Dry Eye Clinic

Dry eye is a very common condition presenting to GPs and Eye care practitioners, and is probably underdiagnosed. The syndrome is also more common in the female population. It is a multifactorial disease of the tears and ocular surface that results in symptoms of discomfort, watering and visual disturbance resulting from tear film instability.

More than just artificial tears

At Edgbaston Eye Clinic we have a dedicated specialist dry eye clinic and the dry eye examination normally takes about an hour. Dry eye syndrome is often secondary to a primary cause and in most cases, managing the primary cause can lead to a significant improvement in the symptoms of dry eye syndrome. Finding the cause of the dryness can sometimes involve a more thorough medical investigation such as blood test etc. Using artificial tear supplement is not always a clinically viable treatment or management plan as it often just mask the true cause of the dry eye syndrome. Dry eye syndrome has been extensively researched and a lot of researchers have concluded that the condition has got a strong inflammatory aetiology. Edgbaston Eye Clinic being an eye specialist clinic can prescribe ‘prescription only’ eye drops rather than just artificial tears for the management and treatment of dry eye syndrome.

The Tear Film

Dry eye syndrome is a common condition affecting many people in the later decades of life. Most cases have no apparent cause but some are related to various inflammatory conditions, vitamin deficiency, surgical treatment or as a side effect of certain drugs. Complaints include irritation of the eyes, gritty sensation and sometimes blurred vision.

Dry eye symptoms are common in 15% of adults

The aim of treatment is to restore the normal tear film as far as possible. Most dry eyes can be managed in primary care.

Dry eye management

Potential causes of dry eye syndrome

Soften meibomian oils: Hot compresses (40-45oC) on the eyelids reduce blockage of meibomian ducts by liquefying meibum.

Improve blink rate and extent: use of video display units (VDU) is associated with both reduced blink frequency and tear film instability. Conscious complete blinking may alleviate dry eye symptoms by spreading tears more effectively and encouraging lipid secretion.

Diet: there is evidence to support the use of omega-3 dietary supplementation to improve symptoms and signs of dry eye by improving meibomian gland function.

Therapeutic management: Edgbaston Eye Clinic is one of the very few eye specialist clinics that can prescribe Ikervis for severe chronic dry eye disease. Ikervis is available on prescription only. Other specialist eye drops are also available at Edgbaston Eye Clinic. All these prescription only eye drops require a full specialist eye consultation before they can be prescribed.

Punctal plugs: sometimes inserted by eye care clinicians into drainage punctae to preserve tear volume

Please take note: We don’t give advice over the phone or e-mail for these drugs

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Appointments Available
6 Days a Week
Mon: 08:30am-5pm
Tues – Fri: 9am-5pm
Sat: 8:30am-3:30pm
Sun: By Appointment only

01217263199

Edgbaston Eye Clinic

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0121 726 3199

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