A common, multifactorial condition that occurs when the eye’s tear film is unstable, insufficient, or of poor quality.
Specialist Diagnosis and Treatment of Dry Eye Syndrome
At Newcastle Eye Centre, we have extensive experience in the diagnosis and management of dry eye, using advanced imaging technologies and a structured treatment protocol. Our goal is to identify the underlying cause and provide evidence-based interventions that go beyond temporary relief.
What is Dry Eye Syndrome?
A stable tear film is essential for maintaining eye health and clear vision. When the eyes fail to produce adequate tears, or when the tears evaporate too quickly, Dry Eye Syndrome can develop.
It is estimated that approximately 1 in 10 adults in Australia and New Zealand are affected. Symptoms can range from mild irritation to persistent dryness and fluctuating vision, impacting quality of life.
Symptoms and Causes
Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome
Patients may experience:
- Persistent dryness or grittiness
- Burning or stinging sensations
- Fluctuating or blurred vision
- Eye fatigue, particularly with reading or screen use
- Sensitivity to wind, smoke, or air conditioning
- Paradoxical tearing (watering eyes caused by irritation)
Causes and Risk Factors
Dry Eye Syndrome has many contributing factors, including:
- Certain medications (such as antihistamines or antidepressants)
- Medical conditions (e.g. Bell’s Palsy, lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis)
- Age-related changes
- Long-term contact lens wear
- History of vision correction surgery
- Environmental exposure (dry or windy climates)
- Lifestyle factors such as smoking
Because dry eye is a multifactorial condition, identifying the underlying cause is a crucial first step in management.
Dry Eye can be divided into two major sub-groups:
1. Evaporative Dry Eye
This is where the quality of the tears are suboptimal so that the tears evaporate causing Dry Eye, requiring installation of lubricating drops.
2. Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)
This is where the oil glands of the eyelid become blocked. This is often associated with Blepharitis and requires the same treatment regimen.
Advanced Diagnostics
At Newcastle Eye Centre, accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective dry eye management. Our clinic is proud to offer advanced, non-invasive diagnostic technology to assess the underlying causes of Dry Eye Syndrome.
We use the OCULUS Keratograph 5M (KG5), a state-of-the-art imaging system that allows us to:
- Assess tear film quality and stability
- Measure tear break-up time (TBUT)
- Evaluate meibomian gland function and detect gland loss
- Differentiate between aqueous-deficient and evaporative dry eye
- Monitor changes over time to assess treatment progress
This technology is especially valuable for identifying Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) (a leading cause of evaporative dry eye) and blepharitis, both of which often require targeted treatment approaches.
By using these tools, we are able to tailor individualised treatment plans based on precise diagnostic information rather than relying on generalised assumptions or trial-and-error methods.
Treatment of Dry Eye Syndrome associated with MGD
Newcastle Eye Centre has developed a dedicated 4-week protocol for the management of MGD Dry Eye Syndrome. This structured program combines advanced treatment modalities delivered in sequence to target the underlying causes of tear film dysfunction.
At 8 weeks post-treatment, a review consultation is undertaken, including repeat diagnostic imaging, to assess the response to therapy. Outcomes from this assessment determine whether the condition has been stabilised or if additional treatment is required.
Our Treatment Modalities for Dry Eye Syndrome:
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
If you have suffered for a long time with chronic dry eye and it seems like all the drops and other dry eye solutions are just a short-lived, temporary relief, it may be time to take your eye care treatment to the next level. A new long-lasting solution with a great success rate known as IPL technology has been developed, designed to help those specifically with Evaporative Dry Eye.
IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light and is intended for long-term relief by treating the main cause of chronic dry eye: inflammation. The wavelengths from the IPL target the visible signs of inflammation in the eye and reduce the inflamed cells in the cornea. While drops and other remedies may be a snappy relief of moisture at the moment, they aren’t treating the problem at the source and solving your dry eye disease.
IPL technology focuses on the most common type of chronic dry eye (from the Meibomian glands, the evaporative dry eye) which happens to be less of a surface-level problem and requires a more invasive treatment to correct its lack of oil/lipid production. This is not to say that this technology specifically targets these glands. Instead, the infrared light creates a pulse that develops a micro gradient temperature that then triggers neurotransmitters which are linked to nerves connected to the Meibomian glands. This assembly line passes on stimulation to revive the glands’ natural lipid secretion.
For more information, download the brochure.
Rexon Eye
Rexon Eye is an effective therapy for all types of the dry eye disease, evaporative, aqueous deficient and mixed dry eye.
For more information, visit rexoneye.com or download the brochure.
Tixel
Tixel is a device for the application of localised heat and pressure therapy in adult patients with evaporative dry eye disease due to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Powered by proprietary Thermo-Mechanical Action (TMA®), treatments consist of short pulses of controlled heat applied with gentle pressure through a matrix of self-disinfecting, titanium pyramids.
More information can be found via Tixel
Eye Light
LM® LLLT (Low Level Laser Therapy) for the treatment of dry eye disease.
More information is available here.
Lacritec
Lacritec is an Australian-developed oral supplement designed to alleviate dry eye symptoms by addressing inflammation and supporting a healthy tear film from within. It contains a proprietary blend of omega fatty acids from fish oil, flaxseed oil, and borage oil, along with Vitamin E.
Newcastle Eye Centre is able to supply this product at a significantly reduced price.
Further Resources
Download the RANZCO information sheet.
Clinical Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every individual’s condition is unique, and the details presented here may not apply to your personal situation. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions or concerns you have about your health or treatment options. Reliance on this information is solely at your own risk.