Dry Eye Clinic
Relief for Dry, Uncomfortable Eyes
Dry eye is one of the most common — and most undertreated — eye conditions. Our specialist clinic offers a thorough assessment and a range of evidence-based treatments to help you find lasting relief.
Understanding the Condition
What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome occurs when the eye doesn't produce enough tears, or when the tears it does produce evaporate too quickly. The result is an unstable tear film that leaves the eye surface exposed and irritated. It's a chronic condition that affects millions of people — and for many, it significantly impacts daily comfort and quality of life.
Common Causes
- Meibomian gland dysfunction (the most common cause) — blocked oil glands reduce tear stability
- Reduced tear production — associated with age, certain medications, and autoimmune conditions
- Environmental factors — screen use, air conditioning, heating, and low humidity
- Hormonal changes — particularly common in women during menopause
- Previous eye surgery, including laser refractive procedures
Self-Assessment
Could You Have Dry Eye?
The SPEED Questionnaire (Standardized Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness) is a clinically validated tool used by eye care professionals worldwide. Answer the questions below to get an indication of your dry eye severity.
Dryness, Grittiness or Scratchiness
Frequency
Severity
Soreness or Irritation
Frequency
Severity
Burning or Watering
Frequency
Severity
Eye Fatigue
Frequency
Severity
Is the Clinic Right for You?
Who Should Visit the Clinic?
A dry eye clinic appointment is appropriate for anyone whose symptoms are affecting their daily comfort or vision — whether they're newly experiencing problems or have been struggling for years.
Ongoing eye discomfort
If you regularly experience burning, grittiness, or irritation that eye drops don't adequately relieve, a structured assessment can identify the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
Contact lens wearers struggling with comfort
Dry eye is a leading reason people abandon contact lens wear. Our clinic can identify whether dry eye is the cause and whether treatment — or a lens change — can restore comfortable wear.
Heavy screen users
Reduced blinking during screen use is one of the most common triggers of dry eye symptoms. If your eyes are consistently uncomfortable by the end of the working day, it's worth investigating.
Post-surgical patients
Dry eye is a well-documented side effect of laser eye surgery and some cataract procedures. We can assess and treat post-surgical dry eye to support recovery and long-term comfort.
Your Appointment
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Symptom History
We discuss your symptoms in detail — how long you've had them, what makes them better or worse, your lifestyle, screen habits, and any treatments you've already tried.
Tear Film Analysis
We assess the stability and quality of your tear film using non-invasive tests, including tear break-up time — how quickly your tears evaporate between blinks.
Meibomian Gland Assessment
Using a slit lamp, we examine the meibomian glands in your eyelids — the oil glands responsible for tear stability. Dysfunction here is the most common underlying cause of dry eye.
Ocular Surface Examination
We check for staining of the cornea and conjunctiva using specialist dyes, which reveals whether the eye surface has been damaged by dryness.
Personalised Treatment Plan
Based on the assessment findings, we explain what type of dry eye you have and create a tailored treatment plan — which may include drops, in-practice treatments, or a referral where appropriate.
Treatment Options
How We Treat Dry Eye
Following your assessment, we'll recommend the most appropriate treatment based on the type and severity of your dry eye.
OptiLight IPL Therapy
"FDA-approved light therapy targeting the root cause of evaporative dry eye"
Overview
We use OptiLight by Lumenis — the first and only FDA-approved Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) device indicated for dry eye disease management. OptiLight delivers precise, controlled pulses of light around the eyelids to address meibomian gland dysfunction, the most common cause of evaporative dry eye. It reduces inflammation, liquefies hardened meibum blocking the oil glands, and improves gland function over a course of treatments.
How It Works
A course of 4 sessions is recommended, spaced 2–4 weeks apart. Each session takes around 15 minutes and is comfortable with no downtime. Results build progressively — most patients notice meaningful improvement after sessions 2 and 3, with continued benefit in the months following the final treatment. Maintenance sessions may be recommended annually.
Suitable For
Patients with evaporative dry eye caused by meibomian gland dysfunction, particularly those with rosacea, blepharitis, or those who have not responded adequately to drops and lid hygiene alone.
