Dry Eye Treatment

Relief starts with understanding the cause.

In office dry eye treatments

Treatments available in our practice.
An image of an eye-light® machine
eye-light®
eye-light® combines two non-invasive, light-based technologies within one ophthalmic platform: OPE™ Intense Pulsed Light and LM™ Low Level Light Therapy photobiomodulation. Espansione describes the system as providing non-invasive treatment options for ocular surface conditions including dry eye disease and meibomian gland dysfunction. By reducing eyelid inflammation and improving meibomian gland function,  there is an improved oil quality of the tears preventing the tears from evaporating too quickly and decreasing reliance on lubricating eye drops.
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eye-light® uses clinical evidence based approaches and proven technologies with high safety standards.

While primarily used for people experiencing dry eye, it can also be helpful pre and post surgery. By stabilizing the tear film and reducing ocular discomfort there have been improved outcomes following cataract and refractive surgery.
An OPE™ Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) machine
OPE™ Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
OPE™ Intense Pulsed Light IPL is designed to improve the function of the meibomian glands by improving circulation and supporting anti inflammatory activity. IPL heats the meibomian glands which melts any thick and stagnant oil blocking the glands.

The treatment consists of 5 painless thermal impulses around each eye, focusing on the lower eyelid.

The light Is calibrated through a specific software to ensure safety and minimize risks.
A meibomask® (LLLT) machine and face mask
meibomask® (LLLT)
meibomask® uses Espansione's LM™ Low Level Light Therapy (LLLT) photobiomodulation technology across the upper and lower eyelids.
The meibomask is a face mask with LED lights of different wavelengths of light to target a specific cellular response.
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The red meibomask uses red LED lights to stimulate cells’ ATP production generating endogenous heat to help unblock meibomian glands and improve the tear quality.  
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The blue meibomask uses blue LED lights for bacteria elimination and microbiome stabilization which can help with blepharitis and rosacea.

Your dry eye consultation

Your initial dry eye consultation includes a comprehensive assessment with one of our optometrists. We use ME-CHECK® imaging to assess and document the condition of your meibomian glands, helping us develop a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.
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Our treatment approach aims to address factors contributing to dry eye and poor ocular surface health, rather than relying solely on ongoing relief of symptoms.
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Treatment sessions take approximately 30 minutes.
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Most patients require a course of three to four treatments, although some may benefit from additional sessions. IPL treatments may be scheduled as little as 10 days apart, while LLLT treatments may be scheduled from five days apart. Treatment frequency varies and will be tailored to your individual needs.
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We may also recommend an annual maintenance treatment to help support tear film quality and eyelid health.
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Treatment options and costs
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For more severe dry eye, your optometrist may recommend a combination of IPL and LLLT, at a cost of $300 per session. Mild to moderate dry eye may only require LLLT, at a cost of $100 per session.
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Dry eye is a chronic condition, so these treatments are designed to help manage it rather than provide a cure. Results vary between individuals, but treatment may significantly improve dry eye symptoms and meibomian gland function, helping people with dry eye feel more comfortable day to day. Some patients may still need lubricating eye drops following treatment.

Before your appointment

Minimise sun exposure and avoid using tanning products before your treatment. Please arrive without make-up, moisturisers or creams around the treatment area. Men are also asked to shave the treatment area before their appointment.

After your appointment

There is generally minimal to no downtime, although some people may experience mild, temporary redness.
Avoid direct sun exposure or use SPF protection for 48 hours after treatment, and avoid prolonged sun exposure for two weeks.

Dry eye isn't always as simple as your eyes not producing enough tears.

Close up image of an eye and tear development
The tear film is a delicate system, and problems with its quality, stability or the oil-producing meibomian glands within the eyelids can leave eyes feeling dry, gritty, irritated, tired or excessively watery.

At See Eyecare, we take a more considered approach.

Rather than focusing solely on temporary relief, our optometrists assess your symptoms and ocular surface to help understand what may be contributing to your dry eye before recommending an appropriate management plan.

We also treat Blepharitis – inflammation of the eyelids which can cause or exacerbate dry eye. Our blepharitis treatments include in-office Blephex treatments and products for home routines.
Symptoms of dry eye
Dry eye can present differently from person to person. You may experience burning or stinging, grittiness, redness, fluctuating vision, sensitivity, tired eyes, excessive watering or discomfort when wearing contact lenses.

For some people it's occasional. For others, it becomes a persistent frustration that affects work, reading and everyday life.

Dry eye relief that’s right for you

Finding the right dry eye treatment starts with understanding what your eyes need.

We keep up to date with the latest products and treatments, helping you find an option suited to your eyes, symptoms and individual needs.

We stock a wide range of dry eye products in store, including HYLO FORTE, NovaTears, Cationorm, the SYSTANE range, Rohto, OCuSOFT, Blephadex and more.

Treatment designed around your eyes

There isn't one dry eye treatment that's right for everybody.

We will assess your eyes first and recommend treatment according to your symptoms, clinical findings and individual circumstances. Your management plan may involve in-practice treatment alongside changes to your day-to-day eye care routine.

The objective is simple: healthier, more comfortable eyes and a treatment plan that makes sense for you.
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