Dry Eye Disease can be far more complex than simply having too few tears. Patients with very similar symptoms may have quite different underlying problems, which is why treatments that help one person may do little for another.
At The Retina Clinic London, we take a detailed, measurement-led approach. Specialist examination, advanced imaging and artificial intelligence-assisted analysis allow us to examine the different components of the tear system, quantify the extent of the problem and establish an objective baseline. These findings then help us create a treatment plan tailored to the individual patient.
What is Dry Eye Disease?
A healthy tear film protects the surface of the eye and helps maintain clear, comfortable vision. Dry Eye Disease develops when the eyes do not produce enough tears, tears evaporate too quickly, or the tear film becomes unstable and inflamed.
Symptoms can include:
- Dryness, grittiness or burning
- Red or watery eyes
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Eye fatigue during reading or screen use
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
Watery eyes can sometimes be a sign of dryness. Irritation may trigger excess reflex tears, but these tears do not always provide effective or lasting lubrication.
Why Specialist Assessment Matters
Dry eye can have several underlying or contributing causes. These include reduced tear production, inflammation, blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction, in which the small oil-producing glands in the eyelids become blocked or work less effectively.
Demodex mites, which can live around the eyelashes and eyelid glands, can also contribute to eyelid inflammation and dry-eye symptoms in some patients.
Screen use, contact lenses, hormonal changes, certain medicines, dry environments, skin conditions and previous eye surgery may also contribute. Many patients have more than one cause, which is why a one-size-fits-all approach is not always effective.
At The Retina Clinic London, our aim is to understand why the eyes are dry, not simply confirm that dryness is present.
Analysing Dry Eye in Greater Detail
Our dry eye assessment is designed to build a detailed picture of how the tear film, eyelids and surface of the eye are functioning.
Depending on the individual patient, this can include assessment of:
- Tear-film stability, including how quickly and where the tear film begins to break down
- The oily layer of the tears, which helps prevent excessive evaporation
- The watery component of the tears, helping us assess whether tear volume may be reduced
- Blinking, including incomplete blinking that can leave areas of the eye insufficiently protected
- The meibomian glands, allowing us to examine their structure and identify changes that may contribute to evaporative dry eye
- The ocular surface, including areas of dryness or damage that can be highlighted using fluorescein dye under blue light
Artificial intelligence-assisted analysis helps us quantify and compare these findings rather than relying on symptoms or visual examination alone.
This gives us an objective picture of the type and extent of dryness present and allows us to establish a baseline at the start of treatment.
When testing is repeated, we can compare new measurements with the original assessment and look for objective changes in the tear film, ocular surface and eyelid glands over time.
The specialist interprets these findings alongside the clinical examination, symptoms and medical history. Artificial intelligence adds greater precision and consistency to the assessment, while clinical judgement remains central to diagnosis and treatment planning.
Personalised Treatment
Once we understand which elements are contributing to the dryness, treatment can be directed towards those specific problems.
Depending on the findings, treatment may include:
- Targeted artificial tears and ocular lubricants
- Anti-inflammatory treatment
- Heated eye masks, warm compresses and eyelid hygiene
- Treatment for meibomian gland dysfunction
- IPL Laser treatment
- Punctal occlusion to help natural tears remain on the eye for longer
- Advice on screen habits, contact lenses, medicines, skin conditions and environmental factors
These findings are considered together to create a treatment plan tailored to the individual patient.
Supporting Long-Term Eye Comfort
Dry Eye Disease often requires ongoing management. A combination of specialist treatment and consistent care at home can help improve tear-film stability, protect the surface of the eye and reduce the effect of symptoms on daily life.
Repeat testing also allows us to compare symptoms with objective changes over time and refine treatment where needed.
You should consider a specialist assessment if your symptoms persist despite using over-the-counter drops, affect your vision or daily activities, make contact-lens wear difficult, or have worsened following eye surgery.
Book a Specialist Dry Eye Consultation
If dry, uncomfortable or watery eyes are affecting your quality of life, a detailed assessment can help identify the underlying causes and provide a clearer basis for personalised treatment.
To arrange a private consultation at The Retina Clinic London, call +44 (0)20 4548 5310.
Treatment recommendations are based on an individual clinical assessment. Not every treatment is suitable for every patient.