Joyce Cullen
Doctor of Optometry, owner
- Doctor of Optometry · MT License no. 000000
Runs every dry eye evaluation and explains the results in plain words. Also sees adults for eye exams and contact lens fittings.
Dry eye care in Helena, Montana
Dry, gritty, tired eyes have causes. We look for yours.
Dr. Joyce Cullen and a small team test how your tears work, show you what they find and go through the options with you, from care at home to treatment in the office. Results vary, and we say so before you decide.
The usual causes
Why eyes feel dry
Most dry eye has more than one cause. These are the ones we hear about most, from people who work at a desk to people who wear contact lenses all day.
Long hours on screens
When you look at a screen you blink less, and every skipped blink lets the tear film thin and dry. A laptop below eye level and a bright office make it harder.
Contact lenses
A lens sits in the tear film all day, and by afternoon it can dry and start to feel like something in your eye. The fit, the material and how long you wear them all matter.
Heat, wind and dry air
Forced-air heat, a wood stove, a long drive with the vents on and a Montana wind all pull moisture from the tear film.
Oil glands in the eyelids
A thin layer of oil from tiny glands along the lid keeps tears from drying off. When the glands are blocked, the tears dry fast even if you make plenty of them.
Age, hormones and medicines
Tears change with age and hormones, and some medicines and health conditions dry the eyes. Tell us what you take, and we include it in the picture.
What helps
What we can offer, and what insurance usually covers
Which of these fits you depends on what your evaluation finds. Results vary from person to person, and Dr. Cullen explains the evidence for each before you decide.
At home
Care you do yourself, set up with you at the visit. Small changes often come first.
Warm compresses and gentle lid cleaning
Artificial tears, chosen to suit your eyes
Screen breaks and a workspace set up for blinking
In the office
Treatments done at the practice after your evaluation. Dr. Cullen explains who each one suits and what the evidence says.
Warming and clearing the oil glands with a thermal pulsation device
Light-based therapy around the eyes, for dry eye from blocked oil glands
Tiny plugs in the tear drains, to keep tears on the eye longer
Prescription drops
For some people the surface of the eye is inflamed, and a prescription anti-inflammatory drop is one option Dr. Cullen may suggest. She explains how to use it and what to watch for.
Prescribed after an evaluation
Filled at any pharmacy
Reviewed again at a follow-up visit
What insurance usually covers
Dry eye is an eye health problem, so a visit about it is usually billed to your medical insurance, not your vision plan. Many plans cover the evaluation and some prescription drops. Coverage for in-office treatments varies, and some are paid by you. We check your benefits before the visit and give you a written estimate for anything you pay yourself.
How fees workThe evaluation: usually medical insurance
Prescription drops: your plan's drug coverage
In-office treatments: varies, and often self-pay
The evaluation
A dry eye evaluation, from first question to a plan
You sit down with someone who listens first. Then we measure, look closely and show you the pictures.
You don't need to prepare. Bring your glasses, your contact lenses and their cases, and the eye drops you use now. Dr. Cullen goes through what she finds the same day, in words that don't need a dictionary.
Questions about your days, screens and lenses
Pictures and measurements of your tear film
A close look at the front of the eye and the eyelids
A plan you agree to, with any cost in writing
Our team
Four people, one small office
Dr. Cullen sees every dry eye patient herself. Her license is listed at the foot of every page, with the state board's lookup.
Dariush Mahdi
Dry eye testing assistant
Takes the pictures and measurements before you see Dr. Cullen: the tear film, your blink and the glands along your eyelids. Shows you what each one is.
Tae Chiu
Optical assistant
Fits and adjusts glasses, including lenses made for screen distance, and handles repairs while you wait when she can.
Nasrin Sarkisian
Office manager
Books visits, checks your benefits before you come and gives you an estimate in writing for anything you pay yourself.
Patients
What patients say
“I thought my eyes were just tired. Dr. Cullen showed me pictures of my tear film, and the plan made sense to me.”
Lily P.Contact lens wearer
“They told me, in writing, which part my insurance would pay and which part I would, before I decided anything.”
Zain R.Works at a computer
“The visit wasn't rushed. I left knowing what to try at home first.”
Cody A.Teacher
Sample reviews.
Questions
What people ask first
Is dry eye serious?
For most people dry eye is a comfort problem, and it is common. It can sometimes be a sign of something else, which is why we examine your eyes instead of guessing.
Do I have to stop wearing my contact lenses?
Not always. We look at your lenses, how long you wear them and how you care for them. Sometimes a different lens, a different schedule or glasses on some days is part of the plan.
Will my insurance cover a dry eye visit?
A visit about dry eye is usually billed to your medical insurance. Coverage varies by plan, so we check your benefits before you come and tell you what we find.
How long does the evaluation take?
About 45 minutes. Dr. Cullen explains what she finds before you leave.
Book a dry eye evaluation
Choose a time in our booking system, or call and we will find one with you.
Phone(406) 555-0110
Hours
- Monday – ThursdayToday
- 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- FridayToday
- 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Saturday and SundayToday
- Closed