From £150 to £1,700 per eye · complimentary assessment
Combining clinical expertise with advanced diagnostic technology, The Harley Street Eye Centre provides a tailored approach to identifying, managing and treating dry eye disease.
If dry, irritated or watery eyes have become a daily frustration, dry eye treatment may help provide lasting relief. Dry eye disease can develop when the eyes do not produce enough tears, tears evaporate too quickly, or inflammation disrupts the stability of the tear film. By identifying the underlying cause of your symptoms, targeted dry eye treatment aims to improve tear stability, support ocular surface health and enhance visual comfort.
At The Harley Street Eye Centre, we believe effective dry eye care begins with careful assessment and personalised treatment planning. From consultation through to ongoing management, our approach is designed to ensure you feel listened to, well-informed and fully supported. With a strong commitment to transparency, clinical excellence and evidence-based care, we help patients make confident, considered decisions about their eye health and treatment options.
Dry eye is a common condition that occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears, the tears evaporate too quickly, or the tear film becomes unstable. Tears play an important role in keeping the eyes comfortable, protecting the ocular surface and supporting clear, consistent vision.
When the tear film is disrupted, the surface of the eye can become dry, inflamed and more sensitive. This may lead to symptoms such as burning, grittiness, fluctuating or blurred vision, light sensitivity, excessive watering and eye fatigue.
Dry eye disease can develop for a variety of reasons, including meibomian gland dysfunction, inflammation, ageing, hormonal changes, prolonged screen use, environmental factors, certain medications and underlying health conditions. As dry eye is often multifactorial, identifying the underlying cause is an important part of determining the most appropriate treatment approach.
The most common form of dry eye is typically related to meibomian gland dysfunction, where the protective oil layer of tears is reduced, and tears evaporate too quickly.
Occurs when the eyes do not produce enough of the watery component of tears, leaving the ocular surface less effectively lubricated and protected.
Associated with microscopic Demodex mites around the eyelids and lash follicles, which can contribute to eyelid inflammation, tear film instability and dry eye symptoms.
Dry eye symptoms can vary from person to person, ranging from mild irritation to persistent discomfort and visual disturbances. Symptoms often worsen during activities that reduce blinking or place greater demand on the eyes, such as screen use, reading, driving or exposure to air conditioning, wind or dry environments.
Many people choose to seek treatment after symptoms begin affecting work, concentration, visual comfort or day-to-day quality of life. As dry eye can have multiple underlying causes, a detailed assessment is important in identifying the most appropriate treatment approach.
Dry eye is diagnosed through a detailed assessment of your symptoms, eye health and tear film function. Because dry eye disease can have multiple underlying causes, accurate diagnosis is an important step in identifying the most appropriate treatment approach.
At The Harley Street Eye Centre, your assessment may include a review of your symptoms, medical history, medications, lifestyle factors and visual concerns, alongside a comprehensive examination of the ocular surface and eyelid health.
Your diagnostic assessment may involve:
As dry eye can be multifactorial, many patients have more than one contributing cause. A detailed assessment helps us determine whether your symptoms are primarily related to tear evaporation, reduced tear production, eyelid dysfunction, inflammation or a combination of factors, allowing treatment to be tailored to your individual needs.
The most appropriate approach depends on factors such as the type of dry eye, underlying cause, symptom severity, tear film quality, eyelid health, inflammation and lifestyle factors. Following a detailed assessment, we will recommend the treatment approach best suited to your eyes.
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IPL is a light-based treatment commonly used for evaporative dry eye, meibomian gland dysfunction and ocular rosacea-related dry eye. The treatment delivers carefully controlled pulses of light to the skin around the eyes to help reduce inflammation, improve meibomian gland function and support a healthier tear film.
By addressing the oil-producing glands responsible for tear stability, IPL aims to reduce excessive tear evaporation and improve long-term ocular comfort. IPL is often considered for patients experiencing symptoms such as burning, grittiness, fluctuating vision or eyelid inflammation.
