The Meibomian glands are responsible for producing the oil in our tear film and it is this that amongst other things, enables the moisture to remain and so aid lid movement and performs of a barrier. Recent studies have demonstrated that over 80% of dry eye suffers have some sort of Meibomian gland dysfunction, which is also known as MGD. Slip Lamp bio microscopyĮnables us to observe the quality and positioning of your lids, to consider your blinking habits and a measurement of the lipid (oily) layer of your tear film. Underlying health conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis may indicate, when considered with your assessment results, the need to use topical anti-inflammatory drops for a period of time. Medications and inappropriate use of eye drops can contribute to the overall dry eye picture. We use a questionnaire (based on the international task force for dry eye disease which has been validated after extensive study), to classify your symptoms consistently and reliably. This is so that your specialist optometrist can accurately assess your condition. Please note, you may be asked to cease the use of all eye drops the day before your first consultation. The visit is likely to include some or all of the following, depending on your individual profile. We suggest, for long term effective care, to have an assessment. It is our view that GPs and pharmacists don’t have the diagnostic equipment to adequately magnify and illuminate your eye for an accurate diagnosis therefore are not in the best position to recommend the appropriate eye drop for you. Whilst you can use drops alone to manage some of the symptoms, this may be counterproductive in the long run as your eyes need the underlying cause to be treated to resolve or reduce the long term effects on your eyes and vision. That’s why coming for an assessment is so important. Successful treatment hinges on the accurate diagnosis of those underlying causes. Resulting in those feelings of discomfort, something in your eye, and loss in your visual performance.

Dry eye is a multifactorial disease of the tears and ocular surfaces.

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