Dry Eye Treatment
Do you struggle with red, itchy, and irritated eyes? Are you uncomfortable wearing your contacts?
Dry eye syndrome can make everyday life uncomfortable and performing daily job functions difficult.
Our optometrists, Stanley Cushing and Cecelia Koetting, and our ophthalmologist, Justin Coco, in Boulder, CO, can provide lasting relief.
We Offer Lipiflow A Cutting-Edge Solution
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Lipiflow® involves a quick, 20-minute treatment to unclog the oil glands that contribute to healthy tears. Patients report experiencing relief in just two weeks. Contact our Boulder, CO, practice to see if you are a good candidate for this advanced ocular treatment.
The Types Of Dry Eye
Tears allow our eyes to stay healthy. They wash away irritants and lubricate the surface of our eyes, keeping them comfortable. Insufficient tear production or poor tear quality leads to a condition known as dry eye. There are three types of dry eye syndrome.
Aqueous Tear-Deficient
This occurs when your lacrimal gland, the gland that produces tears, does not produce enough tears to keep your eye healthy.
Evaporative Dry Eye
This form of dry eye syndrome occurs when the tears your eyes produce dry up too quickly.
Mixed Dry Eye
This form of dry eye syndrome occurs when you have both aqueous tear-deficient and evaporative dry eye.
If You Suffer From Dry Eye, You Are Not Alone
Dry eye syndrome is very common, and your chance of developing it greatly increases as you age.
An estimated 3.2 million women age 50 and over and 1.68 million men age 50 and over are affected by dry eye syndrome. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology
Are You Suffering From Dry Eye Symptoms? Contact Our Boulder, CO, Practice Today
Drs. Cushing, Koetting, and Coco have decades of optometry and ophthalmology experience combined. They are able to diagnose your dry eye and create a treatment plan that will relieve your symptoms and improve your vision.
Stop suffering from the symptoms of dry eye. Call our Boulder, CO, office today to request your consultation.
(303) 442-6260
Boulder, CO, Chooses Us for Their Eye Care "Prompt, professional, knowledgeable staff."
Betsy Redfern
2021
Prompt, professional, knowledgeable staff. Dr. Ruth is deep in knowledge, effective in communication and unhurried in her process. I not only would recommend this organization, I intend to.
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Sarah Owens
2021
Excellent clinic for children. We have twins with autism which can make medical appointments challenging. Our boys were nervous but the nurses and doctor were supportive and flexible. They all really went above and beyond to help our boys...
View On GoogleThe Causes Of Dry Eye
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions such as diabetes, Rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus, and thyroid disorders can cause dry eye.
Medications
Dry eye syndrome can also be a symptom of some medications like antihistamines, decongestants, and blood pressure medications.
LASIK Surgery
Sometimes LASIK or other vision correction surgeries can cause your lacrimal glands to have difficulty producing tears, which leads to dry eyes.
MGD
Meibomian glands are glands inside your eyelids that produce the oil in your tears. When they do not function properly, it can cause your tears to evaporate too quickly.
Contact Lenses
Wearing your contacts all day or forgetting to take them out at night can lead to dry eyes. Contact lenses can also prevent your natural tears from lubricating the surface of your eyes.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is a condition where your eyelids swell and cause a lack of oil production in your tears. This condition causes eyelid irritation and can lead to dry eyes.
Age
As your age increases, tear production in your eyes tends to decrease. Women over the age of 50 are especially susceptible to developing dry eyes.
Extreme Environments
Living in excessively hot, cold, or dry climates can cause dry eyes. Likewise, people living in areas with a lot of wind and dust can develop chronic dry eye.
Screen Time
Staring at a screen for an extended period of time can sometimes cause us to forget to blink. Without that constant lubrication, you are at a greater risk of developing dry eye.
Diagnosing Your Dry Eye What To Expect at Our Boulder Practice
Our skilled optometrists and ophthalmologist are experienced in diagnosing and treating patients suffering from dry eye.
