Serving Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Longmont, & Areas Nearby in Colorado
Dry eye syndrome, more accurately described as dysfunctional tear syndrome, affects more than 30 million Americans. It occurs when your tear glands produce either an inadequate amount or an insufficient quality of tear film. These complications can cause tear evaporation and considerable discomfort.
Dr. John Kirk understands the impact dry eye syndrome can have on your life. He is committed to providing the safest and most advanced methods for examining, diagnosing, and treating the condition. If you are suffering from dry eyes and are ready to find relief, Kirk Eye Center can help.

Please call 970-669-1107 to schedule an appointment with our doctors. We proudly serve patients in Loveland, Windsor, Fort Collins, and Northern Colorado.
What Causes Dry Eye Syndrome?
A healthy tear film is necessary to keep the surface of your eyes moist, smooth and clear. Your tear film is made up of three main layers:
- A sticky inner mucous layer that helps the tear film adhere to the surface of your eye
- A watery middle (aqueous) layer that cleans the eye
- An oily outer layer that minimizes tear evaporation
The oils secreted on the outer layer of your tear film come from the meibomian gland. This oily layer provides the protective coating that keeps the aqueous layer functioning properly.Â
When the Meibomian gland becomes blocked, your eye can’t make enough oil to protect the aqueous layer of your tear film. This can result in excessive water evaporation in the aqueous layer, causing an uncomfortable friction between your cornea and eyelid. This condition is called Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD).
Approximately 86% of dry eye cases are caused by MGD. Other factors which may potentially increase your risk of dry eye syndrome include:
- Pollution
- Dry climate
- Allergies
- Certain medications
- Age
- Auto-immune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome
Some of the most common symptoms of dry eye syndrome include:
- Blurry or double vision, particularly in the morning or evening
- Increased irritation from allergens and smoke
- Difficulty with contact lenses
- Eye fatigue
- Light sensitivity
- Feeling as though something is in your eye
- Burning sensation in the eyes
- Soreness in the eyes
- Scratchy, gritty-feeling eyes
- Excessive tearing
Dry Eye Treatment
At Kirk Eye Center, we start by identifying the cause of your dry eye symptoms. We use advanced diagnostic tools like LipiScan and TearLab to examine your meibomian glands. Based on our findings, we recommend the best treatment. Our solutions include:
- Artificial Tears – For mild cases of dry eyes, artificial tears or other lubricating eye drops are often the first step toward relief. Eye drops come in a variety of ingredients and viscosity (thickness). Our doctors will explain which option is best for you.
- Gels and Ointments – Similar to artificial tears, gels and ointments are recommended by Dr. Kirk to help lubricate and soothe your uncomfortable eyes.
- LipiFlow – This electronic device treats MGD by utilizing Vectored Thermal Pulsation technology that applies heat to your inner eyelids in conjunction with gentle massaging. It is highly effective at removing any obstructions from the Meibomian glands in order to restore proper oil flow to the outer layer of your tear film.
- BlephEx – This treatment cleans your eyelids to main proper hygiene in the region. It can be used in conjunction with other treatments to significantly reduce the risk that dry eye symptoms will return.
- Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy – IPL therapy corrects the underlying cause of dry eye syndrome by liquefying and releasing the hardened oils blocking the Meibomian glands responsible for producing the oily outer layer of your tear film.
- Restasis/Xiidra – This prescription eye drop lubricates the eye’s surface while also reducing inflammation. It helps your body produce natural tears, keeping your eyes healthy, moist and comfortable.
- Tear Duct Plugs – Also called punctal plugs, a tear duct plug is a small device that is inserted into the inner corners of your eyelids, preventing tears from draining away from the eye.
- Steroid Eye Drops – These eye drops are often used in conjunction with artificial tears and Restasis to manage inflammation issues. These are typically used as short-term treatments to compliment long-term solutions.
- Serum Tears – In severe cases, the immune factors present in your bloodstream can be beneficial in counteracting the autoimmune factors that contribute to dry eyes. Serum from your blood is combined with artificial tears to produce serum tears.
How Do I Know Which Dry Eye Treatment Is Right for Me?
With so many dry eye treatments available, it can be difficult to choose! The good news is this is more about necessity than choice. Your eyes will tell us which treatment would be most effective at improving your comfort and vision.Â
Here at Kirk Eye Center, we perform a comprehensive assessment of your eyes, including your meibomian glands, to help us understand the origin of your symptoms. We'll look at the level of tear production in your eyes and the quality of your tear film. Your doctor may also explore any other conditions or lifestyle habits that may be contributing to your symptoms. The goal of our thorough consultation and examination is to guide our treatment planning around the most accurate factors.
