Dry Eye Clinic

Do you suffer from sore, gritty, watery eyes? Do certain activities, like reading or working on the computer make your eyes feel irritated or scratchy? If so, you may well have a condition called Dry Eye Syndrome - better known as “dry eyes”. It's a common problem, but one you don't have to live with. The good news is that once it has been properly investigated and treated, most people find effective relief.

Eric Mercer is an accredited Dry Eye Specialist with a wealth of experience dealing with dry eyes and associated eyelid problems. At the Dry Eye Clinic, Eric will carefully consider your symptoms before undertaking a detailed series of tests to assess the quantity and quality of your tears.

He will then recommend an individually tailored care plan to help alleviate your symptoms. Follow-up appointments will be arranged to monitor your progress and fine tune your treatment over a period of up to 3 months.

So, if you think you have dry eyes, don’t suffer in silence. Book an appointment now at our Dry Eye Clinic for specialist examination and expert advice.

Causes of Dry Eyes

Dry eyes are often associated with ageing changes. The problem occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the quality of your tears is poor, making them evaporate too quickly.

Dryness can be aggravated by a number of factors:

Environment: for example, hot, dry or windy conditions outdoors. Also, air-conditioned or centrally-heated atmospheres indoors.
"Staring" activities: like reading, watching television and looking at computer screens.
Health conditions: these include arthritis, eczema and rosacea.
Medications: for example, anti-histamines, diuretics, beta-blockers and anti-depressants.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: when the meibomian glands in your eyelids don't work properly, the oils they secrete become too thick and sticky. This affects the quality and stability of your tears.

Dry Eye Symptoms

Discomfort: dry eyes often feel "itchy" or "gritty". You may also experience a "burning" or "stinging" sensation.
Watering: the irritation of dry eyes can cause unexpected reflex watering of your eyes.
Redness: your eyes may appear red or bloodshot.
Increased sensitivity to light: for example, in sunny conditions or when driving at night.
"Sticky" eyes: if your eyes dry out at night, they can feel "sticky" or painful to open when you wake in the morning.
Blurring: usually associated with "staring" activities like reading and watching TV.

Dry Eye Treatments

It is very important to realize that dry eye syndrome is a chronic condition. That means it can never be completely cured. However, with the right ongoing treatment, its irritating symptoms can be successfully controlled.

Artificial tear drops: these help keep your eyes lubricated and moist.
Lubricating gels or ointments: these are applied to your eyes at bedtime to help sooth and protect them from drying out through the night.
MGD treatments: usually involve applying warmth to your eyelids to help melt hardened oils and unblock the meibomian glands. Modern methods include special microwaveable eye masks.
Self-help techniques: these include drinking plenty of water, using a humidifier to increase levels of moisture in the air and eating oily fish or taking Omega-3 supplements.