Dry Eye Specialist Group — Dry Eye Clinics Across NZ

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about dry eye syndrome

What is Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) is a multifactorial disease of the tears which can result in high tear film evaporation or low tear production. 

Symptoms

Red, irritated or watering eyes
Dry, scratchy or itchy eyes
Blurred vision
Burning sensation
Sensitivity to bright light, cold wind or air conditioning
Discharge or crusting around your eyelids in the morning

Dry Eye Syndrome can be a part of the natural ageing process (especially during menopause in women); a side effect of many medications (including the oral contraceptive), or the result of living in a dry or windy climate. People who have undergone cataract surgery, laser eye treatment or wear contact lenses may also suffer from this condition. If you have arthritis, asthma, gout, diabetes or if you are over 40 years old, you may also be prone to Dry Eye. Dry Eye Syndrome can also be symptomatic of some diseases including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjögren's syndrome.

Understanding your tear makeup

The tear film is made up of three layers: the mucin (mucous) layer, the watery aqueous layer and the oily lipid layer. The lacrimal gland under the eyebrow produces tears which form the aqueous layer. The Meibomian Glands in the upper and lower eyelids secrete oil to make up the lipid layer.
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1. Evaporative Dry Eye is the cause of the majority of Dry Eye cases. This is when tears are produced at normal quantities but evaporate too quickly.There are two main causes of evaporative dry eye: Meibomian Gland dysfunction and environmental factors.
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Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) is when the oil-producing Meibomian Glands are not working properly. This diminishes the lipid layer of the tear film, causing aqueous tears to evaporate quickly.
Environmental factors such as air conditioning, extended screen time or wind can result in excessive tear evaporation, leading to dryness and irritation.

2. Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye is caused by low production of aqueous tears. This is far less common than Evaporative Dry Eye, and is commonly due to auto-immune disease, medication or eye surgery.

You may find yourself using eye drops regularly to try to lubricate your eyes.

What is involved in the Dry Eye Treatment Program?

Your Dry Eye Specialist will conduct a comprehensive Clinical Assessment of your eyes and the symptoms you are experiencing at your initial consultation, and will then determine a tailored Treatment Plan for you. Your plan will vary depending upon the type and severity of dry eye that you have. Each treatment type will address specific symptoms and include some, if not all, of the following:

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
Prescription Medication
Nutrition
Clinical Procedures
Lubricants (Eye Drops)
At-home therapy

How does Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treat Dry Eye Syndrome?

IPL using the E-Eye device is a revolutionary treatment which generates a series of flashes of polychromatic, homogeneously sequenced light delivered to the skin around the lower eyelid. The energy, spectrum and time period are precisely set to stimulate the Meibomian glands to return to their normal function.

Each IPL session takes approximately 15 minutes. A series of flashes of light are applied to your lower eyelids and cheeks while you wear protective goggles.

Although the flashes are extremely bright and feel warm on your skin, there is no pain or significant discomfort. It will not affect your ability to drive following the treatment. The frequency of the treatments will be advised by your Dry Eye Specialist

When will I notice an improvement?

The Meibomian Glands show mildly improved function in a very short time following the treatment - as little as a couple of hours. In the early stages of treatment this effect may be quite temporary. Most people will notice an improvement after the second or third treatment, and the effects last longer. The latest research shows that the effect is cumulative and recommends four treatments over 12-16 weeks.

How long will IPL improvements last?

Research shows that 86% of patients treated with IPL report reduced dry eye symptoms by day 45. Though some may require further treatment within the year, on average the effects of IPL are noticed for over two years. At completion of a treatment course 62% of patients will continue to experience relief without needing another treatment within 3 years.

1. Malbel, Christian. Follow-up of 55 patients treated with E-Eye From 2012 to 2015 Data on File. France Medical
2. Craig JP, Chen Y-H, Turnbull PRK. Prospective trial of intense pulsed light for the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. 2015 Mar;56(3):1965–70.

What are the symptoms of dry eye syndrome?

