A dry eye evaluation is now offered as standard on all adult eye tests and clinicians can recommend over-the-counter products including Hycosan Extra Eye Drops, Optase Moist Heat Mask and The Eye Doctor’s Advanced Triple Action Eye Drops for patients to take home and help maintain comfortable eyes.  

If recommended, patients can also arrange for a follow-up ZEST procedure, a deep but painless cleanse of the eyelid offering instant relief. The procedure gives clinicians the ability to gently lift and remove debris, oil and residue build-ups that contribute to dry eye. ZEST, manufactured by The Body Doctor, can be delivered in as little as 20 minutes in over 400 Boots Opticians stores. 

It is estimated that around 1 in 3 people¹ experience dry eye, with those who look at screens for prolonged periods of time, have a condition such as blepharitis or are over the age of 50, more prone to the condition.   

Meera Shah, Head of Optical Development at Boots Opticians, said: “We are delighted to introduce a new dry eye service into our stores. This vital service will help patients struggling with dry eye discomfort, alongside providing in-store and at home relief. It’s important to prioritise our eye health and by offering this tailored support, we aim to improve the everyday comfort and eye health of our patients.”  

Sam Wymer, Co-Founder and Sales & Marketing Director of The Body Doctor, the UK distributor of ZEST, added: “We’re incredibly proud to be partnering with Boots Opticians to make ZEST available to even more people across the UK. Patients tend to feel the benefit of ZEST straightaway, which is hugely rewarding for practitioners to deliver. Seeing ZEST rolled out through such a trusted name in eye care is a major milestone, and we’re excited to continue working together to improve everyday eye health.” 

Eye tests can be booked in-store and online. ZEST is an additional £150.00.  

For those considering whether the service could help them, Boots Opticians Optometrist, Gurpreet Chana, answers three commonly asked questions about dry eye: 

1. What is dry eye? 

Our tears are made up of water, oil and mucus that work together to keep the surface of the eye clear and protected. Dry eye happens when this delicate balance is disrupted either because the eyes don’t produce enough tears, the composition of the tears is abnormal or they evaporate too quickly. This can sometimes lead to irritation, redness, blurred vision or gritty eyes. 

2. How to help dry eyes? 

If you suffer from dry eye, there are some simple things you can try to help provide relief. These include taking regular breaks from screens, wearing glasses instead of contact lenses, using a humidifier to prevent the air from becoming dry and cleaning your eyelids regularly. It can also be helpful to consider eye drops or other treatments. An optician will be happy to provide advice suited to individual needs. 

3. Is dry eye serious?  

Dry eye can have a significant impact on your eye health. Dryness can lead to discomfort, blurry vision and increased sensitivity to light. If left untreated, there is a higher risk of eye infections and these complications can interfere with daily activities such as working, reading and driving. 

¹The epidemiology of dry eye disease in the UK: The Aston dry eye study - PubMed