Dry Eye Clinic Perth & Fremantle

Before we begin treatment, we carry out a dry eye screening assessment to identify the cause of your symptoms. This includes checking tear film stability, signs of ocular inflammation and how well your meibomian glands are functioning using specialised equipment and recognised clinical protocols.

We will explain the results before treatment starts, and where needed, we can use infra-red meibomian gland imaging to show how active or dormant the glands are so you can better understand what is causing your dry eye.

Dry eye is a chronic disease whereby regular treatment is recommended.

There are a number of treatments available for dry eye, ranging from eye drops and warm compresses through to IPL treatment and medications. It may take more than one consultation to find the right option for you.

At times your condition will improve and you may be tempted to discontinue treatment. However, it’s important to manage this condition and continue treatment. Our optometrists will develop a treatment plan with you and monitor your progress throughout the plan.

Mask-associated dry eye has become common during the COVID-19 pandemic. When air vents from the top of your mask and across the surface of your eyes, it causes your tear fluid to evaporate more quickly, causing (or worsening) dry eye.

A properly fitted mask forces air to vent downwards, away from your eyes. Wearing a mask with nose wire that can be shaped to fit firmly across the bridge of your nose, or taping down the top of your mask with skin-friendly tape, can help. Additionally, try to blink more often while you wear your mask, as this distributes tear fluid across your eye.

Using dry eye treatments, such as lubricating eye drops (artificial tears), warm compresses or heated eye masks, can also help you manage mask associated dry eye. If your symptoms persist or are severe, please consult with our optometrists for further assessment.

The results of dry eye treatment will vary by patient. Anecdotal evidence suggests that after the first two treatments, minimal improvement may be noted. After three treatments, improvements are likely to be noticed by patients together with an improvement in clinical signs. The great majority of patients start to notice an improvement after 4 treatments. A cautiously optimistic approach is to expect improvement after 4 - 5 treatments together with a reduction in the use of lubricating eye drops.

For mild dry eyes, there are a few things you can try at home to help relieve symptoms. Using artificial tears or lubricating eye drops can provide temporary relief. Applying a warm compress to your eyes or gently massaging your eyelids can also help improve tear production. It’s important to stay hydrated, as drinking plenty of water supports overall eye health. However, if your symptoms persist, it’s best to consult with an eye care professional for tailored treatment.

Yes, watery eyes can be a symptom of dry eyes. When your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the right quality of tears, they can become irritated. This is because breaks form in the tear film, exposing the underlying cornea.

Disruption to the tear film irritates (often described as a foreign body sensation) and causes reflex tearing. This is your body’s natural way of protecting your eyes and is usually a sign that your eyes are too dry and need proper treatment.

Mild cases of dry eye syndrome are prevalent and, with proper treatment, will not lead to blindness.

However, dry eyes can potentially result in permanent vision impairment in severe cases if left untreated. If vision suddenly or even gradually deteriorates, it is important to seek professional advice.

Research suggests there may be a link between dry eyes and headaches, but more studies are needed to fully understand this complex connection.

While there is no permanent cure for dry eyes, the right treatment can significantly improve your symptoms and provide relief from symptoms.

Our clinic is located in Fremantle on High Street, with 1-hour free parking bays along both sides of the road. This should allow enough time for your eye test. 

If all of these bays are taken, there is plenty of paid parking available around the corner - opposite CBC near the tennis courts.

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids, specifically the lid margin. This can be classed as Anterior Blepharitis or Posterior Blepharitis, also known as Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. 

Anterior Blepharitis affects the front of the eyelid and the lashes. It is primarily caused by bacteria or mites that occur on the skin normally but are in excessive amounts in blepharitis patients. 

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction pertains more to the inner eyelid and the entrance to the meibomian glands. These glands become blocked, which impedes the flow of oil into the tear layer. This causes the oil to back up in the gland, and become thicker, so the secretion of oil may not happen at all, or it may be secreted in thicker blobs. This can lead to a number of downstream problems, like dry eye, lumps in the eye lids called chalazions, or even styes if they become infected.

No. At For Eyes, we are a private billing practice. This allows us to prioritising your eye health and gives us the ability to invest in advanced technology, training and spend the right time to understand your concerns.