Dry eye known medically as keratoconjunctivitis sicca or keratitis sicca, is a condition where there is a problem with the production of tears.
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Usually eyes feel irritated, scratchy, dry and uncomfortable. Eyes may be red and there may be a burning sensation, or it may feel as if there is something in the eye like grit or an eyelash. Sometimes there may be periods of blurred vision but these normally go away after a short while or on blinking. Sometimes eyes may water too much and often eyes won’t actually feel dry but you may notice that there are no tears when you are upset or when peeling onions.
Why do my eyes feel this way?
Tears are important as they form a layer on the very front of the eye. Called the tear film, this layer does a number of things. The tear film takes a part in the focusing of light into the eye but it mainly lubricates the eye keeping it moist and smooth. The tear film is actually made up of three layers each with a different function.The layer closest to the eye is called the mucin layer. It coats the cornea which is the clear window at the front of the eye; it forms a foundation for the other layers of the tear film.
The middle layer is called the aqueous layer. This is the watery layer that most people think of when they think of tears. This layer is produced by the lacrimal gland which is underneath the upper eyelid. This layer provides moisture and supplies oxygen and other important nutrients to the cornea. This layer is mainly water.
The outer layer is called the lipid layer. This is an oily film which seals the tear film to the eye and helps to prevent any evaporation. Evaporation is the technical name for the watery layer being lost into the air.
The mucin and lipid layers are produced by small glands around the eye. Each time we blink the tears are spread onto the front of the eye. Excess tears are drained away by tiny drainage holes on the inside of the eyelids, these holes channel the excess tears into the nose. This is why crying sometimes makes your nose run.
Dry eye has a number of causes. It happens mostly as a part of the natural ageing process but can also be caused by problems with blinking or problems with the glands which produce the tears. Some drugs can cause dry eye, like antihistamines and oral contraceptives. Contact lenses carry an increased risk if you have dry eye.
Sometimes dry eye is also a symptom of other conditions affecting other parts of the body particularly arthritis or a condition called Sjogrens syndrome. Sjogrens syndrome is a condition where, as well as dry eyes, people can also have a dry mouth and a dry vagina. This condition can also involve a type of arthritis.
We offer a range of treatment options for dry eye, including Intense Pulsed Light (IPL). IPL addresses the root cause of dry eye by stimulating tear glands to produce higher quality secretions, resulting in natural and long-term relief from dry eye symptoms.
Read more about IPL dry eye treatment
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New Patient Team: 0800 328 3421Dry eye consultants
Dr Hari Jayaram
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Professor Anthony Khawaja
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Miss Poornima Rai
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Miss Eleni Nikita
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Miss Branka Marjanovic
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Mr Saab Bhermi
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Mr Ranjan Rajendram
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Mr Rajesh Deshmukh
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Mr Niaz Islam
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Miss Swan Kang
Consultant Oculoplastic Surgeon
Mr Kamran Saha
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Mr Romil Patel
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Miss Pei-Fen Lin
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Miss Claire Daniel
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Ms Pari Shams
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Mr Zubin Saihan
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Mr Martin Watson
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Professor Mariya Moosajee
Consultant Ophthalmologist
Miss Emma Jones
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Mr Praveen Patel
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Professor Michel Michaelides
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Mr Raj Das-Bhaumik
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Mr Badrul Hussain
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Mr Sajjad Ahmad
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Professor Adnan Tufail
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Miss Dhanes Thomas
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Mr David Verity
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Mr Aires Lobo
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Mr George Voyatzis
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Mr Anant Sharma
Consultant ophthalmic surgeon (private practice in Bedford only)
Mr George Saleh
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Mr John Brookes
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Mr Jaheed Khan
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Miss Sharmina Khan
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Miss Su-yin Koay
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Dr Erika Damato
Consultant Medical Ophthalmologist
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Cataract surgery: What type of lens replacement is right for me?Written by Mr Saab Bhermi, Consultant Ophthalmic SurgeonPaying for treatment
Private Medical InsuranceIf you are covered by private medical insurance, please verify the details with your insurer prior to arrival and if possible, obtain a pre-authorisation number.
Self payYou don’t have to be insured to come to Moorfields Private. Many of our patients pay for their own treatment.
Interest free payment plansWe offer payment plans via a 3rd party provider for the majority of cases within the following procedures:
- Laser eye surgery
- Refractive lens exchange (RLE)
- Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)
- Cataract surgery (unilateral and bilateral)
- Squint (Strabismus) surgery
- Glaucoma surgery
- Retinal examination under anaesthetic (City Road only)
- Photodynamic therapy (New Cavendish Street only)
You are able to apply for interest free payment plans for over up to ten months, subject to a credit check and Terms and Conditions. No deposit is required.
For more information please speak to your consultant’s practice manager prior to your consultation.
Third party sponsorshipIf a company, employer or other third party agrees to settle your account, they will be required to provide a letter of guarantee along with a deposit.