Dry Eye: causes, symptoms and treatments

Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes lack sufficient lubrication, leading to discomfort and irritation.

Common symptoms include a gritty, tired feeling, and overall eye discomfort. At OCL Vision, we offer Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment to address the root causes of dry eyes and restore comfort and clarity to your vision.

Typical symptoms include:

• Gritty or sandy sensation in the eyes
• Persistent discomfort and tiredness
• Redness and occasional burning sensation

What are the causes?

Several factors can contribute to dry eye syndrome, including:

• Environmental factors: Air conditioning and heating can reduce moisture levels in the air, exacerbating dryness.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as anti-depressants and acne treatments like Roaccutane, can lead to dry eyes.
• Computer use: Prolonged screen time can decrease blink rates and contribute to dryness.
• Medical conditions: Conditions such as lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis can affect tear production.
• Contact lens use: Wearing contact lenses can reduce comfort and contribute to dryness.
• Meibomian gland dysfunction: The most common cause of dry eyes, where the glands that secrete oily substances become blocked, leading to rapid tear evaporation.

What is IPL treatment for dry eyes?

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment uses light at a specific wavelength to target and destroy abnormal blood vessels around the eyes. This helps reduce inflammation and improve the function of meibomian glands, which are responsible for secreting the oily layer of tears. The heat from IPL also warms the glands, loosening thickened oils and improving tear quality.

The procedure

IPL treatment involves applying light to the skin around your eyes. The procedure is performed with the Lumenis M22™, which provides precise, consistent energy levels for a safe and effective treatment. A course of four sessions, spaced 2-3 weeks apart, is usually recommended to achieve the best results. Each session lasts around 20-30 minutes, and most patients experience minimal discomfort.

Benefits of IPL treatment

• Reduces inflammation: Targets and destroys abnormal blood vessels that contribute to dry eye symptoms.
• Improves gland function: Loosens thickened oils in the meibomian glands to enhance tear production.
• Safe and effective: Uses advanced technology for precise and comfortable treatment.
• Customised care: Treatments are tailored to your specific needs for optimal results.

Cost of IPL treatment for dry eyes

• Initial Consultation: £150 (includes lubricating drops and an eye bag if needed)
• IPL Treatment Package:
  • £1,000 for eyes only (4 sessions x £250 per session)
  • £1,400 for the whole face (4 sessions x £350 per session)
• Pay-As-You-Go Sessions:
  • £275 for eyes only
  • £375 for the whole face
• Follow-Up: £100 (includes lubricating drops)

FAQs