Researchers estimate that dry eye affects about 5% to 50% of the population worldwide. Our Rowville practice offers innovative dry eye treatments to alleviate symptoms and restore eye health. Our team employs a range of advanced diagnostic tools to accurately assess the underlying causes of your dry eye, customising a treatment plan for effective, long-lasting relief.
What is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome, or dry eye disease, occurs when tears cannot provide adequate lubrication for the eyes. This can happen for a couple of reasons: either the eyes do not produce enough tears, or the tears produced are of poor quality. The condition is uncomfortable and can affect vision and eye health if left untreated.
- Decreased Tear Production: As you age, tear production tends to decrease. Medical conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid problems, as well as certain medications and antidepressants, can also reduce tear output.
- Poor Tear Quality: Healthy tears contain oil, water, and mucus. Issues in any of these layers can cause tear instability and quick evaporation. For example, if the oil glands in the eyelids (meibomian glands) are blocked, the oil layer may be compromised, leading to quicker tear evaporation.
- Environmental Factors: Wind, dry air, and smoke can increase tear evaporation. Staring at screens for a long time without blinking can also cause the tears to evaporate more quickly than they are replenished.
Signs and Symptoms of Dry Eye
- Stinging or burning sensation in the eyes
- Redness and irritation
- Watery eyes, which is the body’s response to the irritation of dry eyes
- Blurred vision or eye fatigue
- Feeling like something is in your eyes (foreign body sensation)
The discomfort and visual disturbances from dry eye arise because tears are essential for maintaining the health of the eye’s front surface and for providing clear vision. Healthy tear film on the eye's surface keeps it smooth, clear, and free from dust and other particulates. Without this lubrication, inflammation and damage to the eye surface can occur, leading to the typical symptoms of dry eyes.
Discover Our Dry Eye Treatments in Rowville
At Rowville Eyecare, we are committed to providing effective relief and long-term solutions for patients suffering from dry eye.
Our evaluation process includes advanced diagnostic tests to assess tear quality, production, and the overall health of the eye's surface. Techniques such as tear film imaging and meibomian gland evaluations help us determine the root cause of dryness, whether due to environmental factors, underlying health conditions, or lifestyle habits.
Based on the results of these assessments, we create a personalised treatment plan that may include artificial tears, prescription eye drops, punctal plugs, lifestyle adjustments, and Quantum technology masks.
Quantum Technology Heat Masks
Quantum technology masks utilise carefully controlled heat therapy to liquefy and release oils from the meibomian glands located in the eyelids. This helps improve oil flow onto the eye’s surface, enhancing the tear film's quality and stability.
This treatment is especially beneficial for patients suffering from meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), a common cause of evaporative dry eye.
We provide continuous support and follow-up appointments to monitor dry eyes and adjust treatment as necessary. Our goal is to alleviate the immediate symptoms and implement long-term strategies that effectively manage dry eye syndrome.
Whether you’re experiencing mild irritation or more severe symptoms, schedule an appointment to discover how we can help you find relief.
- Phone: 03 9000 0892
- Email: info@rowville-eyecare.com.au
(Do not send personal health information by email.)
Rowville, VIC 3178
- Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Closed on Public Holidays