July Was Dry Eye Awareness Month – A Time to Focus on Comfort & Eye Health

July 2025 marked Dry Eye Awareness Month, a global initiative observed throughout the UK and beyond. This annual campaign raises awareness about dry eye disease (DED), its symptoms and causes, and the importance of seeking proper diagnosis and treatment.

Too many people endure chronic eye discomfort—grittiness, burning, redness, fluctuating vision—mistaking it for fatigue or allergy. Dry eye can significantly affect work, lifestyle, and overall quality of life if left unmanaged.

Understanding Dry Eye & Its Common Cause: Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)
Dry eye often stems from Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)—where tiny oil-producing glands in your eyelids become clogged, disrupting tear film stability and causing tears to evaporate too quickly. MGD contributes to approximately 86% of dry eye cases.

Symptoms can range from gritty and itchy sensations to reflex tearing and blurred vision. In the UK, lifestyle factors such as prolonged screen use, air-conditioned environments, hormonal changes, and age can all increase risk.

How Laser Vision Can Help: Lumenis OptiLIGHT IPL Treatment

Why IPL?

At Laser Vision, we offer Lumenis OptiLIGHT, the first and only IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) device cleared by the FDA for the management of dry eye disease due to MGD. OptiLIGHT employs Lumenis’ patented Optimal Pulse Technology™ (OPT™) and a specially engineered handpiece, ensuring precise and gentle treatment close to the sensitive eyelid regions.

What to Expect
Treatment Course: Typically, a series of four sessions, spaced about 2–4 weeks apart, followed by maintenance treatments every 6–12 months for long-term benefit.

• Session Duration: Around 10–15 minutes per visit—non-invasive, outpatient, and with minimal discomfort.
• Mechanisms of Action:
• Shrinks abnormal telangiectatic blood vessels that perpetuate eyelid inflammation
• Reduces inflammatory mediators like IL‑6 and IL‑17 in the tear film
• Heats and unblocks meibomian glands to restore oil flow
• Helps reduce Demodex mite populations on eyelid margins

Why OptiLIGHT Is a Proven Choice
Patients often experience improved tear break-up time, more stable tear film, and less irritation in just 2–3 sessions, with optimal results by session four.

The OPT™ handpiece and cooling sapphire tip provide consistency and comfort, especially on delicate skin near the eyes.

Backed by peer-reviewed studies and clinical protocols—a reliable and effective dry eye therapy.

Supporting Dry Eye Awareness Beyond July
Even though Dry Eye Awareness Month has ended, dry eye is a year-round concern. At Laser Vision, we remain committed to helping patients achieve long‑term comfort and visual clarity.

• We recommend a holistic approach, combining:
• Regular eye examinations
• Lifestyle adjustments (like the 20‑20‑20 screen rule, humidifiers, and hydration)
• Eyelid hygiene and nutrition support
• Advanced therapies such as OptiLIGHT IPL

Real Relief with Laser Vision’s OptiLIGHT IPL
At Laser Vision, we tailor every treatment plan to each patient’s needs—identify whether you’re a candidate through a thorough consultation, then deliver OptiLIGHT IPL with expert technique and care.

If you’ve been suffering from dry, irritated eyes, or haven’t tried anything beyond drops and compresses, book a consultation to see if OptiLIGHT IPL is right for you.