About Dry Eye Disease — Strathfield Eyecare
What is Dry Eye Disease?
Dry eye disease is a very common eye condition that affects all age groups. There are several causes including insufficient production of tears and/or poor meibum oil quality. Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) is the most common cause, known as evaporative dry eye. The meibomian glands sit along the lid margins and contribute clear oil to the tear film, slowing evaporation. Dry eye disease affects over 344 million people worldwide. MGD is chronic, progressive and largely irreversible. Early intervention and careful management can vastly improve long-term outcomes.
What Causes Dry Eyes?
Causes include: aging and natural reduction in tear production; hormonal changes (females have higher risk); low-humidity environments and air conditioning; medications such as antihistamines, beta blockers and diuretics; prolonged screen use reducing blink frequency; ocular conditions like blepharitis and pterygia; systemic conditions including diabetes and Sjogren's syndrome; long-term contact lens use; and refractive surgery.
Dry Eye Assessment at Strathfield Eyecare
Strathfield Eyecare uses the Oculus Keratograph K5M for comprehensive dry eye assessment. It measures tear break-up time, meibomian gland health, and produces the Jenvis PRO Dry Eye Report for accurate baseline measurements and progress tracking over time.
In-Clinic Dry Eye Treatments
Blephasteam and Gland Expression
Blephasteam delivers moist heat therapy to soften blocked meibomian gland lipids. More effective than hot compresses, it heats oil glands to appropriate temperatures for longer. After 10 minutes, manual gland expression unblocks the oils. Ongoing therapy treats the cause and slows progression.
Low Level Light Therapy (LM/LLLT)
Light Modulation LLLT is a clinically proven, non-invasive photobiomodulation therapy originally developed by NASA. A medical-grade, TGA-approved LED mask delivers red and near-infrared light to stimulate Cytochrome C Oxidase in the mitochondria, restoring cellular energy production, softening blocked meibomian gland secretions, promoting healthy blood flow, and activating antioxidant defences. It treats dry eye disease, MGD, chalazion, styes, blepharitis, ocular rosacea, Sjogren's syndrome, pre/post-surgical support, and contact lens discomfort. Two to four sessions are typically recommended, with results lasting 6-12 months.
Rexon-Eye QMR Treatment
Rexon-Eye is the only treatment that effectively addresses both evaporative (MGD) and aqueous-deficient dry eye. Using patented QMR Technology, it stimulates periocular glands at a cellular level for long-term relief. It is pleasant, relaxing and clinically proven.
InMode Envision Treatment
Envision combines bipolar radiofrequency (Forma-I) and intense pulsed light (Lumecca) to target meibomian gland dysfunction. It treats blepharitis, rosacea, styes, and chalazion while improving tear film stability and reducing inflammation.
The Dry Eye Management Journey
- Comprehensive eye examination to rule out other causes of discomfort and assess systemic factors.
- Dry eye assessment using Oculus Keratograph K5M for baseline measurements.
- Therapeutic treatment tailored to individual needs — lifestyle/diet changes, prescription drops, in-clinic treatment.
- Ongoing management with timely top-up treatments to maintain optimal gland function.
Contact Strathfield Eyecare
Address: Shop 5, 23-25 Churchill Ave, Strathfield NSW 2135, Australia. Phone: (02) 9745 9800. Email: admin@strathfieldeyecare.com.au. Book online for an obligation-free dry eye consultation.
