Dry Eye & TearStim

Dry eye is a common condition that can affect both comfort and vision. Often linked to screen use, environmental factors and ageing, it can leave eyes feeling irritated, tired and uncomfortable throughout the day.

One of the most common causes of dry eye is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). This occurs when the tiny oil glands inside the eyelids become blocked and stop producing enough oil for the tear film. This oil layer is essential because it helps hold the tear film together and prevents tears from evaporating too quickly.

Without a healthy oil layer, the tear film becomes unstable and breaks up rapidly, leading to symptoms such as dry, gritty or burning eyes, redness, watery eyes and fluctuating or blurred vision.

Many people with dry eye rely on eye drops, warm compresses and lid cleaning routines to manage symptoms. While these can provide temporary relief, they may not always address the underlying cause of the problem.

What is TearStim?

TearStim is an advanced in-practice treatment designed to target the root cause of dry eye linked to MGD. Using controlled pulses of light, the treatment helps stimulate and reactivate the blocked oil glands within the eyelids.

By encouraging the glands to function more effectively, TearStim helps restore the protective oil layer of the tear film, reducing evaporation and improving tear stability. The light treatment can also help reduce inflammation associated with dry eye.

What to Expect

Treatment sessions are quick and comfortable, typically taking only a few minutes. Most patients require a short course of treatments spaced over several weeks.

Many patients notice an improvement in comfort and vision after treatment, with reduced dryness, irritation and reliance on regular eye drops over time.

Is TearStim Right for You?

TearStim may be suitable for people experiencing ongoing dry eye symptoms, particularly those who have found limited relief from at-home treatments alone. It can also benefit contact lens wearers struggling with dryness or discomfort.

Following an assessment, TearStim can form part of a personalised dry eye treatment plan tailored to your symptoms and lifestyle.

As the Kelly Eyecare team explains:

"TearStim is an exciting addition to the support we can offer patients struggling with dry eye symptoms. It’s designed to help improve comfort and support long-term eye health."

— Michele, Optometrist at Brockenhurst

If you’re experiencing dry, irritated or uncomfortable eyes, contact your local Kelly Eyecare branch to find out whether TearStim could be right for you.