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Prescription medication may be recommended to help manage inflammation, improve tear quality or support tear production, depending on the underlying cause of your dry eye. Treatment may involve prescription eye drops, ointments, or targeted therapies selected based on your symptoms, ocular surface findings, and clinical needs.
Medication can be particularly relevant for aqueous-deficient dry eye, inflammatory dry eye and some cases associated with autoimmune or ocular surface conditions. The most appropriate treatment strategy depends on the nature and severity of your condition.
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Punctal plugs are small biocompatible devices placed into the tear drainage ducts to help retain moisture on the surface of the eye. By slowing tear drainage, punctal plugs help tears remain on the eye for longer, supporting lubrication and ocular comfort.
They may be considered for selected patients with reduced tear production, persistent dryness or symptoms that have not responded adequately to other management approaches. Suitability is determined following careful assessment of tear function, ocular surface health and the underlying cause of symptoms.
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Effective dry eye management often extends beyond procedural treatment or medication alone. Personalised dry eye counselling may include guidance on screen habits, blinking patterns, eyelid hygiene, home heat therapy, environmental factors, dietary considerations and skincare or cosmetic triggers that may influence symptoms.
For many patients, these supportive measures form an important part of long-term dry eye control and may be used alongside other treatment approaches as part of a personalised care plan.
We are incredibly proud to have been recognised with the Eyecare Provider of the Year award for our advanced Dry Eye Counselling Service, reflecting our commitment to providing comprehensive patient education and personalised support as part of dry eye care.
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Hear directly from patients whose lives were changed by surgeon-led care at The Harley Street Eye Centre.
Cadell
Laser Eye Surgery
“This surgery changed my life , it was like night and day. I was back to playing football like nothing happened.”
Joel
Laser Eye Surgery
“I literally woke up the next morning and could see , it was just like nothing had ever happened.”
Amira
Laser Eye Surgery
“My questions were answered. I felt a lot more comfortable and I didn’t feel like I was ever rushed or pressured into making the decision.”
Sharon
Laser Eye Surgery
“I thought that was it… And once I saw him — oh my God, it was like… I said to him, you’re like my guardian angel. Because I just felt safe. I actually felt safe in his hands.”
For suitable patients, dry eye treatment may improve comfort, visual quality, and day-to-day functioning. Potential benefits may include:
The benefits of treatment vary depending on the underlying cause of your symptoms, the severity of your condition and the treatment approach recommended. Following a detailed assessment, we will discuss the most appropriate management plan for your individual needs.
Dry eye treatment may be suitable for people experiencing symptoms such as dryness, burning, grittiness, fluctuating vision, excessive watering, or eye fatigue that affect comfort or day-to-day activities. Many patients seek treatment after noticing ongoing discomfort during screen use, reading, driving, contact lens wear or exposure to air conditioning or dry environments.
Suitability for treatment depends on factors such as the type and severity of your dry eye, tear film quality, meibomian gland function, ocular surface health, inflammation and any underlying contributing conditions.
A detailed consultation with our team of leading eye specialists will help identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and determine the most appropriate treatment approach for your individual needs. Your personalised treatment plan may involve one or more therapies depending on your diagnosis and clinical findings.
From your initial consultation through to aftercare, the team at The Harley Street Eye Centre aims to make the treatment process clear, supportive and tailored to your individual needs. Here is what you can expect throughout the treatment process.
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Getting started is straightforward. Contact our clinic through phone, email or book your consultation online, and our team will guide you through the next steps. Before your appointment, we may ask a few initial questions about your symptoms, previous eye history, current treatments and concerns to help us prepare for your assessment. For added convenience, same-day appointments and flexible consultation availability may also be offered where possible.
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You will meet with one of our experienced eye specialists for a detailed consultation to review your symptoms, eye health, medical history, lifestyle and potential dry eye triggers.
Using advanced diagnostic technology, we assess your tear film, meibomian glands, eyelids, tear production and overall ocular health to identify the underlying causes of your dry eye and recommend the most appropriate treatment for your individual needs.
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Following your assessment, your specialist will recommend the most appropriate treatment based on the type, severity and underlying cause of your dry eye.
