Dry, irritated, watery, or gritty eyes are more than a nuisance – they can impact work productivity, driving safety, sleep quality, mood, and overall wellbeing. At Ashburton Eyecare, we see Dry Eye every day, and the demand for effective solutions continues to grow in Mid-Canterbury.
Dry eye disease is multifactorial, meaning it has several contributing causes and requires an individualised treatment plan – not simply artificial tears. Research shows that approximately 86% of dry eye is due to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), where the oil glands in the eyelids become blocked, inflamed, or begin to shrink (atrophy). When these glands do not function correctly, tears evaporate too quickly, leading to ongoing dryness, irritation, and fluctuating or blurred vision.
Why IPL for Dry Eye? Treating the underlying cause
We are proud to introduce Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy to Ashburton Eyecare – the first clinic to offer IPL treatment in Mid-Canterbury.
IPL is not simply another comfort therapy. It targets the inflammatory processes behind Dry Eye and MGD, helping restore normal gland function. Benefits may include:
stabilising the tear film
melting thickened gland oils
reducing lid margin telangiectasia
improving meibomian gland performance
decreasing redness and inflammation
reducing flare-ups over time
Unlike lubricants or lid wipes that relieve symptoms only, IPL works deeper to correct the underlying dysfunction.
Who benefits from IPL?
IPL can be effective for many Dry Eye patients, particularly those with:
Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)
evaporative dry eye
lid margin inflammation or telangiectasia
recurrent chalazion / styes
rosacea-related dry eye
Demodex mite infestation
For advanced or late-stage dry eye with significant gland atrophy, IPL remains a core treatment, but realistic expectations are important. Individual results vary depending on gland health and compliance with home therapy.
Demodex treatment – in practice and at home
Demodex mites are increasingly recognised as a major contributor to itching, irritation and poor meibomian gland function. IPL can assist by targeting pigment within the mite body, helping reduce the population.
At Ashburton Eyecare, we provide a dedicated Demodex management pathway, including:
IPL treatments for targeted in-clinic mite reduction
In Clinic deep lid cleansing
medical-grade home cleansing programmes
tailored follow-up appointments
More than IPL – comprehensive dry eye care in one clinic
Dry Eye requires a multifactorial approach. Depending on your diagnosis, treatment options may include:
IPL treatment plans
manual or mechanical gland expression
heated eye mask therapy
OptiMel Manuka honey products
anti-inflammatory drops or oral medication
targeted lid hygiene regimes
lubricants and nutritional support
We use symptom scoring and tear film diagnostics, including SPEED questionnaires and non-invasive tear break-up time, to monitor your progress objectively. Our goal is simple: shift patients into more “good days” than “bad days”, restoring comfort, clarity and confidence.
Better outcomes start here
Many patients believe they simply have to live with dry eyes. That is no longer the case. IPL and modern dry eye therapies provide genuine treatment options – not just temporary relief.
Whether you experience burning, watering, fluctuating vision, recurring styes or eye strain from screens, we are here to help.
Book a Dry Eye Assessment at Ashburton Eyecare
Together, we will create a personalised plan addressing your symptoms and the underlying cause.
Ashburton Eyecare – Mid-Canterbury’s leader in Dry Eye and IPL therapy.
If you are living elsewhere in New Zealand and would like to find an Optometrist who cares for your dry eye, Visit The Dry Eye Specialist Group to find a Specialist near you.