ZEST Treatment
"Professional eyelid exfoliation to clear biofilm and debris"
Overview
ZEST (Zocular Eyelid System Treatment) is an in-practice lid debridement procedure using a gentle okra-based gel. It removes the biofilm, bacterial debris, and crusting that accumulate along the eyelid margins — a key contributor to blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction. It is particularly effective when combined with OptiLight IPL as part of a comprehensive dry eye treatment plan.
How It Works
A specially formulated okra-based gel is applied to the eyelid margins using a micro-sponge applicator. The procedure is quick, comfortable, and performed in practice. Patients typically notice cleaner, less irritated lids immediately afterwards. ZEST can be performed as a standalone treatment or alongside OptiLight sessions.
Suitable For
Patients with blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction, or significant lid margin debris. Particularly beneficial for those with demodex or bacterial biofilm as a contributing factor to their dry eye symptoms.
NuLids Pro
"Professional in-office microblepharoexfoliation for deep lid margin cleaning"
Overview
NuLids Pro is a professional-grade microblepharoexfoliation treatment performed in practice. Using a precisely controlled oscillating tip, it thoroughly cleans and exfoliates the eyelid margins — removing accumulated biofilm, debris, and dead skin cells that contribute to blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction. It works particularly well as part of a combined treatment approach alongside OptiLight IPL and ZEST.
How It Works
The treatment is performed by your optometrist and takes around 15–20 minutes. A sterile disposable tip gently oscillates along the lid margin to loosen and remove debris. The procedure is well-tolerated with no anaesthetic required. Many patients notice immediate improvement in lid comfort, and the treatment can be repeated at follow-up appointments as part of an ongoing management plan.
Suitable For
Patients with blepharitis, lid margin debris, demodex, or meibomian gland dysfunction who require more thorough professional lid cleaning than ZEST alone, or as a complementary treatment within a comprehensive dry eye programme.
Prescription Eye Drops
"Targeted pharmaceutical relief for moderate to severe dry eye"
Overview
Over-the-counter artificial tears manage symptoms but don't address the underlying inflammation that drives chronic dry eye. Prescription drops target the inflammatory component of dry eye disease, improving tear production and ocular surface health over time.
How It Works
Following assessment, we may prescribe anti-inflammatory or immunomodulatory drops. These are typically used twice daily and require several weeks to achieve their full effect. We monitor progress and adjust as needed.
Suitable For
Patients with moderate to severe dry eye, particularly those with an inflammatory component or those who have not responded adequately to lubricating drops alone.
Punctal Plugs
"A simple, reversible procedure to retain your natural tears"
Overview
Punctal plugs are tiny, biocompatible devices inserted into the tear drainage canals (puncta) at the inner corners of the eyelids. By partially blocking drainage, they help retain tears on the eye surface for longer — reducing dryness and the need for frequent eye drops.
How It Works
The procedure takes just a few minutes, is painless, and requires no anaesthetic. Dissolvable plugs can be used as a trial; semi-permanent silicone plugs are used for longer-term management. Plugs can be removed at any time.
Suitable For
Patients with aqueous-deficient dry eye (insufficient tear production), or those who find eye drops inconvenient or ineffective as a sole treatment.
OmniLenz Amniotic Membrane Contact Lens
"Advanced ocular surface healing for severe or treatment-resistant dry eye"
Overview
OmniLenz uses a dehydrated amniotic membrane — a biologically active tissue with powerful anti-inflammatory, regenerative, and healing properties — in the form of a contact lens placed directly on the eye surface. It is one of the most advanced treatments available for severe or refractory dry eye, and for patients with ocular surface disease who have not responded to conventional therapies.
How It Works
The amniotic membrane contact lens is placed on the eye in practice and worn for a defined period. As it rehydrates, it releases growth factors and cytokines that actively promote healing of the ocular surface. A dry eye assessment is required prior to fitting to confirm suitability.
Suitable For
Patients with severe dry eye disease, persistent ocular surface damage, or conditions such as ocular GVHD, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, neurotrophic keratitis, or recurrent corneal erosion. Also appropriate for patients who have not achieved adequate relief with other dry eye treatments.
Take the first step towards comfortable eyes.
Book a dry eye assessment — appointments available Monday to Saturday.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Clinically reviewed by Danish Sheikh BSc(Hons) MCOptom DipTp(IP), Independent Prescribing Optometrist · March 2026
Get in Touch
Have Questions Before You Book?
Dry eye can be complex — and we know patients often have questions before committing to an appointment. Send us a message and one of our team will get back to you.