Most chronic dry eye is not a shortage of tears — it is a shortage of the oil that keeps tears from evaporating. That oil comes from the meibomian glands along your eyelid margin, and when they block up or become inflamed, no amount of artificial tears fixes the underlying problem.
At our Gold Coast location we start by actually looking at those glands — imaging them, measuring your tear film, and examining the lid margin — before recommending anything. Dr. Carrie Roitstein has spent three decades on this, with a particular focus on non-toxic, drug-free approaches. See her full background.
Intense Pulsed Light closes the inflammatory vessels and clears Demodex; radiofrequency melts hardened oil so the glands flow again. A four-session series, 2–4 weeks apart.
Learn more → In-officeTherapeutic red and near-infrared light that calms inflammation and improves gland function — painless, 15–20 minutes, often paired with IPL.
Learn more → DiagnosisThe starting point: gland imaging, tear film assessment, and lid margin exam to find what is actually driving your symptoms.
Learn more → In-officeProfessional removal of the biofilm along the lash line that feeds chronic blepharitis and Demodex.
Read more → At homeSupplements, lid hygiene, and lubricating products that extend your in-office results between visits.
Learn more → Whole-personDry eye is often inflammatory and systemic. Certified in integrative nutrition, we treat it from the inside out too.
Learn more →1205 N Dearborn Street
Chicago, IL 60610
| Monday, Friday | 10:00:00 – 6:00 pm |
| Tuesday, Thursday | 10:00:00 – 7:00 pm |
| Saturday | 9:00:00 – 3:00 pm |
We see dry eye patients from the Gold Coast, Old Town, River North, Lincoln Park, Streeterville, and the Near North Side. Most treatments are elective and not covered by insurance, though FSA and HSA funds can be applied — we will review costs with you before anything is scheduled.
If you have been told to just use drops, there is more available now. Book a dry eye evaluation at our Gold Coast location and we will find the actual cause.
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