Targeted Medical Therapies
Once we reach a diagnosis, we may decide that you require some medication.
Where possible, we will endeavour to prescribe drops without any preservatives.
We will issue you with a private prescription or we can write to your GP and ask them to prescribe for you if you prefer.
Inflammation
Inflammation of the eye may require a short course of steroids drops. In some cases where there is more chronic inflammation, we may recommend long term use of ciclosporin drops.
MGD
If we find meibomian gland dysfunction we may prescribe a long course of a low dose antibiotic that has been shown to reduce inflammation and bacterial load of the glands to improve the quality of the meibum.
Infections
If we identify infection we may prescribe an antibiotic drop or ointment.
Ocular Allergies
For ocular allergy we will prescribe an anti-histamine drop or mast cell stabiliser (or combined drug).
Medical Treatments for Dry Eye
Lubricants (Artificial Tears & Ocular Surface Agents)
These are first-line treatments used to improve tear film stability and relieve symptoms:
- Preservative-free artificial tears
- Ointments and gels (e.g. carbomer gels, paraffin-based ointments)
- Lipid-based tear supplements
Anti-inflammatory Agents
Dry eye often has an inflammatory component. Topical corticosteroids (short-term use) and Topical immunomodulators such as ciclosporin (longer term use) are used to reduce ocular surface inflammation and improve tear production.
Antibiotics (Topical & Oral)
Used when there is associated blepharitis or meibomian gland dysfunction. They can help modify lid flora and reduce inflammation in meibomian glands. Oral antibiotics are now less commonly due to concerns of affecting the normal gut microbiome. They are however required if there is suspected infection of the eyelid and surrounding tissues which can occur with a stye or chalazians.
Antihistamines & Mast Cell Stabilizers
If dry eye is linked to allergic eye disease, topical antihistamines and mast cell stabilisers can reduce allergic reaction contributing to dryness.
Mucolytics
Used less commonly but sometimes used in severe ocular surface disease to breakdown mucin strands.
We Are Independent Prescribers
Our dry eye specialists have completed the College of Optometrists higher diploma in Therapeutics. Independent Prescribing Optometrists can prescribe any medicine for the treatment of eye conditions such as dry eye.