Understanding Dry Eye and How We Treat It
At North Shore Eye Health & Wellness, we take a medical approach to dry eye care. Instead of masking symptoms with drops alone, we focus on identifying the root cause and treating it directly.
Dry eye often develops when the meibomian glands, small oil glands along the eyelids that keep tears from evaporating, become blocked or inflamed. Without these oils, tears break down too quickly, leaving the eyes dry, irritated, and sometimes blurry. Our treatments are designed to restore gland function, reduce inflammation, and improve tear stability for lasting relief.
Below, you can learn more about the in-office procedures and supportive treatments we use to help patients restore comfort and maintain long-term eye health.
Home and Supportive Care
Your at-home care routine plays a key role in maintaining results between visits. After in-office treatment, we may recommend a plan that includes:
- Prescribed or medicated eye drops for hydration and inflammation control
- Omega-3 supplements to support tear quality
- Eyelid cleansers and warm compress masks for daily use
- Environmental and lifestyle adjustments to reduce strain
Consistent care helps maintain eye comfort, prevent flare-ups, and protect long-term eye health.
BlephEx Eyelid Exfoliation
Healthy eyelids are essential for healthy tears. Over time, bacteria, oils, and debris can build up along the lash line, creating a sticky layer that contributes to inflammation and gland blockage. BlephEx is a gentle, in-office procedure that exfoliates the eyelid margins using a soft rotating micro-sponge.
This treatment helps remove demodex mites and reduces bacteria buildup, supporting clearer vision and more comfortable eyes. It is often the first step in treating mild dry eye or preparing the eyelids for other therapies.
BlephEx is best suited for:
- Mild to moderate dry eye
- Blepharitis
- Chronic eyelid irritation
LipiFlow Thermal Pulsation
When the meibomian glands are blocked, they cannot release the natural oils that protect and stabilize the tear film. LipiFlow uses gentle heat and controlled pulsation to clear these blockages from inside the eyelids.
Each treatment takes about 12 minutes and provides results comparable to years of daily warm compresses. LipiFlow helps restore natural oil flow, relieve irritation, and reduce long-term inflammation that leads to recurring dryness.
LipiFlow is best suited for:
- Meibomian gland dysfunction
- Evaporative dry eye
iProX IPL and Radiofrequency (RF) Therapy
The iProX system combines intense pulsed light (IPL) and radiofrequency (RF) technology to target inflammation and restore gland function.
- IPL therapy reduces abnormal blood vessels and inflammation that interfere with healthy tear production, particularly in patients with redness or rosacea.
- RF therapy delivers controlled warmth to soften hardened oils inside the glands and improve flow. It also helps stimulate collagen in the surrounding tissue, which can improve eyelid tone and comfort.
Both treatments are comfortable, performed entirely in-office, and require no downtime. Together, they help balance the tear film and support long-term eye comfort.
IPL and RF therapy are best suited for:
- Moderate to severe dry eye
- Chronic gland dysfunction
- Rosacea-related inflammation
Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT)
LLLT, also known as photobiomodulation, is a noninvasive medical procedure used to stimular cellular function and promote healing. The therapy uses LED lights at specific wavelengths to deliver precise and controlled light energy to the skin. This triggers natural cellular processes that promote healing and recovery.
LLLT can be used to promote better circulation and reduce inflammation. In dry eye, LLLT can be used to reduce inflammation that interferes with proper tear production, especially from the meibomian glands.
LLLT is best suited for:
- Inflammation-driven dry eye
- Mild meibomian gland blockage
- Rosacea-related inflammation
Combination Therapy
Dry eye disease often involves more than one cause, so combination therapy allows us to treat multiple factors at once. By layering treatments such as iProX IPL and RF, LipiFlow, and InfinityPro LLLT, we can reduce inflammation, clear blockages, and stabilize tear production more effectively.
Each combination plan is customized based on symptoms, imaging results, and previous treatment response. Many patients experience long-term relief as the eyes begin to heal and regain balance.
A combination therapy is best suited for chronic or treatment-resistant dry eye that needs a multilayered approach.
Helping You Navigate Dry Eye
Dry eye can make daily activities feel frustrating, but relief is possible. Our team will take the time to understand your symptoms, evaluate your glands and tear quality, and design a treatment plan that helps you feel comfortable again.
Contact us today to schedule your dry eye consultation and start your path toward healthier eyes.
Come Visit Us
It’s our privilege to care for patients across Cedarburg, Grafton, Mequon, Jackson, Saukville and beyond. Whether you’re visiting us for the first time or returning for ongoing care, we’re honored to support your visual health.
Our Address
- N54W6135 Mill Street, Suite 700
- Cedarburg, WI 53012
Contact Information
- Phone: 262-421-4412
- Fax: 262-421-4413
- Email: [email protected]
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My daughter came in with complaints of cloudy vision. Every person we encountered was friendly and professional. I could tell my daughter was comfortable during every test throughout her visit. Dr. assured both of us that her complaint was nothing to worry about!
Relieved and happy with our experience here!
Anne J.
As a new patient, I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect.
My previous experiences had been with large chain eye centers and those experiences were hit or miss. I was pleasantly surprised by my experience at North Shore Eye. They were friendly and thorough with their examinations and Dr. Ross was extremely
knowledgeable and friendly. I would highly recommend!
Amy S.
Extremely knowledgeable, has flexible hours that have allowed me to go in after work. Very prompt in his
responses and overall very friendly environment.
Lauren D.
The most up to date equipment with the most personal care from any optometrist I’ve ever gotten. I would recommend him to anybody who has a complex prescription and hasn’t had good luck with other doctors.
Geoff R.
Dr. Ross and staff were very helpful. When I had a terrible eye infection, Dr. Ross evaluated my eye, prescribed me the proper meds, and scheduled a follow-up to make sure everything was going as expected. Overall, I was very impressed with the level of care and would recommend North Shore to anyone who needs to see an optometrist.
Nate S.
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North Shore Eye Health & Wellness
- N54W6135 Mill Street, Suite 700
- Cedarburg, WI 53012
- 262-421-4412
- 262-421-4413
- [email protected]