Dry eye is a complex condition influenced by a range of factors, including tear quality, salt balance, eyelid health, the shape of the eye’s surface, contact lens wear, certain medical conditions (like arthritis or rosacea), previous LASIK surgery, age, medications, and hormonal changes such as the menopause.

Common symptoms include:

• Watery eyes
• Red, sore or inflamed eyelids
• Gritty, scratchy or sandy sensation
• Itchy or irritable eyes
• Blurred or fluctuating vision
• Eyes that feel tired or heavy
• Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)
• Blepharitis (inflammation at the base of the lashes)
• Facial rosacea affecting the skin and eyes

At your dry eye consultation, we begin with a comprehensive review of your symptoms, including a detailed lifestyle and medical history questionnaire. This allows us to fully understand the severity of your condition, its impact on your day-to-day life, and any contributing factors that may be affecting your eye health.

We then perform an in-depth clinical examination of the eyelids, tear film, and key ocular structures involved in tear production and stability. Using the latest in diagnostic technology, including high-resolution meibography, we assess the condition of the meibomian glands, which play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy tear film.

Advanced imaging allows us to capture detailed visuals of your eye’s surface and underlying gland structures. These insights form the foundation of a personalised treatment plan, carefully tailored to your individual needs.

Whether you’re experiencing occasional discomfort or more persistent symptoms, our goal is to identify the root causes and offer effective, targeted solutions to restore comfort and clarity to your vision.

Meibomian Gland Expression

The glands of the lids are expressed which is essential in determining the quality of your tears

Blephex Lid cleaning

A procedure to alleviate the signs associated with Blepharitis

How IPL Treatment Works

In cases of dry eye disease, especially Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), inflammation plays a central role. Over time, small, abnormal blood vessels, known as telangiectasias, form along the eyelid margins. These vessels are a sign of chronic inflammation and interfere with the normal function of the meibomian glands, which produce the essential oils that prevent tears from evaporating too quickly. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy targets this underlying cause. Using carefully controlled bursts of light, IPL is applied to the skin around the eyes, where it is absorbed by the proteins in these abnormal vessels. This light energy collapses and reduces the problematic vessels, breaking the inflammatory cycle and restoring healthier gland function.

Why We Use the Lumenis M22
The Lumenis M22 is a state-of-the-art IPL system specifically engineered for safe and effective treatment of dry eye disease. What sets the M22 apart is its unique ability to split each light pulse into three smaller, gentler sub-pulses. This reduces the risk of skin irritation and allows the device to be safely used close to the delicate tissue around the eyes. It is the only IPL machine with both CE certification and FDA approval worldwide (as of 2022), which reflects its clinical reliability and safety. Backed by numerous studies, the M22 has become the gold standard in IPL technology for ophthalmology. Originally introduced for dry eye care by Dr. Rolando Toyos in 2001, IPL has since evolved, and the M22 represents the most advanced and refined version of this groundbreaking therapy.

How Does LLLT Work?

Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to gently warm the eyelids and stimulate the meibomian glands. By activating the body’s natural healing processes, this targeted light therapy helps reduce inflammation, improve gland function, and enhance the quality and flow of protective oils. As a result, LLLT promotes greater tear film stability, reduces evaporation, and improves overall eye comfort, particularly in patients suffering from dry eye symptoms such as irritation, redness, or excessive tearing.

Why Use the Espansione LLLT Mask?

The Espansione LLLT mask is a clinically advanced designed specifically for treating Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) and evaporative dry eye disease. Unlike traditional therapies like warm compresses or eye drops that provide only temporary relief, the Espansione mask offers a deeper, more consistent treatment by delivering precise light energy to the periocular area. It is especially beneficial for patients who have not responded well to other treatments. Originally developed for wound healing and pain management, LLLT has been adapted for ophthalmology with growing clinical evidence supporting its effectiveness. The Espansione device makes this technology easy to use in a clinical setting, delivering quick, comfortable sessions that support long-term improvements in ocular surface health.