As July draws to a close, Dry Eye Awareness Month has served as an important reminder of how common – and often overlooked – dry eye disease really is. If you’ve been living with ongoing eye discomfort, irritation, or relying heavily on drops, now is the perfect time to seek a professional dry eye assessment. Consultant Ophthalmologist Sharmina Khan offers expert-led care and the latest treatments in London to help you move beyond symptoms and achieve lasting relief.

Why Understanding Dry Eye Matters

Dry eye is a common and often underdiagnosed condition that can significantly impact daily life. It can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as burning, itching, watering, and a constant feeling of something in the eye. For many people, these symptoms are caused by meibomian gland dysfunction or blepharitis, both of which disrupt the eye’s natural tear film.

At her London-based private clinic, Consultant Ophthalmologist Sharmina Khan offers leading dry eye treatments including OptiLight IPL and LipiFlow, helping patients experience lasting relief through targeted, specialist care.

What Causes Dry Eye Disease?

Dry eye disease can be caused by poor tear production or by tears evaporating too quickly. In many cases, the root of the problem lies in blocked or malfunctioning meibomian glands, which are responsible for producing the oil layer of the tear film. When these glands are not working properly, it leads to tear film instability and the symptoms of dry eye.

Artificial tears and eye drops may offer temporary comfort but do not address the underlying cause. Specialist-led treatments such as OptiLight IPL and LipiFlow are designed to restore gland function and improve long-term eye comfort.

OptiLight IPL: A Light-Based Solution for Inflammatory Dry Eye

OptiLight IPL treatment is a breakthrough light-based therapy for dry eye. It works by delivering carefully controlled pulses of intense light to the skin around the eyelids and cheeks. This targets inflammation, unclogs blocked oil glands, and reduces abnormal blood vessels that contribute to ongoing irritation.

It is particularly effective for patients with meibomian gland dysfunction, blepharitis including Demodex-related blepharitis, ocular rosacea, and styes. The updated OptiLight system is the only FDA-approved IPL device for dry eye treatment and can treat both upper and lower eyelids. It also includes a specialised handpiece for treating chalazion and styes directly.

What to Expect During Treatment

Each session takes around 10 to 15 minutes and is non-invasive with no downtime. A course of four treatments is typically recommended, spaced two to four weeks apart. Protective shields are placed over the eyes, and a cooling gel is applied before treatment begins. Pulses of light are customised to your skin tone using the Fitzpatrick scale to ensure safety and effectiveness.

The treatment is carried out by Consultant Ophthalmologist Sharmina Khan, ensuring continuity and expert oversight throughout. Many patients notice improved tear quality, greater comfort, and reduced reliance on lubricating drops after completing their OptiLight IPL course.

LipiFlow: Restoring Natural Tear Function

LipiFlow is another highly effective dry eye treatment available at Sharmina Khan’s London clinic. It is specifically designed to treat meibomian gland dysfunction and blepharitis, two of the most common causes of evaporative dry eye. LipiFlow works by applying gentle heat and pressure to the inner eyelids, helping to liquefy and clear blocked oils from the meibomian glands. This restores the natural oil layer to the tear film and promotes long-term relief from dry eye symptoms.

Common Symptoms LipiFlow Can Address

Symptoms of blepharitis and dry eye that may benefit from LipiFlow include:

• Itchy eyes

• Eyelid swelling

• Eye dryness

• Tearing or watery eyes

• Dandruff-like flakes on the lash line

• A gritty or foreign body sensation

• Styes

Treatment Benefits

LipiFlow treatment is quick, typically taking just 12 minutes, and is performed in a comfortable, clinical setting without the need for surgery. It is a non-invasive treatment with minimal discomfort, and many patients experience long-lasting improvement in symptoms for up to a year or more. The procedure can also reduce dependence on artificial tears and other over-the-counter eye drops.

Points to Consider

As with all medical procedures, LipiFlow is not suitable for everyone. It may not be effective for all types of dry eye, especially those unrelated to meibomian gland dysfunction. Some patients may experience mild discomfort or irritation immediately after treatment, and repeat treatments may be necessary for sustained results.

However, for many individuals suffering from chronic dry eye, LipiFlow offers a safe and targeted solution that gets to the root of the problem.

A Personalised Approach with Sharmina Khan

Sharmina Khan provides a detailed consultation to assess each patient’s suitability for OptiLight IPL or LipiFlow. This includes a comprehensive examination of the eyes, eyelids, skin type, and tear function to ensure the right treatment plan is recommended.

Whether your dry eye symptoms are mild or severe, Sharmina delivers tailored care using the latest ophthalmic technology to help restore eye comfort and clarity.

Moving Forward After Dry Eye Awareness Month

For anyone experiencing the ongoing discomfort of dry eye disease, access to treatments such as OptiLight IPL and LipiFlow in London offers a significant step forward. By addressing the underlying causes rather than simply masking the symptoms, these treatments provide a long-term solution for many patients.

If you are looking for a dry eye specialist in London, Sharmina Khan offers both the expertise and advanced tools needed to support your vision and wellbeing—long after Dry Eye Awareness Month ends.