Why Choose Kirk Eye Center?
At Kirk Eye Center, we provide personalized and comprehensive eye care to our community. Serving Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Longmont, and surrounding areas since 1991, Dr. John Kirk and his team prioritize patient-centered care. Dr. Kirk combines over 25 years of experience with a progressive approach to ophthalmology, ensuring that you receive the most advanced and effective treatments available.Â
Joining Dr. Kirk is Dr. Dustin Asay, a Wyoming native with a passion for improving eye health. He specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing eye diseases and is particularly dedicated to dry eye disease.
Whether you need routine eye exams or specialized treatment, Kirk Eye Center aims to improve your eye health with the highest standards of safety and care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens if MGD Goes Untreated?
If MGD isn’t treated properly, the obstructed Meibomian glands will gradually produce less oil over time until the gland stops producing oil entirely. At this point, you may be at risk of chronic discomfort and damage to the surface of your eye, which can have a long-term impact on your vision.
How Does Lipiflow Differ from BlephEx?
LipiFlow and BlephEx are two effective treatments for managing dry eye syndrome, but they work in different ways.
LipiFlow targets the meibomian glands, which are responsible for producing the oil layer of your tears. When these glands become blocked, it leads to dry eye symptoms. LipiFlow uses gentle pressure and heat to clear these blockages, allowing the glands to function normally again. This treatment is especially effective since about 85% of dry eye cases are due to meibomian gland dysfunction.
BlephEx, on the other hand, addresses blepharitis, a condition where bacteria along the eyelids grow excessively, causing redness, inflammation, and irritation. BlephEx gently cleans the eyelid tissue using a microsponge to remove the debris and buildup of bacteria, reducing symptoms and improving eyelid hygiene.
Both treatments offer targeted solutions to improve eye comfort and health by addressing different underlying causes of dry eye syndrome.
Can I Control Dry Eye Syndrome With Only Lubricating Eye Drops?
Lubricating eye drops, or artificial tears, are often the first step in treating dry eye syndrome. However, their effectiveness can vary, and they should be used based on a comprehensive eye examination.
Many commercial eye drops contain preservatives that can irritate your eyes if used frequently. Opt for preservative-free drops if you need to apply them more than four times a day. For severe symptoms, thicker ointments may be recommended, especially for nighttime use, as they can cause temporary cloudy vision.
Due to the various factors influencing dry eyes, it's best to consult with your ophthalmologist to find the best treatment for your needs.
Can Dry Eyes Cause Other Complications?
Dry eyes are not particularly dangerous if you get the proper treatment for them. However, if dry eyes persist, they can be a precursor for other eye conditions. Dry eyes can increase your risk of getting an eye infection. Healthy tears protect the surface of our eyes and prevent infections.
Another complication can include sustaining eye damage. If dry eye syndrome becomes severe enough, it can lead to inflammation, corneal abrasions, corneal ulcers, and even loss of vision. Severe dry eye syndrome can also impact your life as a whole as it can make activities, such as reading, more difficult.
Are There Any Myths Surrounding Dry Eye Syndrome?
Yes. Dry eye syndrome does have a few myths surrounding it. One of these myths is that dry eyes do not go away. Because there are many treatments to take care of the problem, this is untrue. Dry eyes can also become worse if you do not seek out treatment.
The next myth some people believe is that over-the-counter eye treatments, such as eye drops, are enough. Although they can certainly provide you with relief, OTC treatments are not a cure-all. There may be some cases where a medical professional needs to get involved.
Can Lifestyle Changes Help Manage Dry Eye Syndrome?
Yes, lifestyle changes can significantly help manage dry eye syndrome, especially in the winter or if you wear contacts. Consider the following adjustments to help:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to maintain eye moisture.
- Take Breaks From Screens: Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
- Use a Humidifier: Keep the air in your home or office moist.
- Wear Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from wind and sun exposure.
- Practice Good Eye Hygiene: Regularly clean your eyelids and lashes to prevent gland blockages.
- Avoid Smoke and Pollutants: Limit exposure to smoky or polluted environments that can irritate your eyes.
Contact Our Fort Collins Dry Eyes Ophthalmologist
If you are experiencing symptoms of dry eye syndrome, please contact Kirk Eye Center using the form on this page or call (970) 669 - 1107 today to schedule an appointment with Dr. John D. Kirk. We serve patients in Loveland, Windsor, Fort Collins, and Northern Colorado.