Dry Eye Treatments, Including IPL
Dry eye and blepharitis treatment in Aberdeen
Every treatment we offer starts with a full assessment at our dry eye clinic, so we can find out what’s causing your symptoms and recommend the right treatment for you. Your treatment plan will be put together by Lindsey Jones, an independent prescribing optometrist.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
Many cases of dry eye are caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). IPL combined with low-level light therapy (LLLT) is a pain-free and effective way to treat dry eye related to MGD, improving the quality of your tears and easing symptoms.
Effect of treatment:
What is MGD?
The meibomian glands in your eyelids produce oil that forms part of your tear film. This oily layer stops your tears from evaporating too quickly and keeps the surface of the eye lubricated, a bit like oil in a car engine.
When these glands don’t work properly, tears evaporate too fast, and your eyes become dry and irritated. People with MGD often have enlarged blood vessels along the edge of the eyelids, which add to the inflammation.
How IPL works
IPL closes off these abnormal blood vessels to reduce inflammation. Combined with LLLT, it also opens up the meibomian glands and softens the oil inside them, so it can flow freely again.
What to expect
Many patients notice an improvement soon after their first treatment. Depending on how severe your dry eye is, you’ll usually need 3 to 4 treatments, 2 to 3 weeks apart. After that, you shouldn’t need further treatment for 6 to 12 months.
IPL with red or blue LLLT: £200 per session
IPL with red and blue LLLT: £250 per session
Low-Level Light Therapy
LLLT uses specially designed LED lights in a mask to gently warm the eyelids. This helps unclog the meibomian glands, so they release the oils your eyes need to stay healthy, moist and comfortable.
It’s quick, painless and non-invasive. You simply lie back with the mask on and relax while the light gets to work.
Red LLLT treats MGD and dry eye, and can also be used to treat styes and chalazia (cysts on the eyelid).
Blue LLLT kills the bacteria that live on the skin around the eyes, which are one of the causes of dry eye and blepharitis.
Most patients benefit from a combination of red and blue LLLT.
Red or blue LLLT: £75 per session, or 3 sessions for £205
Amniotic Membrane
What is an Amniotic Membrane?
The amniotic membrane is the innermost layer of the placenta. It has natural properties that help protect and heal damaged areas of the eye, reduce inflammation and support the regrowth of healthy tissue. It’s sometimes called a “biological bandage”.
How is it prepared?
The membrane is collected from consenting mothers who have had a planned caesarean section. It is then carefully cleaned and preserved so it’s safe and effective for medical use.
How we use it
At Jones Eyecare, we mainly use amniotic membrane to treat dry eye disease. The membrane sits on the surface of the eye, held in place by a soft bandage contact lens called OmniLenz®, and acts as a temporary dressing while the eye heals. It’s usually left in for one week.
We can also use it for patients with recurrent corneal erosions that haven’t healed with traditional treatment.
Why choose amniotic membrane?
It’s a quick procedure, taking just 4 to 6 minutes
It’s carried out here in the practice
It limits inflammation that can damage the eye
It supports natural healing
In some cases, it can avoid the need for surgery
Amniotic membrane treatment: £600, including both appointments for insertion and removal
Book your dry eye assessment
Not sure which treatment is right for you? Read about the common symptoms of dry eyes and causes of dry eyes, then book online or get in touch to arrange your assessment.