We are currently seeing patients at our Denver and Aurora locations. Please contact us for scheduling.

Woman using eye drops

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 optometrist Stanley Cushing, and our ophthalmologist, Justin Coco, in Boulder, CO, can provide lasting relief.

We Offer Lipiflow A Cutting-Edge Solution

/

Lipiflow® involves a quick, 20-minute treatment to unclog the oil glands that contribute to healthy tears. Patients report experiencing relief in just two weeksContact 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 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

Office

Boulder, CO, Chooses Us for Their Eye Care "Prompt, professional, knowledgeable staff." 

1

Betsy Redfern

2021

Google logo

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.

View On Google
1

Sarah Owens

2021

Google logo

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 Google

The Causes Of Dry Eye

The causes of dry eye can vary. Drs. Cushing and Coco will get to the root cause of your dry eye to provide the most effective treatment. 

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

Optometrist

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

Slit Lamp Test

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 or Dr. Coco.

 (303) 442-6260

Office

More Happy Boulder Patients "I will 100% be back"

1

Eddie Barr

2020

Google logo

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.

View On Google
1

Laurie Dameron

2021

Google logo

...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 Google

The Treatments At Our Boulder, CO, Office

Woman using eye drops

Eye Drops

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 Plug

Punctal Plugs

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.

Person using Lipiflow

LipiFlow

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.

Humidifier

Lifestyle Changes

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"

1

Henry Ragland

2020

Google logo

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.

View On Google
1

Charlie Van Goetz

2020

Google logo

...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

View On Google
Pearl Street Eye logo

Pearl Street Eye

The team at Pearl Street Eye in Boulder, CO, combines cutting-edge technology with a genuine commitment to patients' health. Drs. Stanley Cushing and  Justin Coco, have in-depth experience and are members of the:

  • American Academy of Ophthalmology™
  • American Osteopathic Association®
  • American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
  • International Society of Refractive Surgery®
  • American Osteopathic Colleges of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery
  • American Optometric Association

Are you due for an eye exam or worried about your vision? Request a consultation or call our practice today at (303) 442-6260.



Contact Us Today

Rate, Review & Explore

Social Accounts Sprite
Google map image of our location in 2575 Pearl St. 1C Boulder, CO

Boulder Location

2575 Pearl St.
1C
Boulder, CO 80302

Closed Today

By Appointment Only

(303) 442-6260 Send a message