I see patients at four hospitals across Surrey and Buckinghamshire. For the condition itself, see my dry eye and blepharitis pages; the full list of what I treat is on my treatments page.
What is dry eye treatment?
Dry eye happens when you do not make enough tears, or your tears evaporate too quickly. Eyes can feel gritty, sore, itchy or burning, and, oddly, they sometimes water more than usual. Vision may blur for a moment and clear when you blink.
The most common causes are blepharitis and blocked oily glands along the eyelid margin. That is why my dry eye treatment usually begins at the eyelids, not with yet another bottle of drops. I see dry eyes and blepharitis as part of my general ophthalmology clinics.
Dry eye symptoms and when to get help quickly
Dry eye is usually uncomfortable rather than dangerous. The NHS red eye guide explains which symptoms need help the same day.
| Your symptom | Possible cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Gritty, burning or watery eyes | Dry eye | Try lid care and drops, then book if no better |
| Crusty, sore eyelid margin | Blepharitis | Daily lid care, book if it keeps coming back |
| A painful red eye with contact lenses | Possible infection | NHS 111 or an urgent GP appointment |
| Light hurts your eyes or the eye is very dark red | Serious eye problem | Call 999 or go to A&E |
| Sudden change in your sight | Serious eye problem | Call 999 or go to A&E |
| Fever, confusion or fast breathing after a procedure | Possible signs of infection | Call 999 or go to A&E |
Who it may help: conditions dry eye treatment treats
- People who have tried over-the-counter eye drops and home care for a few weeks without improvement
- People with blepharitis, crusty lids or eyelid cysts that keep coming back
- Contact lens wearers, and people with conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome or Lupus
- People whose eyes have felt dry since eye surgery or an eye injury
Your options: treatments I may recommend
Lid care and lubricating drops
- Warm compresses for 5 to 10 minutes, gentle lid massage and lid cleaning, to help unblock the oil glands
- Lubricating drops by day, with a thicker gel or an ointment at night; preservative-free drops may be suitable for some people, particularly if you use them often
Prescription treatment
- Antibiotic cream, drops or tablets when blepharitis does not settle with lid care alone
- Prescription anti-inflammatory drops for more severe dry eye, such as steroid drops or ciclosporin, which helps the eye make more tears
Keeping tears on the eye for longer
- Tiny plugs in the tear drainage holes (punctal plugs), so tears stay on the eye for longer
- A newer option I also offer: a hyaluronic acid gel placed in the tear drainage channels to keep your own tears and lubricating drops on the eye for longer; it is temporary, and I will talk through the likely benefits, the limits of the evidence so far and any risks before you decide
Newer clinic treatments
Newer treatments, such as intense pulsed light, are mainly offered by private clinics. If I think this may help your eyes, I will tell you honestly and explain where it is offered.
Why patients choose me for dry eye treatment
Dry eye often has more than one cause, so I examine the lids, glands and tear film closely before suggesting a plan.
- Training: BM (2005) at the University of Southampton, then FRCOphth (2012).
- Consultant since 2014: NHS consultant posts at West Hertfordshire and Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals.
- Memberships: The Royal College of Ophthalmologists and the European Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons.
- One doctor throughout: no call centre, so you reach me directly before and after treatment.
How long does dry eye treatment take to work?
Give it time. RNIB advises that lid care usually needs to be done twice a day for 2 to 3 weeks before it helps, and that it is worth trying one type of artificial tear for at least a month. Dry eye can often be a long term condition that needs ongoing management, so the aim is comfortable eyes, kept that way with a routine you can stick to.
Alternatives and what you can do at home
The NHS advice on dry eyes suggests simple changes that are worth trying alongside treatment:
- Take regular breaks from screens, and keep your computer screen just below eye level
- Use a humidifier, and avoid long spells in air-conditioned or heated rooms
- Swap contact lenses for glasses for a while to rest your eyes
- Avoid smoky places and cut down on alcohol
- Keep taking a prescribed medicine you think is drying your eyes until a doctor has advised you
My short film, Blepharitis explained, shows what is happening at the lid margin. You can watch it on my YouTube channel.
What happens at your appointment, step by step
01
Your story
I ask about symptoms, screen time, medicines and general health.
02
Examination
I look at your lids, oil glands and tear film at the slit lamp.
03
The cause
I carry out a thorough examination of the health of your eyes, including the eyelids and ocular surface
04
Your plan
You leave with a simple routine to follow and a clear management plan.
