An in-office deep-cleaning treatment that clears debris, biofilm and Demodex mites from the lash line, delivering immediate soothing relief where everyday lid hygiene and gland expression alone aren't enough.
A lot of dry eye and blepharitis symptoms trace back to buildup sitting directly on the eyelid margin and lash line itself, oil, dead skin, bacteria and, in some patients, Demodex mites. Left in place, that buildup keeps fuelling inflammation, even after warming and gland expression have cleared the glands underneath.
The Zest Lid Procedure is a professional, in-office treatment that goes further than a standard lid hygiene routine. A specially formulated, gently exfoliating solution is applied along your closed eyelids and lash line, lifting and clearing that buildup thoroughly in a single visit.
Clean the surface of the lash line at home, but only reach so far and need daily repetition to keep on top of buildup.
Clears blocked oil from inside the glands, but doesn't target debris and bacteria sitting on the lid margin surface.
A deeper, professional-strength clean of the lash line itself, clearing what daily hygiene and gland expression leave behind.
Zest uses a naturally derived cleansing gel applied by hand, not a device, laser or medication, to physically lift buildup from the lid margin.
The active ingredient is a naturally derived okra-based polysaccharide gel, chosen for its gentle but effective cleansing and anti-inflammatory properties. It's worked into the lid margin using a soft, specialised foam swab, not a chemical peel or harsh scrub.
The gel is massaged into a light lather along your closed eyelids and lash line in gentle circular motions. This lifts and helps break down bacterial biofilm, debris and Demodex mites clinging to the lid margin, before being rinsed away with saline.
Because it clears buildup directly from the lid margin, most patients notice soothing relief straight after a single treatment. It's gentle enough not to strip the eyelid's natural moisture barrier, and helps free up blocked oil glands to support a healthier tear film.
We typically recommend Zest as a targeted step for patients with blepharitis, Demodex involvement or chronic lid margin irritation, alongside warming treatments and gland expression as part of a broader plan. Following your Dry Eye Assessment, we will determine whether Zest is appropriate for you.
Our optometrist checks your lid margin and lash line to confirm Zest is the right fit for what's driving your symptoms.
A specially formulated, gently exfoliating solution is applied to your closed eyelids and lash line and left to work.
The solution is rinsed away and your eyes are checked, with most patients noticing soothing relief straight away.
A simple, single-session fee for a thorough professional lid margin clean.
A Comprehensive Eye Examination or Dry Eye Assessment is required before starting any dry eye treatment, so we can confirm the treatment is the right choice for your condition. Fees current as at August 2026 and may change, so we recommend confirming current pricing when you book. Additional fees may apply for non-Medicare holders.
Zest gives your lid margin a thorough professional reset, but day-to-day habits matter too. Most patients maintain their results with a simple at-home routine, things like preservative-free lid wipes, warm compresses, lubricating drops or nutritional support. We'll walk through what fits your situation as part of your ongoing plan.
Every treatment plan starts with understanding your eyes properly. A thorough assessment with our dry eye expert will determine whether the Zest Lid Procedure is the right choice for you, rather than a default option offered to everyone, regardless of their individual needs.