunctivitis, reflex hyposecretion due to sensory or motor block, and the use of systemic drugs including antihistamines, beta-blockers, antispasmodics and diuretics.
Evaporative Dry Eye is due to excessive water loss from the exposed ocular surface in the presence of normal lacrimal secretory function. Its causes have been described as intrinsic and extrinsic, although the boundary between these two categories is inevitably blurred. Intrinsic EDE is where the regulation of evaporative loss from the tear film is directly affected, for example, by meibomian lipid deficiency, poor lid congruity and lid dynamics, low blink rate, and the effects of drugs such as systemic retinoids. Extrinsic EDE includes those aetiologies that increase evaporation by their pathological effects on the ocular surface. Causes include Vitamin A deficiency, the action of toxic topical agents such as preservatives, contact lens wear and a range of ocular surface diseases, including allergic eye disease.
- Climate/Environmental: dry air & wind or low humidity environments (including air conditioning, forced air heating, high altitudes & air cabins)
- Irritants: dust, cigarette smoke, pollution and chemical exposure
- Ageing: tear production slows as we age
- Menopause
- Medical conditions: such as rheumatoid arthritis or Bell’s Palsy
- Medications: many medications are known to cause dry eyes such as antihistamines, diuretics, beta blockers, antidepressants & oral contraceptives
- Eye trauma: impact injury or burns
- Infrequent blinking: staring with a fixed gaze for prolonged periods (at the television or computer screen) without blinking
- Incomplete blinking
- Nocturnal lagophthalmos: a condition where the eyes don’t fully blink and stay partially open at night
- Recurrent corneal erosions: when the cornea and eye lid stick together at night
- Eye surgery: vision correction/laser eye surgery, cataract surgery
- Lifestyle: diet, smoking and consumption of diuretics without proper hydration
Looking at the symptoms and potential causes of dry eye syndrome will help determine if you may be suffering from a treatable condition. However, it is important to make an appointment to see one of our optometrists who will run a number of tests to accurately diagnose your condition.
Slit lamp exam/biomicroscopy: This exam allows our optometrist to see areas at the surface of the eye at a microscopic level, including the eyelids, conjunctiva, iris, lens, sclera, and cornea. The retina and optic nerve can also be seen.
Evaluation of the tear film: by putting a drop of sodium fluorescein (a yellow dye) into the eyes which mixes with the tears to give a clearer indication of the quality of tear film.
Evaluation of tear production: strips of filter paper placed between the lower lid and eye are used to measure tear production. Utilising the Antares Keratograph, your optometrist will assess and record the extent of your dry eyes including Meibography, Tear Film quantification & qualification, Lipid Layer assessment and Red Eye assessment. If autoimmune disease is suspected as a cause, blood tests may be required. Your optometrist will refer you to your GP to action this
Looking at the symptoms and potential causes of dry eye syndrome will help determine if you may be suffering from a treatable condition. However, it is important to make an appointment to see one of our optometrists who will run a number of tests to accurately diagnose your condition.
Slit lamp exam/biomicroscopy: This exam allows our optometrist to see areas at the surface of the eye at a microscopic level, including the eyelids, conjunctiva, iris, lens, sclera, and cornea. The retina and optic nerve can also be seen.
Evaluation of the tear film: by putting a drop of sodium fluorescein (a yellow dye) into the eyes which mixes with the tears to give a clearer indication of the quality of tear film.
Evaluation of tear production: strips of filter paper placed between the lower lid and eye are used to measure tear production. Utilising the Antares Keratograph, your optometrist will assess and record the extent of your dry eyes including Meibography, Tear Film quantification & qualification, Lipid Layer assessment and Red Eye assessment. If autoimmune disease is suspected as a cause, blood tests may be required. Your optometrist will refer you to your GP to action this
Antares Keratograph: The new Keratograph high-definition colour camera makes finest structures visible. NITBUT (Non-Invasive Tear Break-Up Time), tear meniscus height, lipid layer and tear film particles movement are examined carefully and documented for comparison with post-treatment images. The exams are non-invasive, user-friendly and reproducible.
i-Pen is an in vivo, point-of-care diagnostic testing device designed to detect and measure elevated tear osmolarity levels associated with mild, moderate and severe Dry Eye Disease.
Our treatment action plans can include the following:
- Intense Pulse Light (IPL)
- Change of behaviour
- Artificial Tears
- Avoiding dry environments
- Medications
- MGD
- Supplements
- Antibacterial Eye Wipes
- Antibacterial ointments
- Punctal plugs
- Surgery
- Specialty Warm Compress Products
Any improvements will last for about two weeks after the first treatment, four weeks after the second one, then for months afterwards. For optimum results four treatments are recommended as the effect is cumulative.
Scientifically Proven Efficacy
- Clinical trial in France 2012
Study on 150 patients with MGD, Results show 90% satisfaction rate after a series of 3 treatments on day 1, 15 and 45
- Clinical trial in New Zealand 2014
- Results at 45 days after 3 treatments
- Significant improvement in the Non-invasive tear break up time (NBUT) in the treated eye by not in the control
- Significant improvement of the tear Lipid Layer Grade (LLG)
- 86% of the participants noted reduced symptoms in the treated eye (SPEED Score)
The E-Eye has been designed and developed by the IPL world leader – French company E-Swin- in order to finally offer a treatment that actually works at a reasonable price.
E-Eye Treatment Course $570, consisting of 4 treatments. A booster is available at $190.
Installment plan:
- 1st treatment $300
- 2nd treatment $300
- 3rd treatment N/C
- 4th Treatment N/C
- Booster treatment $190
IPL Treatment for Dry Eyes
Bringing new hope to sufferers of Dry Eye syndrome, IPL Treatment (Intense Pulsed Light) is now available at Options Eyecare, Indooroopilly.
Dry Eye syndrome is an irritating condition, ranging from general eye discomfort to severe inflammation of the upper eyelid. It is aggravated by our modern life with many factors contributing to Dry Eyes: artificial lighting, screen work, air conditioning, pollution and even contact lenses.
Previously, there was no cure for Dry Eyes, only symptomatic treatments like eye drops, artificial tears, steam glasses or manual stimulation of the Meibomian glands.
After IPL treatment, immediate improvement is usually seen and, in as few as three sessions, substantial results can be obtained to reduce the effect of dry eyes*. Symptoms are reduced and the health and moisture of the eyes is restored, bringing comfort and relief from this painful condition for the longer term.
As a rapid, effective and affordable alternative to previous treatments, IPL uses pulsating waves of light to stimulate the malfunctioning Meibomian glands of the eye. It is these glands that, when healthy, secrete the external lipid layer of the lacrimal film that provides lubrication of the eye’s surface and prevents evaporation of the tear film.
Source: Studies by E-Swin https://www.e-swin.com/medical-research/meibomian-blepharitis/
With the patient seated in a reclining chair, eye goggles are worn to protect the eyes. The eye area is cleaned and a protective gel applied to the skin below the eyes. Five flashes of light are applied under the lower eyelid on each eye. The process only takes a few minutes to complete.
IPL has been used in the cosmetic industry for 20 years, and the light flashed in the Dry Eye treatment is at less than half the strength than that used in, for example, pigmentation treatment. There is no risk of skin cancer from IPL because the light is filtered to ensure it is well outside dangerous limits. The treatment is not suitable for pregnant women.