Procedure duration
15 minutes
Symptomatic Relief
Lasts 6 months
Recovery
No downtime
Dry eye syndrome, simply put, is when there is an imbalance in the volume or consistency of the tear film. Normal tears play a vital role in maintaining a healthy eye and clear vision, and the eye is naturally sensitive to any disruption.
The main functions of tears are..
(1) Providing a clear pathway for light to enter the eye for pristine vision.
(2) Anti-inflammatory Protection of the cornea (the clear window layer of the eye) which has the greatest density of nerves in all of the human body!
So one can imagine the chaos that ensues when disruption of these functions is triggered – poor vision quality (blurred), exposed cornea nerves (pain) and a tsunami of inflammation (redness + discharge).
Dry eye syndrome may have no symptoms very early on, but as the condition progresses the symptoms mount and may include:
▪ Red eyes
▪ Gritty or foreign body sensation
▪ Blurred vision
▪ Watery/Mucous discharge (this paradox occurs because the eye overcompensates in an attempt to mitigate dry eyes)
▪ Eyelash crusting/discharge
▪ Puffy eyelids
▪ Light sensitivity
Dry eye syndrome has several possible causes and associations. The most common ones include:
▪ Blepharitis
▪ Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)
▪ Auto-immune conditions (Sjögren’s, Thyroid disorders)
▪ Hormonal changes
▪ Medication (Vitamin A)
▪ Environmental (Air-conditioners without humidifiers, UV-light exposure)
HOW IS DRY EYE SYNDROME DIAGNOSED
Dry eye syndrome is a complex disorder with several components intertwined that require meticulous diagnostic tests & management undertaken by a specialist ophthalmologist. The reasons for this are simple: No two people with dry eye syndrome have the same degree or cause of DES. Tests are required to diagnose your specific type of DES so that a custom solution can be designed for you.
These diagnostic eye tests that Dr. Djan performs at the advanced Dry Eye Clinic are all non-invasive and painless:
Inflammation levels of the tear film (MMP9 assay) Infrared Meibography Tear Osmolality levels Non-invasive tear film metrics (Tear volume, Tear Meniscus height, Tear film break up time, Lipid layer thickness) Corneal sensitivity
Slit lamp Biomicroscopy and vital stains
HOW IS DRY EYE SYNDROME TREATED
A customised dry eye syndrome treatment is designed once your comprehensive assessment is complete.
Depending on your classification, there are various options available to tackle DES:
Preservative-free lubricant eyedrops Prescription anti-inflammatory (potent) eye drops Low Light Level Modulation therapy (Eye-light) Punctal plugs Oral supplements Eyelid photography Blepharitis eyelid pack
WHAT IS BLEPHARITIS
Blepharitis is an infection of the eyelash glands and eyelids. The infections are usually bacterial or from a mite (Demodex). Because this infection affects the tear glands, it causes a disruption of the important function of the tears and results in a Dry eye syndrome.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A BLEPHARITIS
Blepharitis, like Dry eye syndrome, may have few/no symptoms in the early phases, but these gradually mount as the disorder escalates:
▪ Red eyes
▪ Gritty or foreign body sensation
▪ Blurred vision
▪ Watery/Mucous discharge (this paradox occurs because the eye overcompensates in an attempt to mitigate the dry eyes)
▪ Eyelash crusting/discharge
▪ Puffy eyelids
▪ Light sensitivity
HOW IS BLEPHARITIS DIAGNOSED
Blepharitis infection is almost always associated with dry eye syndrome. This complex relationship requires meticulous diagnostic tests & management by Dr. Djan at the Advanced Dry Eye Clinic. The reasons for this are simple: No two people with blepharitis/dry eye syndrome have the same degree or cause of pathology. Tests are required to diagnose your specific degree of blepharitis so that a custom solution can be designed for you.
These diagnostic eye tests that Dr. Djan performs at the advanced Dry Eye Clinic are all non-invasive and include : Inflammation levels of the tear film (MMP9 assay) Infrared Meibography Tear Osmolality levels Non-invasive tear film metrics (Tear volume, Tear Meniscus height, Tear film break up time, Lipid layer thickness) Corneal sensitivity
Slit lamp Biomicroscopy and vital stains Eyelid photography
HOW IS BLEPHARITIS TREATED
A customised dry eye syndrome treatment is designed once your comprehensive assessment is complete. Depending on your classification, there a various options available to tackle DES:
Blepharitis eyelid pack Low Light Level Modulation therapy (LLLM) Preservative-free lubricant eyedrops Prescription anti-inflammatory (potent) eye drops Prescription antibiotics Punctal plugs Oral supplements
WHAT IS EYE-LIGHT THERAPY
Low Level Light Modulation Therapy (LLLMT) is a phenomenal near-infrared treatment that forms part of the armamentarium at the Advanced Dry Eye Clinic. LLLMT is a pain-free, 10-minute process administered in an office-based setting (1-3 treatments may be required for optimisation) and effectively treats a spectrum of conditions:
▪ Dry Eye Syndrome
▪ Blepharitis
▪ Styes
▪ Chalazion
▪ Acne Rosacea
▪ Sjögrens
This Photobiomodulation technology emits near-infrared light onto the eyelids at a medically-certified wavelength, generating endogenous heating by stimulating mitochondria ATP production. This results in stabilisation of the tear film, increased tear lipid layer volume, and relief from dry eye related pathologies. This is a safe effective treatment that does not cause any skin pigmentation issues encountered with IPRL (Intense Regulated Pulsed Light) therapy.
WHAT IS INTENSE REGULATED PULSED LIGHT (IPL) THERAPY
IPRL (Intense Regulated Pulsed Light) therapy Is another treatment that forms part of the armamentarium at the Advanced Dry Eye Clinic. IRPL is a pain-free, 10-minute process administered in an office-based setting (1-3 treatments may be required for optimisation) and effectively treats a spectrum of conditions:
Dry Eye Syndrome Blepharitis Styes
Chalazion Acne Rosacea Sjögrens
This Photo-Thermolysis technology obliterates micro-vessels that are responsible for most of the eye inflammation. This results in stabilisation of the tear film, increased tear lipid layer volume, and relief from dry eye related pathologies. IRPL is mostly safe, but may cause skin pigmentation issues particularly in dark-skinned individuals.
CAN I FINANCE MY DRY EYE SYNDROME TREATMENTS
Yes. Don’t allow costs to limit your eye health and aesthetic appearance. Tailored Finance options are available to suit your individual needs.