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Dry Eye Treatment
Don't Live with Uncomfortable Dry Eyes

Dry eyes can mean, discomfort, blurred vision or red eyes. At Envision Optical, we offer a number of treatments to improve tear production.

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Woman after dry eye treatment on the gold coast
Find out the Cause of Your Dry Eyes
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Dry Eye Treatment on the Gold Coast

Our optometrists, Andrew Bowden, Nicole Arnold, Lyndon Ferguson and Cleo Yip, have a special interest in diagnosing and treating dry eyes. And they understand that tears have several important functions:

  • They wash away debris and waste products from the eye surface.
  • They keep the cornea moist, comfortable and prevent blurring.
  • They provide nutrients to the eye and carry immune substances to help prevent and fight infections.

What Causes Dry Eyes?

  • Ageing
  • Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)
  • Dry, windy weather, heaters and air conditioning
  • Pregnancy, menopause and other hormonal changes
  • Driving, reading, computer use, TV and other concentrated tasks
  • Certain medications
  • Arthritis
  • Thyroid problems
  • Certain autoimmune conditions
  • Contact lens wear

woman after dry eyes treatment on the gold coastDry Eyes Can Still Water

If the tears are not lubricating the eyes effectively, then the eyes will not be moist and comfortable. This will irritate and stimulate more tear production. These reflex tears are more watery due to the gland that secretes them, so they are more unstable and tend to run off the eye surface or evaporate very easily.

Types of Dry Eyes

Aqueous tear deficiency is one of the two main categories of dry eyes related to the under-production of tears. Dryness results from reduced lacrimal tear secretion and volume.

Evaporative dry eyes result from meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), which are the small oil-secreting glands that line the inside of the top and bottom eyelids. These glands secrete oily compounds, which are an essential component of our tear film that lubricates the eye's surface, providing clear vision and ocular comfort.

Can I Prevent Dry Eyes?

Following are some simple preventative measures you can do every day to minimise the chances of developing dry eyes:

  • Never apply eye makeup to the edge of the eyelid behind the eyelash line.
  • Carefully remove all makeup around the eyelids at the end of each day.
  • Perform warm compresses for five minutes, followed by gentle finger roll massage across the eyelids several times a week.
  • Eat a diet with 3-4 servings of oily fish each week like tuna, salmon or other darker flesh fish: high in omega 3.
  • Remember to blink regularly when doing extended periods of computer work or other near tasks.

Diagnosing Dry Eyes

Usually, Andrew, your optometrist in Burleigh Waters and Tweed Heads, can diagnose dry eye through an exam. But at Envision Optical, we believe in using the latest technology and scientifically validated protocols for a more accurate diagnosis.

We use the following detailed testing procedures to fully understand the nature of your condition and ensure we start your care, knowing what we are truly dealing with.

  • Ocular surface disease index (OSDI) patient symptom questionnaire
  • Tear analysis digital scan
  • Tear volume testing
  • Comprehensive biomicroscope assessment
  • Vital dye staining and photography
  • Assessment of the meibomian glands via infrared imaging

After completing the suite of diagnostic tests, our optometrists have an accurate understanding of your current dry eye status. We can formulate a customised treatment plan to start your journey back to comfortable eyes.

Treating Dry Eyes on the Gold Coast

Man after dry eye treatment on the gold coastTreatment for dry eyes in Burleigh Waters and Tweed Heads depends on the cause of your condition, but treatments may include:

  • LipiFlow
  • IPL
  • E-Eye
  • Blephasteam Heat Therapy and Gland Expression
  • MGDRx Eyebag Home Therapy
  • Blephadex Wipes and Demodex
  • Specific eye drops
  • Lacrimal Lavage
  • Punctal Plugs
  • Nutrition therapy

Advanced Dry Eye Treatments

For decades, the standard treatment for dry eyes included a combination of drops and minor surgical procedures. At Envision Optical, our lead optometrist Andrew Bowden constantly strives to provide the most leading-edge treatments available.

IPL for Dry Eyes

IPL (intense pulsed light) uses light energy to reduce inflammation and promote cell regeneration. Light energy warms the tear glands within the eye, helping to clear blockages and promote healthy tear production. Finally, IPL discourages Demodex mites, a naturally occurring skin pest that can impede healthy tear flow and lipid layer production.

