The Toyos Protocol: The Global Gold Standard for Treating Dry Eye Disease
You’ve tried the drops. The warm compresses. The wipes, the masks, even the antibiotics. Yet your eyes still burn, blur, or sting by the end of the day. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone, and more importantly, it’s not your fault.
Dry Eye Disease (DED) is often more complex than it seems. And for many people, the real solution isn’t another over-the-counter fix, it’s a comprehensive, medically guided treatment that addresses the root causes. That’s exactly what the Toyos Protocol was designed to do.
In this article, we’ll explain what the Toyos Protocol is, how it works, and why Dry Eye Solution clinics are the only clinics in Australia offering this complete, compassionate and evidence-informed approach.
What Is the Toyos Protocol?
Developed by Dr Rolando Toyos the original pioneer of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy for Dry Eye the Toyos Protocol is a globally respected treatment framework for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), one of the most common causes of Dry Eye Disease.
It combines two core components:
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light): Used around the eyelids to reduce inflammation, stimulate healthy oil production, and improve gland function.
Meibomian Gland Expression (MGX): A precise technique used immediately after IPL to unblock oil glands and restore the tear film’s essential oil layer.
But the protocol is more than just a sequence of treatments; it’s a complete, progressive plan tailored to your symptoms, skin health, and tear gland condition. At Dry Eye Solution, we’re proud to be the first and only Australian clinic trained directly by Dr Toyos to deliver this protocol.
Why the Toyos Protocol Works When Other Treatments Don’t
Many people assume Dry Eye Disease means “not enough tears.” But in most cases, it’s not the quantity, it’s the quality of those tears that matters. Without a stable oil layer, tears evaporate too quickly, leaving the eyes exposed and inflamed.
This is where the Toyos Protocol makes a real difference:
IPL reduces inflammation and improves Meibomian Gland function
MGX physically clears gland blockages, restoring proper oil flow
The two treatments work synergistically, with results that build over a series of sessions
By targeting the underlying dysfunction, the Toyos Protocol goes far beyond symptom-masking, offering a structured path toward long-term stability and comfort.
The Evidence Behind the Protocol
Several clinical studies and meta-analyses between 2022 and 2025 support the effectiveness of IPL in treating MGD-related Dry Eye Disease:
A randomised controlled trial by Toyos et al. (2022) showed significant symptom improvement when IPL was paired with MGX
A 2023 meta-analysis found IPL led to meaningful reductions in Dry Eye symptoms (e.g. a −16 point drop in OSDI scores) and increased tear stability
Long-term studies (2024–2025) demonstrate sustained improvements in tear break-up time and gland health
Safety has been consistent across studies, with a low risk of adverse effects when performed under proper clinical protocols
Read more: Review of Optometry – IPL Meta-Analysis
At Dry Eye Solution, the protocol is delivered within a holistic model of care guided by the very same standards used in clinical trials.
It’s More Than a Machine: The Power of Whole-Person Dry Eye Care
Dry eyes don’t start and stop at the eyes. Factors such as hormonal changes, rosacea, gut inflammation, autoimmune conditions, and medications (e.g. Roaccutane or antidepressants) all play a role in Meibomian Gland health and tear stability.
That’s why the Toyos Protocol, as offered at Dry Eye Solution, includes:
A full review of your systemic health
Discussion around diet and anti-inflammatory strategies (based on The Toyos Dry Eye Diet)
Guidance on eye-safe cosmetics, heat hygiene, and home routines
Collaboration with GPs, dermatologists, endocrinologists, or psychologists if needed
“DED is often a local sign of a broader systemic imbalance in the skin, gut, hormones, or lifestyle.”
– The Toyos Dry Eye Diet
This is Dry Eye care that respects the whole person, not just the symptoms.
Who Is the Toyos Protocol Best Suited For?
While many patients can benefit, the Toyos Protocol is particularly helpful for:
People with moderate to severe Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
Those who’ve tried eye drops, compresses, or antibiotics with little success
Patients who will have surgery such as lasik, cataract surgery or surgery for acne with rosacea
Patients with rosacea, ocular scarring, blepharitis, or post-surgical Dry Eye
Individuals affected by hormonal shifts, skin conditions, or chronic inflammation
Anyone looking for a structured, longer-lasting solution, not another short-term fix
People about to undergo cataract or laser refractive surgeries to optimise outcomes
People who have had treatment elsewhere and are not getting results
People experiencing Dry Eye after cataract or laser refractive surgeries
People who have tried Non-Toyos Protocol IPL treatments elsewhere with little improvement
What to Expect at Dry Eye Solution
We begin with a full assessment:
Meibomian Gland imaging
Evaluation of your ocular surface, tear film and skin
Questions about health history, symptoms, medications, and lifestyle
If the Toyos Protocol is right for you, we will build a plan tailored to your needs. You’ll know exactly what to expect, with transparency around treatment stages, costs, and outcomes and always, no pressure.
Let’s Build a Plan That Actually Works
If you've been living with ongoing Dry Eye symptoms despite trying drops, wipes, or prescriptions, it might be time for something more complete.
At Dry Eye Solution, we’re proud to offer the Toyos Protocol, combining cutting-edge technology with compassionate, whole-person care.
Book a free 15-minute telehealth consultation today, or take our 1-Minute Dry Eye Quiz to start your journey toward lasting relief.