The Evolution of Dry Eye Care: From IPL Innovation to the Global Toyos Protocols
By Dr Rolando Toyos (M.D., USA) — Medical Director, Dry Eye Solution Australia
“Natural Forces within us are the true healers of disease.” Hippocrates
Where It All Began
More than 25 years ago, I began searching for a way to help patients suffering from chronic Dry Eye Disease that didn’t respond to traditional drops or compresses.
While using Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) for dermatologic conditions, I noticed that patients with rosacea also experienced improvement in their eye comfort and clarity.
That observation led to the first clinical use of IPL for Dry Eye and, eventually, to what are now known worldwide as the Toyos Protocols, a structured, evidence-based system for treating Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) and ocular inflammation.
Building the Toyos Protocols
The Toyos Protocols are built on three pillars:
Precision Energy Delivery: true medical-grade IPL calibrated for ocular use to reduce inflammation and restore gland function.
Comprehensive Surface Management: combining targeted light therapy with lid-margin care, gland expression and ongoing review.
Whole-Patient Understanding: recognising hormonal, dietary, dermatologic and systemic factors that influence ocular health.
These principles have been refined through decades of research, peer review and patient care across thousands of cases worldwide.
Beyond IPL: Continuous Innovation
The Toyos Protocols have continued to evolve well beyond IPL, expanding into new frontiers of ocular-surface science.
In the United States, my team and I have advanced the development of Low Level Light Therapy (LLLT) and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Drops, innovative approaches that use the body’s own biology and gentle light energy to support surface healing and regeneration.
While these treatments are not currently available within Australia due to regulatory differences, Dry Eye Solution maintains a direct clinical liaison with my team in the U.S., ensuring their patients have access to the most current developments, research insights and, where appropriate, referral pathways to our U.S. clinics.
This close collaboration means that every patient within the Dry Eye Solution network benefits from the same innovation-driven philosophy that guides our work globally.
Why Australia Leads the Way
Australia has become the global proving ground for excellence in Dry Eye care.
Under the leadership of Liz Barrett, Dry Eye Solution is the only international network personally trained and continually mentored by me to deliver authentic Toyos Protocol treatment.
Every Lumenis OptiLight IPL device used across the network is programmed to my specifications, ensuring the same precision and safety standards found in my U.S. clinics.
Through weekly global case reviews and ongoing collaboration, we share insights that raise the bar for ocular-surface management worldwide.
Setting a New Global Standard
Dry Eye Solution Australia demonstrates that Dry Eye Disease can be approached with the same scientific rigour as any other chronic condition.
By combining advanced diagnostics, holistic patient support and the validated Toyos Protocols, the team provides care that represents the current international benchmark for Dry Eye management.
Our shared mission is simple: to help every patient move from discomfort to confidence, and to inspire practitioners everywhere to treat Dry Eye Disease with precision, empathy and hope.
About Dr Rolando Toyos
Dr Rolando Toyos M.D., (USA) is an ophthalmologist, researcher and educator recognised worldwide as the inventor of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) for Dry Eye Disease, the creator of the Toyos Protocols, and the inventor and patent holder of Low Level Light Therapy (LLLT) for Dry Eye.
He is also the inventor of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) eye drops, pioneering their use in ocular surface regeneration.
As a global leader in ophthalmology, Dr Toyos lectures, presents and trains specialists at major medical conferences around the world. His research and protocols have transformed Dry Eye care across five continents.
Known for his integrity, energy and deep compassion for patients, Dr Toyos brings a unique combination of scientific precision and human connection to his work. His enthusiasm for health and wellness is unmistakable, he is often described by patients as the healthiest, most inspiring doctor they’ve ever met.
Dr Toyos is also the Founder of the non-profit organisation DESA, Dry Eye Society of the Americas.
Dr Toyos serves as Medical Director for Dry Eye Solution Australia, guiding clinical standards, practitioner training and ongoing international collaboration, ensuring every clinic in the network delivers authentic, evidence-based Toyos-Protocol care under his direction.