IPL has an 87-90% success rate when treatment protocol (typically four sessions) is completed.

LipiFlow Therapy for Dry Eyes

One of the major causes of dry eyes is when the glands that produce lubricating lipids become clogged and cannot release the necessary lipid to tear ratio for comfort and ideal vision. LipiFlow therapy warms the meibomian glands, reducing blockages and inflammation to promote healthy lipid production and delivery to the surface of the eye.

LipiFlow is a comfortable, even enjoyable procedure like a comforting, warm massage for the eyes. After initial LipiFlow treatments, Andrew will recommend a follow-up routine to keep tear ducts and glands clear and functioning properly.

Need a Solution for Dry Eyes in Burleigh Waters or Tweed Heads?

Don't suffer needlessly with dry, scratchy eyes. Contact our Gold Coast eye clinics in Burleigh Waters or Tweed Heads to learn about the many options to relieve your discomfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dry eyes can really interfere with your enjoyment and ease. You may find yourself constantly placing rewetting drops or rubbing your eyes to no avail.

At Envision Optical, we want to help you live your best life and enjoy eye comfort.

Your eye doctor in Burleigh Waters and Tweed Heads relies on diagnostic tests and experience to diagnose dry eyes. Depending on the cause of your condition, we formulate a custom treatment plan that addresses your specific needs.

Our optometrist Andrew and his team may recommend one or more therapies to restore your eye moisture.

Treatments for dry eyes may include:

  • Advice on lifestyle or environmental changes
  • IPL therapy to promote eye moisture
  • Blephasteam heat therapy and gland expression to treat gland dysfunction
  • MGDRx EyeBag home therapy to promote moisture from the eye glands
  • Eye drops
  • Blephadex wipes to destroy Demodex mites
  • Lacrimal lavage to widen narrow tear ducts
  • Punctal plugs to help keep tears on the ocular surface
  • Nutrition that may promote better eye health

Ready to Treat Dry Eyes in Tweed Heads or Burleigh Waters?

You should never ignore chronic dry eyes.

We encourage you to reach out to a friendly eye team member to schedule a consultation with Andrew or a knowledgeable associate.

Consistent dry eyes can create a sensation of discomfort throughout your day-to-day. If you are experiencing regular dry and/or scratchy eyes then consider scheduling a test to find the root cause of your dry eyes.

At Envision Optical we provide a variety of tests using the latest technology to help our optometrist pinpoint what is causing your persistent dry eyes, including:

  • A thorough exam. We will examine the overall health of your eyes both past and present to find any
  • Ocular surface disease index (OSDI) patient symptom questionnaire
  • Tear analysis digital scan
  • Tear volume testing
  • Comprehensive biomicroscope assessment
  • Vital dye staining and photography
  • Assessment of the meibomian glands via infrared imaging

This array of dry eye tests give us an in-depth understanding of how and why your eyes are dry. These tests also allow us to accurately assess the best course of action to eliminate your dry eye symptoms and get back to feeling like your usual self.

 

 

 

Tears are essential to healthy eyes because they moisturise the eye, deliver oxygen, nourish the eyes with essential nutrients, help focus light, prevent infection, protect the eyes from irritants and promote healing. 

Every time we blink, tears glide across the clear, dome-shaped structure covering the eye called the cornea. After we blink, the tear's film thins but continues moisturising the eye. 

Dry eye syndrome occurs when insufficient tears lack the necessary oxygen and nutrients for healthy eyes. Without enough oxygen, the cornea can develop an infection or abnormal blood vessels, obstructing vision.

Dry eyes can be a severe problem because they affect every aspect of a person's daily life. Dry eyes have many symptoms, including burning, itching, sensitivity to light, and blurry vision. Untreated dry eye syndrome can even lead to vision loss. If the eyes remain dry, infection, scarring and thinning of the cornea can also occur over time. 

Dry Eye Treatment in Tweed Heads and Burleigh Waters

If you have dry eyes or vision concerns, Andrew Bowden and our team invite you to contact us for guidance and support. We can evaluate your eye health and develop a personalised treatment plan that meets your unique needs and prevents or manages dry eye symptoms. 

