Condition
Dry Eye
Specialist dry eye assessment and clinically proven IPL treatment with meibomian gland expression
Overview
Specialist dry eye assessment and clinically proven IPL treatment with meibomian gland expression
Dry eye disease is a chronic condition in which the tear film fails to keep the surface of the eye adequately lubricated. It is far more than occasional irritation: persistent dry eye can cause significant discomfort, blurred vision, watering, light sensitivity and difficulty wearing contact lenses. Left untreated it can affect the health of the cornea and quality of life more broadly.
Most cases involve dysfunction of the meibomian glands in the eyelids, which produce the oily layer of the tear film. When these glands underperform, tears evaporate too quickly. Identifying the precise pattern of disease is essential to choosing the right treatment.
At Maison Restorative we offer specialist dry eye consultations with diagnostic evaluation, and Lumenis Optilight intense pulsed light — the first IPL technology cleared specifically for dry eye disease — combined with manual meibomian gland expression. A short course typically produces a lasting improvement in comfort and tear film quality.
Available Treatments
How we treat dry eye
Symptoms
What it looks and feels like
- A persistent gritty, sandy or burning sensation in the eyes
- Watery eyes that paradoxically feel dry (reflex tearing)
- Blurred vision that improves with blinking
- Light sensitivity and difficulty with screens or driving
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses comfortably
- Redness and a feeling of tired eyes
Causes
Why it happens
- Meibomian gland dysfunction (the most common cause)
- Hormonal changes, particularly around the menopause
- Prolonged screen use, which reduces blink rate
- Autoimmune conditions (Sjögren's, rheumatoid arthritis)
- Certain medications including antihistamines and antidepressants
- Contact lens wear and environmental factors
When to seek advice
If symptoms are persistent, affecting your day-to-day comfort, or your eyes are becoming red and irritated rather than just dry, book a specialist consultation. Early intervention often produces a faster and more lasting improvement than letting the condition progress.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
What is Optilight?
Optilight is the first IPL technology cleared specifically for the treatment of dry eye disease. Controlled pulses of light reduce inflammation around the eyes and improve the function of the meibomian glands.
What is gland expression?
After the IPL pulses, the meibomian glands in the eyelid margins are manually expressed to clear blocked openings and restore healthy oil flow. This combination is the key to the treatment's effectiveness.
How many sessions will I need?
Most patients have a course of three or four sessions, spaced two to four weeks apart, with maintenance sessions as needed. Your consultant will tailor the plan to your specific pattern of disease.
Is the treatment uncomfortable?
A protective shield is placed over each eye and the IPL pulses feel like a brief warm flash on the skin around the eyes. Most patients find the treatment well tolerated.
How do I treat dry, gritty or watery eyes?
It starts with a specialist assessment to confirm the cause, which is most often meibomian gland dysfunction. Where that is the case, a short course of Optilight IPL combined with manual gland expression restores healthier oil flow and tear film, easing the gritty, dry or reflex-watering sensation. Your consultant will tailor the plan to your eyes.
How much does dry eye treatment cost?
Pricing depends on the assessment and the course of treatment agreed for you and is confirmed in writing at your consultation, with no obligation to proceed.
Concerned about dry eye?
Book a consultation with our specialist team. We will assess the cause and recommend the right combination of treatments for you.
Book a consultation