Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome: Causes, Treatment, and Specialist Care

Nish Fofaria • 15 December 2024

Dry Eye Syndrome is a common condition that affects millions of people in the UK. It occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the quality of tears is inadequate, leading to discomfort, irritation, and even blurred vision.
 
At Eyecare Opticians in Ham, Kingston Upon Thames, we specialise in diagnosing and treating dry eye with advanced techniques and personalised care. Our expertise, combined with cutting-edge treatments like Blephex, ensures that you can find relief from this frustrating condition.


What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?


Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) is a chronic condition caused by issues with the tear film, which is essential for keeping the eyes lubricated.
 
The tear film consists of three layers:

1. Oil (Lipid): Prevents evaporation.

2. Water (Aqueous): Provides moisture and nourishment.

3. Mucin: Helps tears spread evenly over the eye.


Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome


Common symptoms include:

• Dry, gritty, or itchy sensations.

• Burning or stinging in the eyes.

• Sensitivity to light.

• Redness and discomfort.

• Blurred vision, especially after screen use.


What Causes Dry Eye Syndrome?


• Ageing: Tear production declines as we age.

• Environment: Dry, windy conditions and prolonged screen time can exacerbate symptoms.

• Medical Conditions: Conditions like blepharitis, rosacea, and autoimmune diseases (e.g., Sjögren’s Syndrome) are linked to dry eye.

• Contact Lenses: Prolonged wear can disrupt the tear film.

• Lifestyle: Reduced blinking during screen use or reading can aggravate dryness.


Specialist Dry Eye Treatment at Eyecare Opticians


At Eyecare Opticians, we take a tailored approach to dry eye management. Our expert-led clinic offers advanced diagnostic tools and treatments to relieve symptoms and improve long-term eye health.


Blephex Treatment for Dry Eye


The Blephex procedure is an advanced in-clinic treatment that gently removes biofilm and debris from the eyelid margins, helping to reduce inflammation and improve tear quality.


Book Your Dry Eye Consultation Today


Don’t let dry eye symptoms interfere with your quality of life. At Eyecare Opticians, we’re here to help. Whether you need relief from persistent discomfort or ongoing specialist care, our Dry Eye Clinic is equipped to deliver the highest standard of treatment.
 
Call us today or book your consultation online to experience the care and expertise that sets us apart.

Contact Lens Technology Has Changed — Here’s What You Need to Know

by Nish Fofaria • 26 November 2025
Contact Lens Technology Has Changed — Here’s What You Need to Know ... And Why Buying Lenses Online Could Be Riskier Than You Think Contact lenses have come a long way. Over the past decade, we’ve seen major advancements in oxygen permeability, comfort-based materials, moisture-retaining coatings, and even lenses designed to correct specific eye conditions such as dry eye or keratoconus. But at the same time, online contact lens sales have exploded — and not always for the right reasons. Convenience and price comparison make online ordering appealing, yet many patients don’t realise the risks that come with self-selecting lenses without proper clinical oversight. In this article, we’ll explore: • How modern contact lens technology has evolved • The benefits of newer lenses vs older generations • The hidden problems with buying contact lenses online • Why professional fitting matters for long-term eye health How Contact Lens Technology Has Evolved 1. Oxygen Permeability (Dk/t): Older hydrogel lenses restricted oxygen flow to the cornea, often leading to red, irritated eyes and higher infection risk. Modern silicone hydrogel lenses allow up to 5–6x more oxygen to reach the eye, keeping the cornea healthier and whiter throughout the day. 2. Advanced Wetting Agents: Today’s lenses are designed to lock in moisture. Technologies such as HydraGlyde®, TearStable™, and SmartSurface™ mimic natural tears to reduce dryness — especially helpful for digital-screen users and patients prone to dry eye. 3. Daily Disposable Innovation: Daily lenses are now thinner, smoother, and more breathable, minimising protein deposits and infection risk. This is a game-changer for people with allergies or sensitive eyes. 4. Specialised Optical Designs: New lenses can now help with presbyopia, astigmatism, myopia management in children, and dry eye through ultra-moisture and scleral technology. The Problem With Buying Contact Lenses Online ❗ Wrong Prescription — Contact lenses aren't like glasses. Two lenses with the same power can vary hugely in curvature, diameter, and oxygen transmission. ❗ No health assessment — Online retailers do not check for dry eye, corneal swelling or infection risk. ❗ Overwear habits go unnoticed — Sleeping or overwearing lenses increases risk of infection and scarring. ❗ Cheaper doesn’t always mean cheaper — Complications can lead to long-term damage and costly treatment. Why Professional Lens Fitting Matters At Eyecare Opticians Kingston, a contact lens assessment includes: • Corneal health examination • Tear film & dry eye evaluation • Precision fitting based on eye shape + lifestyle • Aftercare & monitoring • Access to the latest lens technology • Long-term eye protection & complication prevention Book a Consultation Eyecare Opticians – Kingston upon Thames 📞 020 8549 0331 🌐 eyecareopticians.com

