Dry eye test
Dry eyes can cause discomfort and irritation, and impact your daily life. At Leightons, our expert optometrists can assess your condition and provide an expert dry eye consultation, along with tailored treatment to help you find relief.
Signs you might need a dry eye assessment
If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, it could be a sign that you need a dry eye assessment:
- Stinging or burning sensation in your eyes
- Feeling like there's something in your eye (foreign body sensation)
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
- Ocular irritation
- Presence of stringy mucous discharge
- Symptoms exacerbated by smoke, wind, or heat
- Symptoms worsening throughout the day
It's important to note that you may not necessarily describe your symptoms as a feeling of dryness. Regular eye tests are crucial for detecting dry eye early and preventing further complications, even if you don't have obvious symptoms.
During your appointment, our optometrists will check for signs of dry eye and recommend the best course of action.
Why treating dry eye is important?
Dry eyes are linked with higher chance of problems if you are due to have eye surgery, such as a cataract operation.
Most eye surgeons now recommend dry eye and all associated problems (like blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction, inflammatory conditions which disrupt the tear film on an ongoing basis) are treated, before surgery, to improve the chances of success.
What happens in a dry eye test?
Discussion
During a dry eye assessment, we carefully discuss your concerns. Your optometrist will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any medications you're taking that could contribute to dry eyes. Then, they carry out a detailed observation of your eyes.
Examination
Using a slit lamp microscope, your optometrist will closely examine your eyes and assess the quality and quantity of your tears. They may also perform a tear evaporation, which measures how quickly your tears dry out. During the examination, a small amount of coloured liquid will be introduced into your tears to evaluate how they flow and identify any dry areas on the surface of your eyes. This process is completely painless, and will not adversely affect your vision.
Diagnosis and Treatment Plan
Based on the findings, your optometrist will diagnose the cause of your dry eyes, design a tailored management plan just for you to help ease your symptoms and recommend a suitable treatment plan. We have a range of the best eye drops and lid hygiene products to help get your eyes and tears working properly again using home-based therapies.
Treatment options
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Treatment
IPL is an innovative, non-invasive procedure that uses gentle light pulses to target the underlying causes of dry eye disease.
Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT)
Low-Level Light Therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, is a treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate healing and reduce inflammation in the tissues around the eyes.
Microexfoliation and Massage Treatment
Eyelid microexfoliation and massage treatment is a professional consulting-room based treatment designed to improve eyelid hygiene. This treatment is a specialised procedure that uses a micro-sponge or soft tip to gently exfoliate and clean the edges of your eyelids and lashes.
ZEST (Zocular Eyelid System Treatment)
ZEST is a professional eyelid cleaning procedure that uses a natural, okra-based gel to gently but effectively clean the eyelids and remove debris and biofilm.
How much does a dry eye test cost?
Our optometrists can provide you with a comprehensive dry eye assessment in a dedicated appointment. This is especially useful for anyone who has unresolved issues that have tried to treat at home. The fee for this expert service is £99 and if you're a member of our MyLeightons care plan, dry eye assessment consultations are included at no extra charge, as part of your membership benefits. The MyLeightons care plan offers exceptional value, with additional discounts on consulting room based treatment for dry eye, glasses, contact lenses, and other eye care services.
How to book your dry eye test?
Book online
You can book your dry eye assessment consultation through our online booking system.
Book by Phone
Call us on 0800 40 20 20. Lines are open Monday to Saturday, 8:30am to 5:00pm.