Treatments
Dry eye treatments, compared.
From warm compresses to IPL and scleral lenses, dry eye treatment isn't one-size-fits-all. This page covers what each option actually involves, who it tends to suit, and what it typically costs, so you can walk into an assessment already informed.
The common mistake
Treating dry eye with lubricating drops alone. Drops ease symptoms, but on their own they don't address the inflammation or the blocked oil glands underneath — which is why the condition tends to carry on regardless. Every option below goes further than that, and which one suits you depends on what an assessment actually finds.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
Pulses of light applied near the lower lids to calm inflammation and support oil-gland function.
Best for: Evaporative dry eye linked to inflamed or underperforming oil glands
Typical cost: Often $150–$350 per session, with an initial course of 3–4 sessions. Costs vary by clinic and region.
How it works TreatmentThermal pulsation (LipiFlow-style)
A device warms and gently massages the eyelids to clear blocked meibomian (oil) glands in one sitting.
Best for: Confirmed meibomian gland dysfunction with thickened, blocked gland secretions
Typical cost: Often $500–$800 for a single treatment session. Courses are less common than with IPL, but costs vary by clinic.
How it works TreatmentMeibomian gland expression
Manual or instrument-assisted pressure on the eyelids to clear blocked oil glands.
Best for: Ongoing maintenance of mild to moderate meibomian gland blockage
Typical cost: Often $80–$150 per session when billed separately, though it's frequently bundled into a broader assessment or IPL visit.
How it works TreatmentPunctal plugs
Tiny plugs inserted into the tear ducts to keep natural tears on the eye surface for longer.
Best for: Reduced tear volume (aqueous-deficient dry eye)
Typical cost: Often $60–$150 per plug, sometimes quoted per procedure covering both eyes. Costs vary by plug type and clinic.
How it works TreatmentScleral lenses
Large rigid contact lenses that vault over the cornea, holding a reservoir of fluid against the eye.
Best for: Significant or treatment-resistant dry eye, or irregular corneal surfaces
Typical cost: Often $500–$1,500+ per lens including fitting, given the specialised process. Costs vary considerably by clinic and complexity.
How it works TreatmentAutologous serum drops
Eye drops made from your own blood serum, used for more severe or persistent dry eye.
Best for: Severe or persistent dry eye not responding to standard treatments
Typical cost: Often $200–$400+ for an initial batch of drops, with ongoing costs for repeat blood draws. Pricing varies by compounding pharmacy.
How it works TreatmentBlepharitis & lid care
Routine lid hygiene and in-clinic cleaning to manage inflamed, crusty or irritated eyelid margins.
Best for: Inflamed, crusty or irritated eyelid margins contributing to dry eye
Typical cost: Often $70–$180 for an in-clinic lid clean, plus ongoing at-home products. Costs vary by clinic and products recommended.
How it works TreatmentPrescription dry eye drops
Medicated eye drops, prescribed to reduce inflammation or help the eye produce more natural tears.
Best for: Persistent dry eye with an inflammatory component, not resolved by lubricants alone
Typical cost: Often $40–$120 per month depending on the formulation prescribed. Costs vary by medication and pharmacy.
How it worksNot sure which treatment you need?
A proper dry eye assessment identifies what is actually driving your symptoms before recommending a treatment. Find a clinic near you and get assessed properly.