What Is Dry Eye Disease (DED)?
Dry Eye is a disease; it is more than an inconvenience or ageing problem of the eyes. DED occurs when the fine balance of your tear layer – mucus, water and oil – become out of balance. This can be due to numerous factors. Once your tears are out of balance a cycle of problems occur, which increase in severity the longer it is left. Break the cycle and relief can be found.
Dry eye disease is affecting more and more people due to busy lifestyles, high levels of screen use, diet, medications and general health. For some it can be quite debilitating and affect their mental health as well as their ocular health. It is a chronic condition, which with management can be improved but it never fully heals. Without treatment and management, the condition can worsen.
Signs & Symptoms of Dry Eye Disease are:
Feeling |
Appearance |
|---|---|
| Watery eyes | Generalised redness |
| Gritty sensation | Watery |
| Burning or stinging | Frequent blinking |
| Feeling as if something is in the eye | ‘Dandruff’ or crusty lashes |
| Blurring of vision between blinking | Oily or slimy eyelids |
| Itching | Broken eyelashes |
| Sore/Painful | Puffy eyelids |
There are 2 main types of dry eye disease, either excessive evaporation (due to a poor oily layer) or reduced production (of the watery layer). When either of these layers are reduced, the ocular surface is exposed resulting in DED symptoms.
Traditionally, all types of dry eye have been treated in the same way, usually with eye drops. At Pinders we take a more advanced approach. Our Ultimate Dry Eye Assessment identifies the underlying cause of your dry eye disease, allowing us to tailor treatment so you can manage your symptoms more effectively.
The Main Causes Of DED
The two main causes of DED are Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) and Blepharitis.
MGD is responsible for about 85% of DED. These glands produce and secrete the oily layer of the tear film. Changes to the eyelids cause the glands to produce a thicker, more buttery oil which is harder to release when we blink.
If MGD isn’t treated the glands eventually die back and treatment becomes difficult, but not impossible.
Blepharitis is a build up around the base of the eyelashes and eye lid margin. This build up can be dried skin, dried tears, eyedrops, cosmetics & mucus. It can range from mild to severe, and in most cases, people do not know they have it. This build up causes the eyelids to become red and inflamed, again affecting the glands which produce the oil. Any build-up of make-up, dried skin or even dried tears are then a breeding ground for the micro-organisms that live naturally within our skin. This over colonialisation of micro-organisms leads to further redness and inflammation, making the situation worse.
Eye-Light LLLT
Following IPL, the Eye-Light mask is applied for up to 15 minutes. This advanced LLLT (low-level light therapy) stimulates the glands at a cellular level, boosting energy production and improving efficiency. Red light targets the Meibomian glands to enhance oil secretion, while blue light helps reduce bacterial load associated with blepharitis. Multiple sessions are needed for a cumulative effect, though many clients notice improvement after the first treatment.
LLLT is the technology behind Eye-Light. It is completely painless and effective for MGD, dry eye disease, and Demodex. By using Photobiomodulation at a cellular level, LLLT encourages cells to function more efficiently. Different wavelengths—red or blue—can be tailored to address specific issues safely and comfortably.
Your clinician will recommend the best treatment protocol based on the severity of your symptoms and how quickly relief is needed. This may involve IPL combined with LLLT red, IPL with LLLT blue, or IPL with both red and blue light.
Light Therapy Costs
The light therapies can either be single, dual or triple light treatment depending on your eye conditions.
- Single Light therapy course – 4 treatments over a 4-week period £550
- Dual Light therapy – 2 forms of light therapy over a 4-week period £800
- Triple Light therapy – all 3 forms of light therapy over a 4-week period £1000
For severe DED top up treatments may be required. This will depend on the severity of the condition, and your home regime. A top up is a single stand-alone treatment of either single, dual or triple light therapy that you had at the start of your treatment.
Top up treatments costs range from £150- £400
Members of our Care Plan receive 10% off all treatment costs, including the Ultimate Dry Eye Assessment and light therapy courses.
Pinders Care Plan
Exclusive benefits. Expert care. One simple monthly fee.
Looking for complete peace of mind when it comes to your eyecare? With the Pinders Care Plan, you’ll receive VIP treatment as standard — from our Ultimate Eye Examinations to emergency eyecare, and up to 50% off all eyewear, including stylish sunglasses and prescription lenses. Designed to make quality eyecare more accessible, our Care Plan turns luxury into everyday value.