Dry eyes are more than just an inconvenience - they can be painful, frustrating, and affect your ability to see clearly. At Envision Optical, we understand how impactful dry eye symptoms can be if you're a sufferer, which is why we offer the most up-to-date treatments, including IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) therapy, to help restore your comfort and visual clarity.
Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes either don’t produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. This leads to irritation, burning, a gritty sensation, and in some cases, blurred vision. It’s a chronic condition that affects people of all ages and often requires ongoing care to manage effectively.
Since 2015, Envision Optical has been (at the forefront) of dry eye treatment on the Gold Coast and in Tweed Heads, helping patients achieve relief through IPL therapy.
What is IPL Therapy?
IPL, or intense pulsed light therapy, is a non-invasive treatment initially developed for dermatological purposes and now widely used to treat evaporative dry eye caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). These glands in your eyelids produce the oily layer of your tears. When they’re not working properly, your tears evaporate too quickly, leading to dry eye symptoms.
How IPL Works
IPL therapy uses controlled pulses of light that target the inflamed blood vessels surrounding the eyelids. These vessels can contribute to meibomian gland dysfunction by triggering inflammation. By reducing inflammation and stimulating the glands, IPL helps restore normal tear film balance, improving both comfort and vision.
What to Expect During an IPL Session
Each IPL session at Envision Optical is designed to be comfortable and quick. A specialised device handpiece delivers gentle pulses of light to the skin around the eyelids. The procedure is safe, painless, non-invasive, and easy to administer in-clinic, lasting only a few minutes.
Typically, patients require 4–6 sessions spaced a few weeks apart to achieve optimal results. Our optometrists tailor the treatment schedule based on your specific condition and progress.
Benefits of IPL Therapy
IPL has proven to be an effective treatment for many of our patients with dry eye syndrome. Clinical studies and our in-practice experience show:
- Improved tear quality and quantity
- Reduced eye redness and inflammation
- Enhanced visual clarity
- Long-lasting symptom relief
Scientific data suggests that 85–90% of patients experience noticeable improvement in both signs and symptoms of dry eye following IPL therapy. This relief typically lasts 6-12 months until a top up treatment is required.
Is IPL Therapy Right for You? 
While IPL therapy offers a natural and medication-free alternative to traditional dry eye treatments like eye drops or punctal plugs, it may not be suitable for everyone. Patients with certain medical conditions, such as lupus or porphyria, may need alternative treatments.
Mild side effects such as redness or swelling around the eyelids can rarely occur but are typically short-lived.
Holistic Dry Eye Care at Envision Optical
At Envision Optical, we go beyond symptom relief. We take the time at your initial dry eye consultation to also guide you through a range of lifestyle changes and at-home care strategies:
- Using preservative-free artificial tears
- Taking breaks from screens
- Staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet rich in Omega 3
- Avoiding dry air and smoke exposure
We also offer other advanced treatments in office. Our goal is to provide personalised, comprehensive care that addresses the root cause of your symptoms and supports long-term eye health.
Ready to experience lasting dry eye relief?
We invite you to visit one of our clinics for a comprehensive eye assessment where we will evaluate your eye health and see if IPL therapy is the best solution for your dry eyes. Our friendly team at Burleigh Waters and Tweed Heads South are here to support you every step of the way. Call us today or book your appointment online to take the first step toward clearer, more comfortable vision.