A Dry Eye Assessment is a dedicated examination designed to investigate the cause of your dry, irritated, or uncomfortable eyes. Rather than simply treating the symptoms, this assessment focuses on identifying the underlying reason for your dryness, whether it's due to tear quality, gland dysfunction, or environmental and lifestyle factors.
During the assessment, your optician will perform a series of detailed tests to evaluate the health of your tear film, eyelids, and ocular surface. This allows us to determine the type of dry eye you may have (such as evaporative or aqueous-deficient) and develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
If you regularly experience stinging, gritty, tired, or watery eyes, especially after screen use or in dry environments, a Dry Eye Assessment is the best first step toward lasting relief and clearer, more comfortable vision.
Who is it for?
Dry eye symptoms can affect anyone, but certain people are more at risk. You may benefit from a Dry Eye Assessment if you fall into any of the following groups:
Dry Eye Assessment
Before any treatment begins, it's important to understand the underlying cause of your dry eye symptoms, using advanced imaging technology, the IDRA system performs a comprehensive series of non-invasive tests to assess the quality and function of your tear film. It evaluates key areas such as the lipid (oil) layer, tear volume (tear meniscus) and the condition of the eyelid margins and blood vessels.
This in-depth analysis provides a clear picture of your eye surface health and helps identify the specific type and severity of Dry Eye Disease, based on the results, we can then develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your eyes' unique needs.
Dry Eye Treatments
TearStim IPL
The TearStim procedure is quick and comfortable, completed in just a few minutes, while you relax in a reclining chair, our optometrist will gently place protective eye shields over your closed eyes and apply a cooling gel to the skin beneath them. A sequence of light pulses are then delivered to the area just below each eye, this process is repeated on both sides to stimulate the glands responsible for tear production.
Most people notice a difference after just four sessions and the results can last anywhere from six months to up to three years. To maintain long-term comfort, we recommend an annual booster session and, in some cases, a simple home care routine.
From the very first session you will experience relief from dry, irritated, or watery eyes, making daily discomfort a thing of the past.
Activa Heat & Massage Therapy
Activa is a therapeutic eye mask designed to deliver fast, effective, and lasting relief for irritated or inflamed eyelids, the device gently warms the eyelids to around 42°C over a 15-minute session, while simultaneously applying micro-vibration massage to enhance comfort and support gland health.
This dual-action treatment helps soften and loosen blockages in the meibomian glands, improving oil flow and relieving symptoms associated with blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), styes, and chalazion. It’s especially beneficial for reducing eyelid swelling, irritation, and discomfort.
We recommend Activa as a follow-up to TearStim IPL treatment, or as a standalone option for milder dry eye cases. When used on its own, weekly sessions for the first month are ideal, followed by maintenance treatments every two months to preserve results.
Blephasteam® by Théa Pharmaceuticals
The blephasteam is a medical-grade moist heat therapy device designed to treat common causes of dry eye, particularly Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) and blepharitis. It’s a gentle, non-invasive way to restore healthy tear function by loosening and clearing blocked oil glands in the eyelids.
The device is worn over the eyes while you're seated comfortably, with each session lasting around 10 minutes. It produces controlled moist heat (typically around 42°C), creating the ideal conditions to melt the thickened oils (meibum) that block the glands, this warm environment softens the gland secretions while hydrating the eyelid surface, preparing the eyes for effective gland expression (performed manually by your clinician if needed).
After the warming cycle, our optometrist may follow up with meibomian gland expression to help release the softened oils and improve gland function.
Treatments are painless and can be repeated regularly depending on the severity of your condition.
ZEST (Zocular Eyelid System Technology)
ZEST is a gentle eyelid cleansing treatment designed to target the root causes of dry eye, blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
The specially formulated okra-based gel, containing nourishing ingredients like lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamins, and flavonoids, is gently massaged along the eyelid margins with a foam applicator to create a light lather, lifting away biofilm, debris, bacteria and mites that can build up and lead to inflammation. After cleaning, the area is rinsed with saline to leave the eyelids hygienic and refreshed.
Many patients notice immediate relief, often with reduced redness, itching and irritation.
Your Dry Eye Experts
The dry assessment and treatments are carried out by our highly qualified and experienced optometrists who are dedicated to providing exceptional care.
Our team take the time to understand your needs and offer clear, friendly guidance every step of the way, your eye health is our top priority.