Recovery and risks
Most dry eye treatments have no recovery time. Prescription drops and tear duct plugs can have side effects, so I explain them before you start and review you afterwards.
| Treatment | Hospital stay | Example risk |
|---|---|---|
| Lid care and lubricating drops | None | Mild stinging or blurring for a moment |
| Prescription anti-inflammatory drops | None | Stinging; steroid drops can raise eye pressure |
| Punctal plugs | Outpatient | Watering, irritation or a plug falling out |
| Lacrifill | Outpatient | Watering or irritation; evidence still limited |
When to get help the same day
Dry eye is not usually serious. Contact NHS 111 or ask for an urgent GP appointment if your eye is painful and red, especially if you wear contact lenses. Call 999 or go to A&E if your sight suddenly changes, light hurts your eyes, or your eye is very dark red.
Where I treat dry eye
| Location | Address |
|---|---|
| Nuffield Health Woking (Wednesday mornings and evenings) | Shores Road, Woking GU21 4BY |
| The Runnymede Hospital (Tuesday afternoons, Wednesdays, Thursday mornings) | Guildford Road, Ottershaw, Chertsey KT16 0RQ |
| Mount Alvernia Hospital (Wednesday afternoons, Thursday mornings) | Harvey Road, Guildford GU1 3LX |
| VISIO Health (Fridays) | Unit 3, 4 The Courtyard, Riverside West, Wooburn Green, High Wycombe HP10 0DG |
Fees and paying for treatment
These are my 2026 consultation fees. Fees may vary slightly by hospital, and each hospital quotes its own price for the procedure after your assessment.
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| New consultation | £260 |
| Follow-up consultation | £195 |
| Plugs or other clinic treatment | Quoted after your assessment |
| Insured patients | Recognised by most major UK insurers, including Bupa (fee assured), AXA Health, Aviva, Vitality, WPA, Cigna, Aetna, Allianz, The Exeter, General & Medical, Healix, Saga and Benenden |
Dry eye treatment FAQs
Can dry eye get better on its own?
Dryness caused by a dry office, heating or long screen sessions may ease once you change those things. Dry eye linked to age, blepharitis or another condition usually needs ongoing care, so I focus on a routine that keeps your eyes comfortable.
Which dry eye drops are most effective?
No single drop suits everyone. Some people get on better with one brand than another, and nobody fully knows why. I usually suggest preservative-free drops if you need them often, a gel for longer relief and an ointment at night if you wake with dry eyes.
How many dry eye drops can I use a day?
Follow the instructions for your drop. If you find you need them very often, tell me or your Optometrist, because a different drop or extra treatment may help. Frequent use of drops containing preservatives can make eyes sore, so preservative-free versions suit heavy use better.
Is dry eye treatment covered by insurance?
It depends on your policy. Check your cover, exclusions and excess, and whether your insurer needs a GP or Optometrist referral first. If you are paying for yourself, you can book with me directly without a referral.
How long does recovery take after punctal plugs?
There is usually no recovery time. The eye may feel slightly irritated or watery for a day or two.
Is any dry eye treatment a major procedure?
No. Plugs and gels are placed in clinic in a few minutes, and most treatment is drops and lid care at home.
Can dry eye come back after treatment?
Yes. Dry eye is often long-term, so symptoms can return if lid care stops. A routine you can keep up is the aim.
Is there an alternative to eye drops?
Lid care, changes at home and work, plugs and prescription treatment can all help, often alongside drops.
How much does dry eye treatment cost?
A new consultation is £260 and a follow-up is £195. The hospital quotes any clinic treatment, such as plugs, after your assessment.
Can I keep wearing contact lenses?
Often, yes, once the eyes are more comfortable. Resting the lenses for a while helps, and preservative-free drops are usually better for lens wearers. I will advise you on your own lenses at the appointment.
Can dry eye affect driving?
Blurring from dry eye usually clears when you blink. If your sight stays blurred, especially at night, do not drive and speak to me or your Optometrist.
Book a consultation: a direct line to your consultant, before and after treatment
There is no call centre or switchboard. Call my practice, email enquiries@soniamall.co.uk or request an appointment online. I aim to reply within 24 hours, and no GP referral is needed.
For an urgent eye problem that cannot wait, contact your GP, an Optometrist or NHS 111. Call 999 or go to A&E for sudden loss of sight, a serious eye injury, or signs of infection after a procedure.