Glaucoma & OCT Scans: Early Detection Is the Key to Protecting Your Sight

by Nish Fofaria • 17 November 2025
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible vision loss in the UK — yet most people don’t realise they have it until significant damage has already occurred. That’s because glaucoma often develops silently, without pain or obvious symptoms in the early stages. At Eyecare Opticians, Kingston upon Thames, we use advanced diagnostic technology, including OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography), to detect glaucoma years earlier than traditional methods alone. What Is Glaucoma? Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve — the nerve that sends visual information from your eye to your brain. This damage is often caused by increased pressure inside the eye, but glaucoma can occur even with normal pressures. Why Glaucoma Is Known as the “Silent Thief of Sight” In most cases, glaucoma causes: - No pain - No redness - No early warning signs Common Symptoms of Glaucoma - Gradual loss of side (peripheral) vision - Blurred vision - Difficulty seeing in low light - Halos around lights - Headaches or eye pain Glaucoma Diagnosis at Eyecare Opticians Your glaucoma assessment may include: - OCT Scan - Optomap Ultra-Widefield Scan - Eye Pressure Measurement (IOP) - Visual Field Testing - Optic Nerve Examination Who Is at Risk? - Over age 60 - Family history of glaucoma - High eye pressure - Diabetes - Short- or long-sightedness - Steroid use Treatment Options Treatments include prescription drops, laser procedures, and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). Book Your Glaucoma Screening Eyecare Opticians 307 Richmond Road, Ham, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 5QU 020 8549 0331 www.eyecareopticians.com

Understanding Cataracts: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Options

by Nish Fofaria • 17 November 2025
Cataracts are one of the most common causes of reduced vision worldwide, particularly as we get older. Although they can develop gradually, the good news is that modern diagnostics and treatment make cataracts highly manageable—and often completely curable. At Eyecare Opticians in Kingston upon Thames, we regularly help patients detect cataracts early using advanced imaging such as OCT and Optomap. What Is a Cataract? A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, located behind the iris (the coloured part of the eye). The lens should be clear, allowing light to pass through and focus sharply on the retina. When a cataract develops, vision becomes blurred, hazy, or dim—much like looking through frosted glass. Common Symptoms of Cataracts - Blurred or cloudy vision - Difficulty seeing at night - Glare or halos around lights - Colours appearing faded or dull - Sensitivity to bright lights - Frequent changes in your glasses prescription Causes of Cataracts 1. Ageing – the most common cause. 2. UV Exposure – sunlight accelerates cataract formation. 3. Medical Conditions – diabetes, long-term steroids. 4. Eye Injuries or Surgery. 5. Genetics. Diagnosis at Eyecare Opticians We use: - OCT 3D eye scans - Optomap ultra-widefield imaging - Digital vision testing Treatment Options Early cataracts may simply be monitored or managed with updated glasses. Advanced cataracts are treated with surgery—one of the safest and most effective procedures in modern medicine. Prevention Tips - Wear UV-protective sunglasses - Eat an antioxidant-rich diet - Stop smoking - Manage conditions such as diabetes - Have regular eye exams, especially over 50 Book Your Cataract Assessment Eyecare Opticians, 307 Richmond Road, Ham, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 5QU 020 8549 0331 www.eyecareopticians.com