Dry eye symptoms include persistent dryness, burning or stinging sensations, redness, blurred vision, a gritty or foreign-body sensation, sensitivity to light, and — paradoxically — watery or teary eyes. Symptoms often worsen in air-conditioned environments, after prolonged screen use, or in windy conditions. If you experience any of these regularly, a specialist assessment can identify the underlying cause.
1. Malbel, Christian. Follow-up of 55 patients treated with E-Eye From 2012 to 2015 Data on File. France Medical
2. Craig JP, Chen Y-H, Turnbull PRK. Prospective trial of intense pulsed light for the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. 2015 Mar;56(3):1965–70.

What are the best eye drops for dry eyes?

Not all eye drops suit every type of dry eye. Lubricating drops (artificial tears) provide temporary relief, but the right formulation depends on your tear film deficiency — lipid-layer drops for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, or aqueous drops for aqueous-deficient dry eye. Preservative-free options are recommended for frequent use. Our dry eye specialists can assess your tear film and recommend the most effective drops for your specific condition.1. Malbel, Christian. Follow-up of 55 patients treated with E-Eye From 2012 to 2015 Data on File. France Medical
2. Craig JP, Chen Y-H, Turnbull PRK. Prospective trial of intense pulsed light for the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. 2015 Mar;56(3):1965–70.

Can I still wear contact lenses if I have dry eye?

Many people with dry eye can continue wearing contact lenses with the right management. Switching to daily disposable lenses, using lubricating drops compatible with contacts, or trialling scleral lenses — which vault over the cornea and maintain a fluid reservoir — can significantly improve comfort. However, contact lens wear can worsen dry eye if the underlying condition isn't treated. A dry eye assessment will help determine whether lens wear is contributing to your symptoms and which options are suitable for you.

Is dry eye treatment covered by health insurance in NZ?

Coverage for dry eye treatment in New Zealand varies by insurer and policy. Diagnostic consultations and some prescription treatments may be covered under health insurance plans, while clinic-based treatments such as IPL are less commonly included. ACC does not typically cover dry eye treatment unless it results from an injury. We recommend contacting your insurer directly to confirm your entitlements. Our team can provide the documentation needed to support any insurance claim.

Can dry eye be cured permanently?

Whether dry eye can be cured depends on its underlying cause. In some cases — such as when dry eye is linked to medication, hormonal changes, or environmental factors — addressing the root cause can resolve symptoms. However, for most patients, dry eye is a chronic condition that is managed rather than cured. The goal is to restore tear film stability, relieve symptoms, and slow disease progression. With the right treatment plan, most patients achieve significant and sustained improvement in comfort and vision quality.

How much does dry eye treatment cost in New Zealand?

The cost of dry eye treatment in New Zealand varies depending on the severity of your condition and the treatments recommended. An initial dry eye assessment typically involves a consultation fee, with treatment options ranging from lubricating eye drops and lid hygiene products to clinic-based therapies such as IPL (Intense Pulsed Light). Many patients find that early, targeted treatment reduces ongoing costs compared with long-term dependence on over-the-counter drops. Contact us for a cost breakdown specific to your situation.

Why are my eyes watering if I have dry eye?

Watery eyes can be a symptom of dry eye syndrome. When the eye's surface is irritated or insufficiently lubricated, the lacrimal gland overproduces reflex tears as a defence mechanism. These reflex tears lack the balanced oil and mucus layers needed for stable lubrication, so they run down your cheek without providing relief. This paradoxical tearing is one of the most confusing dry eye symptoms — and one of the most common.2. Craig JP, Chen Y-H, Turnbull PRK. Prospective trial of intense pulsed light for the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. 2015 Mar;56(3):1965–70.

What causes dry eye syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes don't produce enough tears, or when the tear film evaporates too quickly. The most common cause is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), where the oil-producing glands in the eyelids become blocked or underperform, causing the tear film to evaporate rapidly. Other causes include ageing, hormonal changes, screen use, certain medications, contact lens wear, environmental factors, and autoimmune conditions. A thorough dry eye assessment can identify the underlying cause and guide targeted treatment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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