Dry Eye Clinic
Dry Eye Syndrome, affecting around 20% of Kiwis, is a condition where your eyes lack the necessary lubrication provided by tears.
Whether it’s due to insufficient tear production or poor-quality tears, this can cause discomfort and even damage to the surface of your eyes.
- Red, irritated or watering eyes
- Dry, scratchy or itchy eyes
- Blurred vision
- Burning sensation
- Sensitivity to bright light, cold wind or air conditioning
- Discharge or crusting around your eyelids in the morning
What can cause dry eye syndrome?
Natural ageing (especially during menopause in women), medications (including the oral contraceptive), and living in an area with lots of wind and dry air are all possible causes of dry eye syndrome.
This condition may also affect individuals who have undergone cataract surgery, laser eye treatments, or wear contact lenses.
In addition to being over 40, other health conditions such as arthritis, asthma, and diabetes can make you more prone to dry eye syndrome.
How is Dry Eye Syndrome treated?
In order to keep your eyes healthy and comfortable, our optometrists provide a number of treatment options.
Your optometrist will conduct a comprehensive clinical assessment of your eyes and symptoms to determine the best treatment plan for you. Depending on the type and severity of your dry eye, your plan may include:
- IPL (intense pulsed light)
- Prescription medication
- Nutrition
- Clinical procedures
- Lubricants (eye drops)
- At home therapy
What is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and how does it treat Dry Eye Syndrome?
IPL is a revolutionary treatment which generates a series of flashes of polychromatic, homogeneously sequenced light delivered to the skin around the lower eyelid. The energy, spectrum and time period are precisely set to stimulate the meibomian glands to return to their normal function.
Each IPL session takes approximately 15 minutes. A series of flashes of light are applied to your lower eyelids and cheeks while you wear protective goggles. Although the flashes are extremely bright and feel warm on your skin, there is no pain or significant discomfort. It will not affect your ability to drive following the treatment. The frequency of the treatments will be advised by your Dry Eye Specialist.
