Dry Eye

A common condition where the eyes don’t produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly, causing irritation and discomfort.

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35+ Years of Trusted Eye Care Experience

For over 30 years, we’ve helped thousands of Kiwis see clearly with expert care built on trust and real results. From your first consultation to post-surgery support, we’re here with personal, consistent care you can count on.

Industry-Leading Technology & Safety Protocols

We go beyond the standard by partnering with ZEISS, a global leader in optical technology. Their advanced laser systems allow for precise, personalised treatment and consistently safe results across a wide range of vision conditions.

Specialised Team and Personalised Aftercare

Our expert team supports you through every step of your laser eye journey, from surgery to personalised aftercare. With detailed post-op checks and ongoing follow-ups, we make sure you feel confident, informed and cared for.

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Ensuring a Clear Path to Visual Freedom: Why We Treat Dry Eye Before Laser Eye Surgery

If you suffer from dry eyes and are considering LASIK or another form of laser eye surgery, you’re not alone. Many patients experience dry eye symptom, burning, redness, blurry vision, or a gritty sensation, and wonder whether they’re still suitable for surgery. At Laser Eye Centre, we believe everyone deserves the best possible vision outcome. That’s why we address dry eye disease before your laser eye procedure.

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Understanding Dry Eye Disease and Its Impact

Dry Eye Disease is a common condition where the eyes either don’t produce enough tears or the quality of those tears is compromised. Without a stable tear film, your eyes may feel:

Dry or irritated
Burning or stinging
Red or inflamed
Gritty, as if something is in them
Blurred, especially during tasks like reading or using a screen

One of the leading causes of dry eye is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)—a condition where the oil-producing glands in your eyelids become blocked. This disrupts the tear film and leads to faster tear evaporation, increasing discomfort and instability.

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Why Treat Dry Eye Before LASIK?

For the best possible outcome with LASIK, or any laser eye surgery, your eyes need to be in optimal health. A stable, healthy tear film ensures:

Accurate pre-operative measurements
Smooth, predictable healing
Enhanced visual clarity
Reduced risk of complications like prolonged dryness or blurred vision

Ignoring dry eye can delay healing and compromise your long-term results. That’s why we strongly recommend treating dry eye before scheduling your procedure.

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How Treating Dry Eye Improves Your Laser Eye Surgery Results

When dry eye is managed ahead of time, you’ll notice:

Faster recovery after surgery
Better visual outcomes, with reduced fluctuations in clarity
Less discomfort, both during and after your procedure

Your eyes will be calmer, more stable, and better prepared for healing, which means a more comfortable experience and more reliable visual results.

IPL Treatment: A Proven Solution Before Surgery

One of the most effective pre-surgery dry eye treatments is IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) therapy. IPL gently stimulates the Meibomian glands, improving oil flow and restoring a balanced tear fil, without surgery or downtime.

What to Expect from IPL:

Three sessions, each two weeks apart
Quick, painless appointments—you’ll wear protective goggles while light pulses are applied around your eyelids
Mild warming sensation, no recovery time, and you can drive yourself home

Between sessions, we recommend heat masks and preservative-free lubricants to support your treatment plan.

Will IPL Delay My Surgery?

In most cases, no. IPL treatment takes just four weeks and surgery can usually be scheduled immediately afterward. While some patients may choose to begin surgery earlier, completing IPL beforehand leads to the most effective results.

What is the cost for the IPL Treatment?

Your IPL therapy will be delivered at $109 per session

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Don’t Let Dry Eye Hold You Back from Clear Vision

We understand how frustrating dry eyes can be—especially when you're dreaming of life without glasses or contact lenses. You might be wondering if you're still a candidate for laser eye surgery, or worried that your dry eye symptoms will stand in the way.

We are here to tell you they don’t have to.

At Laser Eye Centre, we care deeply about helping you achieve the best possible result, comfortably and confidently. That’s why we take the time to treat dry eye disease before surgery. It's not about delaying your vision journey; it's about setting you up for success.

Your comfort matters. Your clarity matters. You matter.

Where We’re Located

Whether you live in the Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, or Central & Lower North Island, vision advice is never far away:

Hamilton
New Plymouth
Tauranga
‍Pukekohe
Taupo

Let us help you take the first step, no pressure, just care so book your no obligation free assessment today, and let’s explore your options together.

Phone: 0800 733 2020 or book online here