51 Ballow Street, Fortitude Valley 4006
You shouldn’t have to live with constant eye discomfort. If your eyes feel gritty, burn, or water unexpectedly, you’re not alone – and more importantly, you don’t have to simply endure it. Dr Juanita Pappalardo understands how dry eye can impact every aspect of your day, and she’s here to help you find lasting relief.
Dry eye is far more than just occasional discomfort – it’s a chronic condition that affects up to one third of Australian adults. Your tears aren’t just water; they’re a sophisticated blend of oils, water, and proteins that keep your eyes comfortable and your vision clear.
When this delicate system is disrupted, everyday activities like reading, driving, or working at a computer can become frustrating challenges.
Think of your tear film as a protective shield. When it’s working well, you barely notice it. When it’s not, every blink can remind you something’s wrong.
If dry eye is interfering with your ability to read, work on a computer, or enjoy time outdoors, it’s time to seek help. In severe cases, untreated dry eye can lead to surface damage that affects your vision – but this is entirely preventable with proper care.
Your tear film has three essential layers working in harmony. When any layer is compromised, discomfort follows. Several factors can disrupt this balance:
Age and hormones: As we age – particularly women going through hormonal changes – tear production naturally decreases.
Modern life factors:
Health and lifestyle influences:
Environmental triggers:
While you can’t prevent dry eye entirely, simple strategies can significantly reduce your discomfort:
Dr Pappalardo takes a comprehensive approach to understanding your specific dry eye condition. During your consultation, she’ll evaluate your tear production, assess the quality of your tear film, and examine your eyelids and eye surface for signs of inflammation.
Specialised tests may include measuring how quickly your tears evaporate and using gentle staining techniques to see how well your tears spread across your eye surface. This detailed assessment ensures your treatment plan addresses the root cause, not just the symptoms.
The encouraging news is that dry eye responds well to personalised treatment. Dr Pappalardo will design a management plan specifically for your needs and lifestyle.
Treatment approaches include:
Tear supplementation:
Advanced therapies:
Anti-inflammatory or antibiotic treatments to calm irritated eye surfaces
The goal isn’t just symptom relief – it’s helping you return to comfortable, clear vision throughout your day.
Don’t let dry eye dictate how you spend your days. Whether your dry eye is a recent development or a long-standing frustration, effective relief is within reach. Every patient’s experience is unique, and your treatment plan will be too.
Personalised care, exceptional results with Dr Juanita Pappalardo