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Book Swan St (Richmond) Book Dingley
Book Swan St (Richmond) Book Dingley
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Dry Eye Management

Dry Eye Management

Do your eyes feel gritty, stingy or sore?
Do you find yourself uncomfortable after extended computer use?
Do your eyes water or become red?

You could have dry eyes!

Comprehensive Dry Eye Management Solutions at Insightful Eye Care

Managing dry eyes and addressing the symptoms is critical for optimum eye health and comfort. Insightful Eye Care offers premium, personalised treatment plans and the expert advice of our optometrists.

  • Get personalised, effective dry eye management solutions from our expert optometrists in Richmond and Dingley, Melbourne, and say goodbye to irritating dry eye symptoms.

Dry eyes and its associated symptoms are caused by imbalances in your tear film, the clear liquid coating on the front surface of your eye. It consists of two main components: the “watery” and the “oily” layers. Whether it is due to environmental factors, systemic conditions, medications or hormonal changes, any disruption to this delicate tear film balance can result in discomfort – luckily at Insightful Eye Care we offer a range of solutions for all of your dry eye needs.

Drops

Lubricating eye drops, commonly known as “artificial tears” have traditionally been used as a first line defence against dry eye symptoms. These products work by replenishing elements of your natural tear film and mimicking the effect of balanced tears. These can be in liquid, gel or ointment form, both preserved and preservative free. There are many varieties of lubricants available so it is important to discuss with your optometrists the best product and dosage to manage your individual dry eye disease.

Nutritional information and supplements

There is emerging research supporting the use of nutritional support and supplements to ease the long term symptoms of dry eye disease. Comprehensive, multifactorial dry eye studies such the DEWS II report emphasise the importance of adequate Omega 3 and 6 intake to positively induce changes to your tear film. This can be introduced to your body via dietary changes such as eating more oily fish or with over the counter supplements such as Lacritec.

At home treatments

Treatments such as warm compresses, lid shampoos and gland massage performed at home may be recommended by your optometrists, with the aim of managing the conditions leading to your dry eye symptoms and acting to prevent further discomfort. By breaking the cycle of blepharitis-induced dryness or promoting healthy oil expression from your glands, these at home treatments can supplement the use of drops to holistically manage your dry eye disease.

In chair treatments

Here at Insightful Eye care we offer in chair treatments for your dry eyes that supplement the use of drops and at home treatments. These involve the physical heating and expression of your eyelid oil glands using Blephasteam goggles and forceps / Mastrom paddle. These treatments are periodically applied depending on the severity of your dry eyes and can help to promote healthy and consistent oil secretion to supplement your tear film.

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Clinic interventions

Other clinic interventions we here at Insightful Eyecare can employ to manage your dry eyes (depending on your presentation) include:

  • Lacrimal lavage: this technique involves flushing a saline solution through your tear duct into your nasal passage in order to sweep away any blockages and allows your tears to drain properly, rather than spilling down your cheeks
  • Punctal plugs: these are tiny silicone plugs that are positioned into the opening of your tear drainage passage in order to conserve your tears and allow them to remain on your eyes for longer.
  • Prescription medications: as therapeutically endorsed optometrists, we have the ability to prescribe topical drugs such as antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drops to manage your dry eyes and subsequent symptoms as well as make recommendations to your general practitioner regarding the use of oral antibiotics such as Doxycycline.

So book yourself in today for a comprehensive eye test and dry eye assessment!

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Our Personalised Dry Eye Treatment Approach

Insightful Eye Care has a combined service of 75+ years in local communities, building strong working relationships and providing an invaluable role in their communities.

When you partner with us for your professional eye services, you will interact with a friendly, courteous, and approachable team that is invested in flawless results and your ultimate satisfaction.

Our comprehensive, state-of-the-art Optical Fingerprint™ is a personalised, technology-driven approach that gives our experts the ultimate picture of your eye health. With knowledge, experience and a balance between precision optics and a flair for fashion, you could not be in better hands.

Schedule Your Dry Eye Optometrist Consultation Today

Scheduling an optometrist dry eye treatment at Insightful Eye Care could not be easier or more convenient. Visit our user-friendly contact page or drop us a line at info@insightfuleyecare.com.au. Alternatively, you can contact your preferred eye centre directly as follows:

Swan Street Eye Centre

Dingley Eye Centre

FAQs About Dry Eye Management

How do I know if I need to see an optometrist for dry eye treatment?

If you experience any of the following symptoms of dry eye, please contact Insightful Eye Care to schedule a dry eye appointment:

  • Persistent discomfort
    Regular stinging, burning or uncomfortable dryness may require professional optometrist dry eye treatments, not just over-the-counter solutions.
  • Blurred vision
    Blurred or double-vision, commonly experienced when using a computer or reading can signify dry eyes.
  • Irritation and redness
    Frequently red, irritated eyes, exacerbated by smoky, windy conditions, must be examined.
  • Scratchy, gritty sensation
    A persistent feeling of sand or grit in the eye can indicate dry eye.
  • Excessive tear production
    Counter-intuitively, dry eye can sometimes cause the eyes to over-produce tears as a natural response.
  • Uncomfortable contact lenses
    One reason for discomfort when applying and wearing contact lenses may be excessively dry eyes.
  • Mucus
    Mucus strings in or around the eyes can indicate dry eye.

What is the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist for dry eye treatment?

Although optometrists and ophthalmologists can both assist with dry eye management, their expertise and roles differ as follows:

Optometrists

  • Optometrists study to attain a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree
  • They are focused on the essentials of primary vision care, including:
    • Performing comprehensive eye exams
    • Prescribing glasses and contact lenses
    • Diagnosing/managing common eye conditions including dry eye syndrome, punctual plugs, topical prescription medications and in-clinic treatments such as Blephasteam or helping you manage your blepharitis

Ophthalmologists

  • Ophthalmologists are qualified medical doctors (MD or DO) able to offer medical and surgical eye care
  • They provide advanced treatments for dry eye where necessary, including:
    • Punctal plugs
    • Prescription medications
    • Surgical interventions

When managing dry eyes, it is best to see an optometrist first who can help you manage the problem either in clinic and at home routine. For severe, complex cases, you may need to see an ophthalmologist for surgical interventions.

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