Treatment may include E-SWIN IPL therapy, prescription medication, punctal plugs, eyelid management or a tailored combination of approaches. You will also receive clear guidance on expected outcomes, ongoing management, treatment costs and next steps to support long-term ocular surface health.
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Dry eye treatment is tailored to the underlying cause and severity of your symptoms and may include in-clinic procedures, prescription medication, lifestyle advice or a combination of approaches. Your specialist will explain your treatment plan, what to expect and any ongoing home care required.
Following treatment, we provide structured follow-up to monitor your progress, adjust your treatment where needed and support long-term symptom relief, tear stability and ocular surface health.
Dry eye treatments generally have a strong safety profile when recommended following careful assessment and delivered by experienced clinicians. However, as with any medical treatment, potential risks, limitations and treatment-specific considerations should be understood before proceeding.
Depending on the treatment approach recommended and your individual response, potential considerations may include:
Your specialist will discuss the expected benefits, potential risks and likely treatment course relevant to your personalised care plan during your consultation. The aim is to ensure you feel informed, reassured and confident in understanding your treatment options and ongoing management strategy.
The cost of dry eye treatment varies depending on the underlying cause, symptom severity, and the recommended treatment approach. As every treatment plan is personalised, final pricing is confirmed following your consultation and detailed assessment.
Dry eye treatment at The Harley Street Eye Centre may range from approximately £150 to £1,700, depending on the type and extent of care recommended.
Your treatment fee may include:
A detailed cost breakdown will be provided during your consultation, so you have a clear understanding of your recommended treatment plan, what is included in your care and any ongoing treatment considerations. Flexible payment options may also be available where appropriate.
Our team of experienced eye specialists combines decades of clinical expertise with a strong commitment to innovation, precision and patient-centred care.
Founder and Medical Director, Mr Marwan Ghabra, is a highly experienced ophthalmic surgeon, medical leader and innovator with more than 30 years of clinical and surgical experience. He is widely recognised for his work in corneal disease, keratoconus, cataract surgery and advanced refractive procedures, with particular expertise in complex and high-risk cases.
At The Harley Street Eye Centre, advanced technology plays an important role in the diagnosis, treatment planning and management of dry eye disease. Our assessments help evaluate the tear film, ocular surface, eyelid health and meibomian gland function.
Where appropriate, we offer E-SWIN IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) technology as part of our dry eye treatment approach. This advanced system is commonly used in the management of evaporative dry eye, meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and ocular rosacea-related dry eye, helping target inflammation and support a healthier, more stable tear film.
We believe confidence in treatment begins with clear communication, careful assessment, and honest clinical advice, and our approach is grounded in transparency, safety, and consistently high standards of care.
Every patient receives a personalised treatment plan tailored to their eye health, prescription, lifestyle, and visual goals. We take the time to discuss suitability, expected outcomes, limitations and alternative options, helping patients make informed decisions with confidence.
For those considering treatment, we are also happy to facilitate opportunities to speak with patients who have undergone similar procedures, allowing prospective patients to hear first-hand experiences where appropriate.
Mr Marwan Ghabra is the Founder and Medical Director of The Harley Street Eye Centre, where he leads a multidisciplinary team delivering advanced, consultant-led eye care across a wide range of ophthalmic subspecialties, particularly in corneal disease and keratoconus.
He is the developer of the “Ghabra Technique”, an innovative approach to keratoconus management designed to address both anterior and posterior corneal irregularities. Alongside his private practice, he continues to manage complex surgical cases within the NHS, contributes to ophthalmic innovation and clinical research, and remains actively involved in education as a lecturer, mentor and international speaker.
Dry eye occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears, the tears evaporate too quickly, or the tear film becomes unstable. This can disrupt the protective surface of the eye, leading to irritation, inflammation and visual discomfort. Dry eye is often multifactorial and may involve tear deficiency, meibomian gland dysfunction, inflammation or environmental triggers.
