Dry eye is a multifactorial disease of the ocular surface characterized by an inadequate or unstable tear film. Treatment has advanced significantly — today's approach goes well beyond artificial tears.
Anyone experiencing chronic eye discomfort, grittiness, burning, watering, or intermittent blurry vision. Especially important for contact lens wearers with discomfort, people who spend hours on screens, women over 40 (hormonal changes affect tear production), and those on medications that can cause dry eye (antihistamines, antidepressants, blood pressure medications).
Your dry eye evaluation includes: symptom questionnaire (OSDI or SPEED score), tear film evaluation (TFOS DEWS II protocol), meibomian gland evaluation and imaging, tear break-up time (TBUT), corneal staining, measurement of tear production (Schirmer's test). Based on findings, your doctor creates a staged treatment plan. Follow-up appointments track your progress and adjust treatment.
We use advanced dry eye diagnostic technology and offer the full spectrum of treatment options. From prescription drops (Restasis, Xiidra, Cequa) to in-office treatments including LipiFlow, intense pulsed light (IPL), and punctal plugs — we find the approach that works for your specific dry eye type.
A dry eye evaluation goes beyond a routine exam and may bill to medical insurance when chronic dry eye is being diagnosed or managed. In-office treatments like LipiFlow, IPL, and thermal pulsation are often out-of-pocket or partially covered. Prescription drops may require prior authorization under medical or pharmacy benefits. Typically covered: • Medical evaluation for chronic dry eye disease • Prescription anti-inflammatory drops with plan approval • Follow-up monitoring under medical benefits Often out-of-pocket: • In-office procedures (LipiFlow, IPL, iLux) • Punctal plugs — coverage varies • OTC tears and supplements
Call before your visit and we will check your vision and medical benefits so there are no surprises.
Over-the-counter drops treat symptoms but not the cause. An evaluation identifies your specific type of dry eye — whether it's aqueous deficiency or evaporative (meibomian gland dysfunction) — which determines the most effective treatment.
It varies by treatment. Prescription anti-inflammatory drops take 3‑6 months for full effect. In-office procedures like LipiFlow typically show results in 2‑4 weeks. Most patients see improvement but require ongoing maintenance.
LipiFlow is an FDA-cleared in-office treatment that applies precisely controlled heat and pressure to the eyelids, liquefying and clearing blockages in the meibomian glands to improve oil secretion into the tear film.
Yes. Screen use dramatically reduces blinking frequency (from 15‑20 times/minute to 5‑7 times/minute), causing faster tear evaporation. Screen workers have significantly higher rates of dry eye.
The evaluation may be covered by medical insurance when medically necessary. In-office treatments and OTC products are often out-of-pocket. Costs vary widely by treatment type and plan — we verify your benefits and provide a clear estimate before proceeding.
The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your eye care provider with any questions about a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
Contact the office to book your visit and we will verify your insurance benefits before your appointment.
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