Dry Eye
What Are Dry Eyes?
Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Tears are essential for keeping your eyes lubricated, comfortable, and healthy, and when this process is disrupted, it can lead to discomfort and irritation.
Common Symptoms of Dry Eyes:
- A gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes
- Redness or inflammation
- Blurred vision, particularly after prolonged focus
- Sensitivity to light
- Watery eyes (a reaction to dryness)
- Itchy or burning sensation
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, our Dry Eye Clinic is here to help.
How We Can Help
At Matheson Optometrists, we take a tailored approach to diagnosing and managing dry eyes. During your visit to our Dry Eye Clinic, we’ll:
Assess Your Symptoms
Our expert optometrists will discuss your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history to understand the root cause of your dry eyes.
Perform a Detailed Examination
Using advanced diagnostic tools, we’ll evaluate the quality and quantity of your tears, as well as the condition of your eyelids and tear glands.
Create a Personalised Treatment Plan
Based on our findings, we’ll recommend treatments and lifestyle adjustments to help relieve your symptoms and improve your eye comfort.
Diagnosis First: Why the Type of Dry Eye Matters
Successful treatment relies entirely on knowing what type of dry eye you have. This is why we use the ZEISS VISUREF for comprehensive screening. This advanced technology allows us to differentiate between Evaporative Dry Eye (issues with the oil glands) and Aqueous Deficiency (lack of tear volume). Without this distinction, you may be paying for treatments that simply won't work for your eyes. The clinical team at Matheson Optometrists are committed to ensuring that the care you receive is effective and tailored to your needs.
Our Honest Approach to IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
IPL treatment uses intense flashes of light in order to unclog meibomian glands, address any Demodex mites and reduce inflammation in order to treat the root causes of meibomian gland dysfunction and preserve the meibomian glands. This has the effect of reducing (or in some cases eliminating) the symptoms of Evaporative Dry Eye conditions.
At Matheson Optometrists, we pride ourselves on being honest clinicians Research suggests that while IPL can be a very effective therapeutic remedy for specific cases of Evaporative Dry Eye it is generally ineffective for Aqueous Deficiency and is unsuitable for certain skin types. Please speak to one of our team in order to schedule your Dry Eye Assessment and learn how, and whether, IPL treatment may help you. Please note that IPL will not reverse any meibomian gland atrophy which has already occurred. Your Dry Eye Assessment will help to ensure that you are receiving the right care and avoid you investing in a treatment which might not be likely to have any meaningful positive effect for you.
We are aware that some clinicians in the UK will advise IPL treatment in many circumstances where it may not be appropriate. At Matheson Optometrists, we are committed to ensuring that patient care is always the driving force of the treatments we offer.
Where IPL treatment is not likely to be effective, our clinicians can advise and support you in other means of managing your Dry Eye symptoms in order to find the right treatment for you.
Traditional vs. Invasive Treatments
Even if a diagnosis confirms Evaporative Dry Eye, IPL is a more intensive form of therapy and there are many highly effective options worth investigating before considering IPL. It is also vital to understand that IPL is not a permanent cure. Much like the need to continue using eye drops and performing lid hygiene, IPL may require ongoing annual maintenance treatments to remain effective.
For the majority of patients, established clinical treatments—such as correct lid hygiene, dedicated heat therapy (with heat masks), and advanced lubrication using specialised eye-drops, such as Hycosan drops—are successful in restoring comfort without the need for light therapy. However, our advice is impartial. If our assessment confirms you have a specific condition that may benefit from IPL, or from treatments such as Blephex, Zest and NuLids we will tell you honestly and provide recommendations for trusted external providers of these services.
It is often advisable to consider more traditional, less invasive and more affordable treatment options before considering IPL. Our clinicians will full advise you of all the options available to you, so that you are empowered to make the best decisions for your care.
Evidence-Based Management
To treat the root cause of your symptoms effectively, we curate our range based on science, not marketing. We stock and prescribe only the best dry eye drops, gels, and supplements, selected according to unbiased research and peer reviews.
Book a Dry Eye AssessmentFAQs About Dry Eyes
What can I do at home to prevent dry eyes?
Simple measures like taking regular breaks from screens, using a humidifier, and staying hydrated can help prevent and soothe dry eyes.
Are there over-the-counter remedies for dry eyes?
Lubricating eye drops (artificial tears) can provide temporary relief, but it’s important to visit us for a tailored treatment plan to address the root cause.
Can diet affect dry eyes?
Yes, a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish, nuts, and seeds) can support tear production and reduce inflammation.
How often should I visit the Dry Eye Clinic?
We recommend regular check-ups to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed. Our team will advise on the best schedule for your needs.
Book Your Dry Eye Assessment Today
Don’t let dry eyes affect your comfort and quality of life. Our experienced team at Matheson Optometrists & Hearing Care is here to provide personalised care and treatments to help you feel your best.
Contact us today to book your appointment at our Dry Eye Clinic and take the first step towards clearer, more comfortable vision.