At this first appointment, your specialist Optometrist will have an in-depth conversation with you and help you to complete a questionnaire about your symptoms. They will take a tiny sample of your tears using the TearLab technology. This is an advanced technology that assists in the diagnosis of dry eye by giving an objective measurement of the health and stability of your tear film.
Launched in 2016, The Brownbills Optometrists Tear Clinic is a specialist eye care service designed to diagnose and manage dry eye disease, relieving dry eye symptoms and preventing long-term complications.
A visit to the Brownbills Optometrists Tear Clinic starts with an initial assessment with one of our specialist Optometrists.
They will then conduct a thorough examination of your eyes (eyelids, tear film, ocular surface) will be undertaken, which will include the use of ophthalmic dyes. This allows the Optometrist to best establish the cause of your dry eye disease.
At the end of your initial assessment in the Tear Clinic, your specialist Optometrist will fully explain their findings and, using the data and information collected, develop a proposed management plan to help with your dry eye symptoms. You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
A follow up appointment is generally advised a few weeks after your initial assessment. At this appointment you, together with your Optometrist, will complete a further questionnaire and a second TearLab reading will be taken. These will help us to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and management plan.
Following this, your Optometrist will complete another ocular examination and a BlephEx procedure may be advised and performed. This procedure cleans the eyelids and is a highly effective way of treating Blepharitis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is dry eye disease?
Dry eye (also known as dry eye syndrome or dry eye disease) is a chronic condition caused when your eyes do not make enough tears, or the tears produced are of a poor quality.
Your tears have several important functions:
- they lubricate your eyes, keeping them clean and free of dust;
- they protect your eyes against infection;
- and they aid sight by helping to stabilise your vision
Dry eye can have a significant impact on your quality of life, affecting daily activities such as driving or reading.
What symptoms should I look out for that might indicate dry eye disease?
When you have dry eyes, it is usual to notice some of the following:
- Your eyes feel irritated and dry
- You may experience fluctuations in and/or blurred vision
- You may feel that there is something in your eye
- You may feel burning and itching in your eyes
- You may experience an increased sensitivity to light
- Your eyes start to water or run
How often do you recommend follow-up appointments?
Following your initial two appointments, we recommend that you are seen regularly every sixth months.
What would happen without treatment?
It is important to treat this chronic condition. Without treatment your pain and discomfort will not disappear, your quality of life will not improve, and in the worst instance it may result in further complications down the line. If you stop treatment the symptoms will return and possibly worsen.