Consultation
During your appointment, you will discuss your dry eye symptoms with one of our experienced eye doctors. It is important to be thorough when you describe all of your symptoms so they can create a treatment plan that will best suit your needs. In addition, you should let them know if your job puts strain on your eyes, such as staring at a computer or long periods of driving. Letting them know this information will help provide a more accurate diagnosis and more effective treatment.
Slit Lamp Exam
A slit lamp exam is used in routine eye care and allows our doctors to closely examine the surface of your eye. The slit lamp uses a high-intensity light and microscope to inspect your eye for signs of disease or damage to the cornea, optic nerve, and retina. This exam also allows our doctors to see any signs of dryness and gives them the ability to check the quality of your tears. This exam is painless and quick and helps our doctors determine the best treatment option for you.
Ready for Your Eye Exam? Contact Our Boulder Office
Do not wait to seek treatment if you are struggling with symptoms of dry eye. Our Boulder practice is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and with both optometrists and an ophthalmologist on staff, we can cover the full spectrum of vision care for all our patients and their families.
Don't let your dry eyes turn into a more serious ocular problem. Contact our Boulder, CO, office to request your appointment with either Dr. Cushing, Koetting, or Coco.
(303) 442-6260
More Happy Boulder Patients "I will 100% be back"
Eddie Barr
2020
If you need contacts or glasses, look no further. The new staff is THE BEST. I am so happy I went to Dr Cushing at Pearl Street Eye for my contact lens exam. I will 100% be back.
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Laurie Dameron
2021
...My visit there was super - the receptionist and the doctor and everyone there was top notch professional. My new prescriptions for my trifocals and reading glasses are so excellent!...
View On GoogleThe Treatments At Our Boulder, CO, Office
Eye Drops
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For mild cases of dry eye, our doctors may start with lubricating eye drops or artificial tears. This is one of the most conservative treatments for dry eye. If the over-the-counter artificial tears or eye ointment do not provide relief, our doctors may suggest prescription eye drops that can increase your natural tear production.
Punctal Plugs
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If you're still uncomfortable after artificial tears or prescription eye drops, our doctors may suggest punctal plugs. A punctal plug is a small, biocompatible device placed into the tear ducts of your lower and upper eyelids. Once placed, they will block the ducts from draining tears and fluid from your eyes. This is a fairly simple outpatient procedure that is effective at treating dry eye.
LipiFlow
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This 20-minute treatment unclogs the oil glands under your eyelids through gentle heat and massage. It is done through a mechanized eyepiece that is placed over your closed eye. While it may sound intimidating, it is painless and many patients find it relaxing. After the glands are unclogged, your eyes can resume natural tear production. The effects of Lipiflow offer patients long-term relief in their daily life by eliminating the need for artificial tears. This treatment can even make wearing contact lenses more comfortable.
Lifestyle Changes
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For mild cases of dry eye, our doctors may suggest making lifestyle changes to alleviate your symptoms. Using a humidifier during dry seasons and switching out your contact lenses for glasses can be easy ways to find comfort. Quitting smoking is also recommended as the smoke can significantly dry out your eyes.
Will Insurance Pay for My Treatment? Insurance Can Contribute Towards Your Treatment
Some patients think their insurance only covers one trip to the eye doctor per year. However, dry eye is considered a medical condition, so treatment is often fully or partially covered by most providers. Our Boulder, CO, office accepts most major vision insurance plans. Our friendly staff is available to answer any questions and help you maximize the benefits of your insurance coverage.
"I will definitely be referring
all my friends to Pearl Street Eye"
Henry Ragland
2020
I truly enjoyed my eye exam with Dr. Cushing, I have never been happier with an eye exam than the one I had with him. He nailed my contact lens prescription. I will definitely be referring all my friends to Pearl Street Eye.
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Charlie Van Goetz
2020
...Dr. Cushing was my doctor and he was absolutely incredible. He really sweet and took his time during his exam.
I will be referring everyone I know to Pearl Street Eye
