This post was most recently updated on August 25th, 2025

Dry Eye Treatments at Optique of Denver

Phase 1 - Over the Counter Dry Eye Treatments

Eyelid Therapy to Improve Meibomian Gland Function

The number one cause of dry eye is meibomian gland dysfunction. Meibomian glands are located within your eyelids. They are responsible for producing the oil in your tears, improving tear film stability. The recommendations below improve the quality of gland function, which has been shown to improve dry eye. 

  • Warm compresses over the eyelids for at least 10 minutes each day. We recommend OTC Bruder or Oasis eye masks. We do not recommend warm/wet compresses as they do not stay warm for a long enough period. 
  • 3000mg high quality Fish Oils every day. 
  • Lid scrubs
    1.  Blink or Ocusoft lid scrubs – available OTC at most pharmacies
    2. Hypochlorous acid products made by Avenova or Ocusoft – Available OTC at most online vendors

Preservative Free Artificial Tears - 5 Times per Day

Think of these as preventative maintenance throughout the day. For the tears to work well, you need to start using them at the beginning of your day and continue using them every few hours. Consistency is key. Here are drops we recommend:

  • Oasis Tears (surgical grade tears, available over the counter at our offices) – OTC
  • Refresh Plus – OTC
  • Refresh Optive Preservative Free – OTC
  • Systane Ultra Preservative Free – OTC
  • Blink Preservative Free – OTC

Phase 2 - Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Procedures

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy

This is considered a newer therapy in the dry eye realm. The technology was initially developed in the mid 90’s to treat dermatologic conditions. Ophthalmology began using this procedure in the early 2000’s after it was discovered dry eye symptoms improved post IPL. The procedure involves using intense pulsed light, applied directly to the skin around your eyes, which coagulates and removes damaged and unwanted blood vessels. Which in effect decreases inflammation around the eyes, improving gland function and productivity. Learn more information on IPL for Dry Eye

Phase 3 - Treatments for Lack of Tear Production

Punctal Plugs

Punctal plugs are small pieces of collagen designed to block the tear drainage system, in an effort to keep the tears from draining off the surface of the eye. We typically use “permanent plugs” which are designed to NOT dissolve. They can be removed if necessary and typically fall out over time. 

Prescription Eye Drops

Prescription eye drops are often not our first line therapy because they can be expensive and require long term use (Restasis or Xiidra) and may have unintended side effects (steroids). Regardless, these options can offer long term dryness relief with consistent use. 

  • Topical Steroids for Dry Eye (in short doses)
  • Restasis for Dry Eye
  • Xiidra for Dry Eye