Common symptoms include burning, grittiness, redness, fluctuating or blurred vision, light sensitivity and excessive watering. Many people also experience eye fatigue, discomfort during screen use or a sensation of something being in the eye. Symptoms often worsen with reading, prolonged concentration, air conditioning or dry environments.
Dry eyes can result from reduced tear production, poor tear quality or excessive tear evaporation. Common contributing factors include meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), ageing, hormonal changes, screen use, medications, environmental exposure and certain medical conditions. In many patients, multiple factors contribute to symptoms.
Not always. Some forms of dry eye improve with lifestyle changes, environmental adjustments or targeted treatment. However, chronic dry eye related to gland dysfunction, inflammation or systemic conditions may require longer-term management to maintain comfort and ocular surface health.
Dry eye is a common condition affecting millions of people worldwide, with prevalence increasing with age. It is particularly common in people who spend long periods using screens, wear contact lenses or experience hormonal changes. Symptoms can range from occasional irritation to persistent discomfort affecting quality of life.
Dry eye can cause the eyes to feel dry, gritty, burning, itchy or tired. Some people notice redness, watery eyes, fluctuating vision or discomfort that worsens throughout the day. Although symptoms vary, persistent irritation or visual fluctuation may suggest an underlying tear film imbalance.
Dry eye is diagnosed through a detailed assessment of your symptoms, ocular surface and tear film function. This may involve tear quality and stability testing, eyelid and meibomian gland evaluation, and examination for inflammation or surface changes. The aim is to identify the underlying cause and determine the most appropriate treatment approach.
You should consider specialist assessment if symptoms persist despite over-the-counter drops or lifestyle changes. Ongoing dryness, fluctuating vision, contact lens intolerance, significant discomfort or recurrent eyelid issues may warrant further evaluation. Early assessment can help identify underlying causes and reduce the risk of longer-term ocular surface damage.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of your condition. Options may include lubricating drops, medications, punctal plugs, eyelid management strategies, lifestyle advice and targeted treatments such as IPL therapy for meibomian gland dysfunction or evaporative dry eye. Many patients benefit from a personalised combination approach.
If lubricants and lifestyle changes do not provide sufficient relief, more advanced treatment options may be recommended. These may involve prescription medication, gland-targeted therapies, punctal plugs or procedural treatments designed to improve tear stability and reduce inflammation. Treatment is tailored to your diagnosis and clinical findings.
Treatment timelines vary depending on the type of dry eye and the therapy used. Some patients notice improvement within days or weeks, while chronic conditions may require ongoing treatment and gradual optimisation. Your specialist will discuss expected timelines based on your personalised treatment plan.
It depends on the cause and severity of your symptoms. Some patients find contact lenses worsen dryness or discomfort, particularly when the tear quality is poor. Treating dry eye first, adjusting lens type or using supportive tear film strategies may help improve comfort in suitable cases.
Dry eye becomes more common with age due to gradual changes in tear production, gland function and ocular surface health. Hormonal changes, medications and age-related eyelid changes can also contribute. Older patients often benefit from tailored, longer-term management rather than short-term symptom control alone.
A specialist assessment involves a detailed review of your symptoms, medical history and lifestyle factors alongside examination of the tear film, ocular surface, eyelids and meibomian glands. Additional testing or imaging may be used where appropriate. This helps identify the specific type of dry eye and guide a personalised treatment plan.
At The Harley Street Eye Centre, dry eye care is consultant-led and tailored to the underlying cause of your symptoms. Our approach combines detailed assessment, advanced diagnostics and personalised treatment planning rather than a one-size-fits-all strategy. Ongoing support and follow-up help optimise long-term comfort, tear stability and ocular surface health.
Yes, a healthy, stable ocular surface is important for accurate measurements, healing and visual outcomes in procedures such as laser eye surgery or lens replacement surgery. Untreated dry eye can influence surgical planning and recovery, which is why identifying and managing dryness is often an important part of pre-treatment preparation.
Your dry eye assessment is complimentary. An hour with our diagnostic team and a real conversation with the surgeon who would treat you. No obligation.
