Evergreen Eye Center — Dry Eyes
Dry Eyes
End Dry Eyes with Evergreen's High-Tech, Experienced Eyecare
- Constant sandy or scratchy sensation
- Blurred vision that fluctuates throughout the day
- In-office treatments like BlephEx and iLux available
Is This Right for You?
Am I a Candidate for Dry Eyes?
If any of the following sound familiar, it may be time for an evaluation.
Most commonly, dry eye is ‘evaporative dry eye,’ where the tear film coating the eye evaporates too quickly because of insufficient oil content, often the result of a blockage in the Meibomian glands at the rims of the eyelids.
Treatment
How Dry Eye Is Treated
Dry eye occurs when there is insufficient tear production, or tears that evaporate too quickly due to improper chemical makeup. Most commonly, it’s evaporative dry eye, where the tear film evaporates too quickly because of insufficient oil (lipid) content, typically the result of a blockage in the Meibomian glands, tiny glands at the rims of the eyelids. Evergreen Eye Center offers BlephEx, which safely cleans the lids and lashes to treat blepharitis-related dry eye, and iLux, which heats and compresses the eyelid glands to treat Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. Just one 8-12 minute iLux treatment has been shown to increase Meibomian gland function by 300% at four weeks.
Patient Reviews
Your Treatment Options
BlephEx vs. iLux: Which Treatment Is Right for You?
Evergreen Eye Center offers two targeted in-office treatments for dry eye, matched to what's causing your symptoms.
BlephEx
Cleans the lids and lashes
- Safely cleans lids and lashes to remove buildup
- Targets blepharitis-related dry eye
- Performed in-office as part of a routine visit
For Blepharitis-Related Dry Eye
iLux
Heats and compresses the eyelid glands
- Heats and compresses the Meibomian glands to restore oil flow
- Just one 8-12 minute treatment has been shown to increase gland function by 300% at four weeks
- Targets evaporative dry eye caused by gland blockage
For Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
Your doctor will recommend one or both treatments based on what's driving your dry eye symptoms.
Step by Step
Your Dry Eye Treatment Journey
From evaluation to lasting relief, here's what to expect.
1
Dry Eye Evaluation
- Symptoms and daily impact reviewed
- Eyelid glands examined
- Underlying cause identified
2
Treatment Plan
- BlephEx or iLux recommended based on your needs
- At-home care discussed
- Questions about the process answered
3
In-Office Treatment
- BlephEx cleans lids and lashes
- iLux heats and compresses the Meibomian glands
- Treatment typically takes 8-12 minutes
4
Follow-Up
- Symptom improvement monitored
- Additional sessions scheduled if needed
- Long-term management plan discussed
What to Expect
Expected Dry Eyes Outcomes & Recovery
Just one 8-12 minute iLux treatment has been shown to increase Meibomian gland function by 300% at four weeks.
What Patients Can Expect in the First 30 Days
- BlephEx and iLux treatments are performed in-office in under 15 minutes
- Many patients notice improved comfort as gland function improves
- Dry eye is a chronic condition managed with an ongoing care plan
- Your doctor monitors your symptoms and adjusts treatment over time
Informed Care
Safety & Risk Considerations
Dry eye is a chronic condition that is managed rather than cured. Your eye doctor will discuss which combination of treatments and at-home care fits your symptoms.
Safety Profile
- BlephEx safely cleans the lids and lashes to treat blepharitis-related dry eye
- iLux treatment has been shown to increase Meibomian gland function by 300% at four weeks after just one 8-12 minute session
- Both treatments are performed in-office as part of a routine visit
Possible Side Effects
- Dry eye is a chronic condition that is managed over time rather than cured with a single treatment
- Your eye doctor will monitor your symptoms after treatment and adjust your care plan as needed
- Contact your doctor if your dry eye symptoms don't improve or worsen after treatment
How We Minimize Risk
Targeted Evaluation
Your eyelid glands are examined to identify the underlying cause of your dry eye before treatment is recommended.
In-Office Treatment
BlephEx and iLux are performed in the office, so there's no separate surgical visit required.
Ongoing Management
Dry eye is a chronic condition, and your doctor will monitor your symptoms and adjust treatment over time.
Why Evergreen Eye Center
Dry Eye Care: Why Choose Evergreen Eye Center
Here's what sets dry eye care at Evergreen Eye Center apart.
High-Tech In-Office Treatments
We offer BlephEx and iLux, targeted technologies that address the underlying causes of dry eye.
Experienced Eyecare Team
Our doctors have years of experience diagnosing and managing dry eye disease.
A Plan for Daily Life
We focus on treatments that make everyday tasks like reading, driving, and screen time more comfortable.
Our Team
Our Dry Eye Team
Our eye care team combines clinical experience with high-tech in-office treatments to diagnose and manage dry eye disease.
Find Us
Dry Eyes in Seattle
Dry eye evaluations and treatment are available across our Federal Way, Federal Way – Maplewood, Auburn, Seattle, Burien, and Tacoma locations.
Coverage & Financing
Cost & Insurance
Dry eye evaluations may be billed to medical insurance, though coverage isn't guaranteed. Evergreen Eye Center also offers flexible payment options for treatment.
Insurance We Accept
28+ plans accepted
- Accepted plans include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Medicare, Premera Blue Cross, Regence, TriWest/Tricare, and United Healthcare, among 28+ carriers
- Different carriers and plans have different requirements, so coverage can vary
- Contact your insurance provider directly to confirm your specific benefits
Coverage requirements vary by carrier and plan, contact your insurer to confirm your specific benefits.
Payment & Financing Options
Ways to pay for your care
- Cash, check, and major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover) are accepted
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) can be used
- Limited CareCredit financing is available for qualifying procedures of $200 or more, subject to credit approval
Our billing team can answer payment questions at 800-340-3595.
Flexible financing available. We work with CareCredit to offer low- and no-interest payment plans for premium lens upgrades and elective procedures. Ask about your options at your consultation.
locationsCommon Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about dry eyes.
What are dry eyes?
Dry eyes are a medical condition with health and lifestyle consequences if left untreated. There are two primary forms of dry eye, evaporative and aqueous deficient.
What are meibomian glands?
Meibomian glands are the oil-producing glands of your eyelids. If these glands do not produce enough oil or become blocked, it may contribute to dry eye.
Will my insurance cover the dry eye evaluation?
We can attempt to bill your medical insurance for the cost of the dry eye evaluation. However, it is not guaranteed that it will be covered.
Why do dry eyes sometimes cause watery eyes?
It may seem counterintuitive, but watery eyes are actually a common symptom of dry eye. When the eyes become too dry, they can react by producing a flood of reflex tears to compensate for the irritation. These tears lack the oil and balance needed to properly coat the eye, so the underlying dryness remains even as your eyes water.
Ready When You Are
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Most patients see results within 24 hours. Consultations are available at all four locations, online scheduling takes less than two minutes.