FAQ: IPL Treatments at the Dry Eye Centre

One of the most frequently asked questions we get is: Why can’t I have Intense Pulsed Light treatment without having an initial assessment?

At the Dry Eye Centre we always perform an initial assessment before carrying out any treatment. We do this is because it is essential to determine the cause of your dry eye so that we can give you the correct treatment. Intense Pulsed light treatment does not work for everyone. We have many other treatments which may be more effective depending on the type of dry eye.

Do you have a question for our Dry Eye Experts? If so, leave a question in the comment section and we will use it in an upcoming FAQ post. 

Dry Eye and Computer Screens

At the Dry Eye Centre we have been astounded by the number of working-age patients that we see. Until recently dry eye in this group was uncommon. In our modern world many of us spend most of our day in front of a computer screen or using tablets or mobile phones. When we perform this type of activity our blink rate drops significantly as does the quality of the blink (often it stops being complete). One explanation is that when we concentrate it is similar to when we used to hunt...and if you blink when you are hunting you lose the prey.

Many of our patients report that when they go on holiday their symptoms often improve, and studies have shown that increased computer use can lead to Dry Eye. Heavily concentrating on a computer, mobile phone or tv screen has been shown to significantly reduce your normal rate of blinking.

Blinking performs two very important functions. First, it replenishes the tear layer across the eye and secondly it squeezes the Meibomian glands that release the lipid layer of the tears that stops the tears from evaporating. Once we stop blinking properly, the Meibomian glands can start to become blocked by the oil that is not being released as it should. This leads to a vicious cycle which eventually gives the symptoms of dry eye.

Once the glands are blocked it is possible to use Intense Pulsed Light therapy to unblock them and then to institute blinking exercises to stop the problem occurring again. 

If you think you are suffering from dry eye due to screen use, please come see us for an assessment. We can treat you before things become chronic and recommend therapies and exercises for you to do to keep your Dry Eye at bay.

Book an appointment with us or call us on 02076366080 today.

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Dry Eye Disease and LASER Surgery

For many people, LASER eye surgery changes their lives for the better. However, Dry eye is a common complication of LASER surgery. Often it is temporary but for some it persists and causes a chronic problem. When you have LASER surgery the corneal nerves are cut when the flap is cut either by the microtome or by the LASER. These nerves send signals to the lacrimal glands telling them to release the aqueous into the tears. Without this innervation the glands may not produce enough aqueous and the eye can become very dry.

Often the people who have chronic dry eye post LASER report symptoms of dry eye before the surgery. We would advise clients who may have mild Dry Eye prior to LASER surgery to consider the risks before having surgery and potentially damaging the glands further. At the Dry Eye Centre we see many patients who have had LASER surgery. In many cases like this, it is not possible to correct the cause of the Dry Eye so we regularly monitor and treat the symptoms. After an initial assessment, we devise a tailored treatment program based on your unique needs.

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Treatment Time: Who is IPL not suitable for?

Who is not suitable for Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Treatment

Unfortunately people of Afro-Caribbean or South East Asian origin may not be suitable for IPL. This is because the higher density of melanin in their skin absorbs the Intense Pulsed Light which produces heat in the skin and can lead to a condition like sun burn or discolouration of the skin. We will tell you if you are a suitable candidate for IPL at your initial assessment.

What do all the tests we do mean? 
At the Dry Eye Centre we do a battery of tests to diagnose your dry eye, including: LipiView, Meibography, InflammaDry, Schirmers test, Meibomium gland evaluator, Slitlamp bio-microscopy. Interested in an initial assessment to identify what treatment would be right for your Dry Eye? Book an appointment with us today.

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