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Meet Our Optometrists:

Andrew Bowden | Gold Coast Optometrist

Andrew Bowden
Owner, Managing Director, Optometrist

Since graduating from QUT with honours in 1995, Andrew has worked in private practice on the Gold Coast and New Farm in Brisbane. In 2001, he returned to Visions and ...

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Nicole Arnold | Tweed Heads & Burleigh Waters Optometrist

Nicole Arnold
Optometrist

After growing up on the Gold Coast, Nicole attended QUT in the same student intake as Andrew. Following graduation in 1995, Nicole moved back to the coast with her husband ...

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Lyndon Ferguson | Gold Coast Optometrist

Lyndon Ferguson
Optometrist

Lyndon grew up in the Gold Coast hinterland and gained his optometry degree at QUT. A desire to travel took him to London, where he joined one of the most ...

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Christina Bormann
Optometrist

Christina grew up on the Gold Coast and gained her optometry degrees at QUT in Brisbane, a Bachelor of Vision Science and Master of Optometry, both with distinction. As a ...

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Meet More of our Staff

Featured Blog Posts - Dry Eye Treatment

February 16, 2026

The Ultimate Guide to LipiFlow Therapy for Dry Eye Relief: What You Need to Know

Our Envision optometry team are always keen to discuss the various treatment options available for dry eye syndrome, a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. With a special interest in this area, we focus on finding the root cause of your dry eye and then choose the most appropriate treatment option for you. One such treatment is LipiFlow therapy. Let's delve into what LipiFlow therapy is, when it is ...
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May 20, 2025

Struggling with Dry Eyes? Discover the Power of IPL Therapy!

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 ...
Read More
June 5, 2024

What Causes Dry Eye and Can It Be Treated?

Older couple after dry eye treatment on gold coast

 

Dry eye disease, or dry eye syndrome, is a common condition that occurs when a person's tears don't adequately moisturise the eyes. Inadequate or unstable tears can occur if you don't produce enough tears or the tears you produce are 'poor-quality'. As a result, you may develop dry eyes with ...
Read More
Read More Dry Eye Treatment Blog Posts

Dry Eye Treatment Technology

Digital Tear and Tear Gland Scanning for Dry Eyes

Dry eye symptoms can affect a person's ability to comfortably and effectively perform their daily tasks. Fortunately, Envision Optical offer dry eye treatment for dry eye syndrome, such as dry eye medication, dry eye drops and more.

The meibomian glands are responsible for keeping the eyes lubricated along with the saltwater found in tears. Meibomian lipids are the viscous oily layer on the eyes that aid in comfort and support the watery fluid in the eyes. When not enough lipids are present, tears evaporate too quickly, leaving the discomfort and redness of dry eyes. 

Digital scans of tear and tear gland health help reveal any areas where the eyes are not receiving enough moisture and lubrication to stay healthy. Unlike meibomian and tear testing of the past, the digital scan is far more comfortable and accurate, making it an exceptional patient education tool. 

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy for Dry Eyes

Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy has gained in popularity for dry eye treatment because of its multi-faceted approach. IPL uses light energy to reduce inflammation and promote cell regeneration, providing dry eye relief and improving dry eye symptoms. It also warms the meibomian glands, making it easier for them to clear and replenish the lipid layer of the eyes. IPL also reduces Demodex mites responsible for infection of the hair and skin follicles, including those of the eye.

This technology for dry eye care can help us control dry eye syndrome and symptoms so that patients can experience improved eye health and vision. 

LipiFlow Therapy for Dry Eyes

At Envision Optical, our goal is to help you find dry eye relief and the most effective dry eye treatment for you. 

LipiFlow therapy treats the root cause of dry eyes by clearing the meibomian glands to improve the flow of lipids to the eyes in a comfortable and non-invasive way. You can think of it as a warm massage for your eyes. 

In most cases, dry eye treatment can be completed right in our Burleigh Waters or Tweed Heads eye clinics in just a few short minutes. LipiFlow therapy can reduce or eliminate the uncomfortable sensations caused by dry eye syndrome.

 

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