Dry Eye Disease Management

Comprehensive Dry Eye Disease Treatment in Sydney

At Smart Vision Optometry, we understand the discomfort and inconvenience caused by dry eye disease. Our dedicated teams in Sydney offer comprehensive diagnosis and treatment options to alleviate your symptoms and improve your eye health. We use advanced technology and personalised care to provide effective relief for dry eyes.

Understanding Dry Eye Disease

Dry eye disease occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or the quality of tears is poor, leading to inflammation and discomfort. This condition can be chronic and affects many people, impacting their quality of life and daily activities.

Symptoms of Dry Eye Disease

Common symptoms of dry eye disease include:

• Persistent dryness: A feeling of dryness in the eyes.
• Itching and redness: Irritated and red eyes.
• Burning sensation: A stinging or burning feeling in the eyes.
• Blurred vision: Fluctuating vision clarity.
• Sensitivity to light: Increased sensitivity to bright lights.
• Watery eyes: Paradoxically, excess tearing can occur as a response to irritation.

Causes of Dry Eye Disease

The tear film is made up of three elements: the mucin (mucous) layer, the watery aqueous layer and the oily lipid layer. Specialised cells (such as goblet cells) embedded throughout the surface of the eye create the mucin component. The lacrimal gland under the bony aspect of the eyebrow secretes the watery aqueous component. The meibomian glands in the upper and lower eyelids secrete oil to make up the lipid component.

Several factors can contribute to dry eye disease, including:

• Ageing: Tear production decreases with age.
• Environmental factors: Exposure to wind, smoke, and dry climates.
• Prolonged screen use: Extended use of computers and digital devices.
• Medications: Certain medications can reduce tear production.
• Medical conditions: Diseases such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Contact lens use: Long-term use of contact lenses can exacerbate dry eyes.

In most dry eye cases, the watery aqueous component is produced at normal quantities but evaporates too quickly. This is called evaporative dry eye. There are three main causes: blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction and environmental factors. Both blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction increase with age and separately with hormonal changes.

Severe cases of dry eye are due to low production of aqueous tears, referred to as aqueous deficient dry eye. This is less common than evaporative dry eye, and may be due to autoimmune disease, dehydration, poor sleep, medication or prior eye surgery.

References: Clayton JA. Dry Eye. N Engl J Med. 2018 Jun 7;378(23):2212-2223. doi: 10.1056/NEJMra1407936.

Our Approach to Treating Dry Eye Disease

Comprehensive Eye Examination

We begin with a thorough eye examination to assess the severity of your dry eye condition. This includes evaluating tear production, tear film quality, and overall eye health.

Personalised Treatment Plans

Based on the results of your examination, we develop a customised wellness treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Our treatment options may include:

• Artificial Tears: Lubricating eye drops to provide immediate relief.
• Prescription Medications: Medications to reduce inflammation and increase tear production.
• Punctal Plugs: Small devices inserted into tear ducts to retain moisture.
• LipiFlow Treatment: An advanced procedure to unblock meibomian glands and improve tear quality.
• IPL Treatment: Intense Pulsed Light is used to reduce inflammation and stimulate the glands, enhancing tear film stability.
• Lifestyle Recommendations: Advice on environmental modifications and dietary changes to support eye health.

Advanced Dry Eye Treatments

LipiFlow Thermal Pulsation

LipiFlow is a cutting-edge treatment that uses thermal pulsation to unblock meibomian glands, improving tear quality and providing long-lasting relief from dry eye symptoms.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy

IPL therapy is used to reduce inflammation and stimulate the meibomian glands, enhancing tear film stability and relieving dry eye symptoms.

Why Choose Smart Vision Optometry?

• Dedicated Care: Our experienced Smart Vision optometrists are highly trained in diagnosing and treating dry eye disease.
• Advanced Technology: We use the latest technology to provide effective and comfortable treatments.
• Personalised Approach: We tailor our treatments to meet your individual needs and lifestyle.
• Convenient Locations: Our Bondi and Mosman practices offer easy access to top-quality eye care.

Book Your Dry Eye Consultation Today

Don’t let dry eye disease affect your quality of life. Schedule a comprehensive dry eye consultation at Smart Vision Optometry in Bondi or Mosman today.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with booking, please contact our Bondi (02) 9365 5047 or Mosman (02) 9969 1600 practice directly. Our friendly staff is here to help with all your myopia prevention and eye care needs.