Dry eye: how to manage it and where to treat it in Barcelona

Dry eye has no single cure, but it can be managed. At VERTE Ophthalmology Barcelona we treat each case according to its cause, from basic measures to the most advanced technology.

How is dry eye treated?

Dry eye treatment is stepwise and personalised. There is no single approach that works for everyone, because dry eye can have different origins (evaporative, aqueous-deficient or mixed), and each responds to a different strategy.

The usual approach starts with basic measures: artificial tears tailored to each case, eyelid hygiene, and adjustments to habits that worsen symptoms (screen time, dry environments, air conditioning).

When basic measures are not enough, treatment adapts to what is failing in each case. It may include anti-inflammatory eye drops, small procedures to keep the tear on the eye for longer, and in many cases, in-clinic treatments that target the eyelids, where dryness often originates.

The key is accurately identifying the type of dry eye before treating it. That is why the first step is always a precise diagnosis, which may include tests such as the Schirmer test.

Is there a permanent cure for dry eye?

Dry eye has no permanent cure in most cases, because it tends to be a chronic or recurring condition — but that does not mean accepting ongoing discomfort.

Treatment helps reduce symptoms and makes the eye more comfortable, although the response varies from person to person depending on the cause and severity.

The difference lies in treating the cause, not just the symptom. Artificial tears provide temporary relief, but if the problem is blocked glands or chronic eyelid inflammation, it is necessary to act on that underlying cause to achieve lasting improvement.

This is where advanced treatments come in: they do not «cure» dry eye in the sense of making it disappear permanently, but they can improve some of the causes that trigger it, especially when the problem lies in the eyelid glands — though they do not guarantee the condition disappears permanently or that eye drops can be stopped altogether.

Advanced treatments for dry eye

When artificial tears and eyelid hygiene are not enough, there are treatments that act directly on the cause of dry eye. At VERTE Ophthalmology Barcelona we bring together the four reference technologies, which allows us to choose the most appropriate one for each type of dry eye rather than always applying the same approach.

IPL (intense pulsed light)

Intense pulsed light is one of the most commonly used options when evaporative dry eye is caused by meibomian gland dysfunction, the most frequent type, especially when artificial tears and basic measures are not sufficient. The light is converted into heat and stimulates these glands, which can improve their function and tear stability so that it evaporates less quickly. Treatment is carried out in several sessions, the number and interval of which are adjusted to each patient.

LipiFlow

LipiFlow applies heat and controlled pressure to the eyelids to help unblock the meibomian glands, which produce the oily component of the tear film. In people whose glands are not functioning properly, it can improve their secretion and reduce discomfort. Its effect may diminish over time, so it is combined with standard maintenance measures.

BlephEx

BlephEx is a professional micro-exfoliation of the eyelid margin that can help remove the scales and debris that accumulate at the base of the lashes when there is chronic eyelid inflammation (blepharitis). It is used as a complement to eyelid hygiene at home, not as a replacement for it.

Autologous serum or platelet-rich growth factor plasma (PRGF)

Autologous serum and platelet-rich growth factor plasma (PRGF or Endoret®) are eye drops prepared from the patient's own blood. They may be considered in cases of severe or persistent dry eye, especially when inflammatory processes damage the ocular surface and conventional eye drops are not sufficient. Both contain components that can help restore the ocular surface, although their composition and preparation method differ, and there is currently no conclusive evidence that one is better than the other.

What treatment do I need for my type of dry eye?

Not all dry eyes are treated the same way. This is the general approach we follow, although the final decision always depends on the diagnosis:

• Evaporative dry eye (meibomian glands): IPL and LipiFlow are the most common options, because they target the root of the problem.
• Dry eye associated with anterior blepharitis: BlephEx to clean the eyelid margin, often combined with other measures.
• Severe or aqueous-deficient dry eye: autologous serum or PRGF when the ocular surface needs to recover and eye drops are not sufficient.
• Mixed dry eye: usually requires a combination of treatments, adjusted throughout follow-up.

Deciding on a treatment without a prior diagnosis is the most common mistake. That is why at VERTE we always start with a complete assessment of the ocular surface before proposing anything.

Treatment for severe dry eye

Severe dry eye is dry eye that does not improve with artificial tears or standard measures, and that can damage the ocular surface. In these cases, constant discomfort, fluctuating vision and sometimes corneal lesions such as dry eye keratitis may appear.

When dryness reaches this point, treatment is intensified. Autologous serum or PRGF (eye drops prepared from the patient's own blood) can help restore the ocular surface when conventional eye drops are no longer sufficient. At the same time, underlying causes are addressed with the appropriate approach and close follow-up is established, because severe dry eye requires ongoing monitoring, not a one-off intervention. That is why we approach it through our Cornea and Ocular Surface Unit.

Where to treat dry eye in Barcelona?

At VERTE Ophthalmology Barcelona we treat dry eye through our Cornea and Ocular Surface Unit, where the Dry Eye Area is led by Dr Cristina Vendrell.

Ocular surface diagnosis and all treatment options are available in the same centre, from basic measures to IPL, LipiFlow, BlephEx or autologous serum and PRGF eye drops. This allows us to tailor the plan to each patient and follow up with the same team as their condition evolves.

Living with dry eye? We can help.

Book an appointment at VERTE Ophthalmology Barcelona and start with a precise assessment of your ocular surface.