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Your Advanced Ocular Surface Disease Center in White Bear Lake

Struggling with chronic eye discomfort, redness, or blurred vision? Our expert eye care team specializes in the advanced diagnosis and medical management of ocular surface disease, offering personalized treatment plans to relieve symptoms and restore comfort.

Whether you're dealing with severe dry eye, inflammation, or corneal complications, we utilize cutting-edge technology and evidence-based care to improve your eye health and quality of life. Trust us to help you see clearly and comfortably again.

A woman using a TearLab device on her eye.
Close-up of a person's eye with a tissue being used to wipe away tears.

What is Ocular Surface Disease, and What Causes It?

Ocular Surface Disease (OSD) refers to a group of conditions that affect the surface of the eye, including the cornea, conjunctiva, and tear film. It often results in symptoms like dryness, irritation, redness, blurry vision, and a gritty sensation.

Common causes include dry eye syndrome, meibomian gland dysfunction, allergic reactions, infections, and autoimmune disorders such as Sjögren's syndrome. Environmental factors like prolonged screen time, low humidity, contact lens wear, and certain medications can also contribute to OSD.

Left untreated, it can impact vision and eye comfort significantly, making early diagnosis and management essential.

Offering the Most Advanced Technology Today for Treatment of OSD

At our clinic, we invest in some of the most advanced eye care technology available today to ensure precise diagnosis and effective treatment. These innovations allow us to detect issues earlier, customize care plans, and monitor progress with exceptional accuracy.

By staying at the forefront of eye care advancements, we help our patients achieve the clearest, most comfortable vision possible—supporting their daily lives with healthier eyes and long-term visual wellness.

A doctor is using a pen to point to an eye model

In-Depth Tear Gland and Functional Dry Eye Assessment

We offer advanced testing and assessment of tear gland function and dry eyes, using cutting-edge technology such as:

  • Oculus Keratograph 5M

    This advanced imaging tool evaluates tear film quality, meibomian gland health, and corneal irregularities, allowing for comprehensive, non-invasive diagnosis of dry eye and ocular surface disease.

  • TearLab

    Our team uses this technology to measure tear osmolarity—an essential marker of dry eye disease—providing quick, reliable results that help guide targeted treatment and monitor patient response to therapy over time.

  • Inflammadry

    This tool is used to detect elevated MMP-9 levels, a key marker of inflammation in dry eye disease, enabling early intervention and more effective, personalized treatment strategies for managing ocular surface inflammation.

Dry Eye and Aesthetics Treatments

Treatments we offer at our White Bear Lake eye clinic include:

  • IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)

    IPL therapy uses light pulses to reduce inflammation and improve meibomian gland function in dry eye patients. It also enhances skin tone and texture for aesthetic rejuvenation.

  • Radiofrequency

    Radiofrequency gently heats the eyelid area, stimulating collagen production and unclogging meibomian glands. This improves tear flow and tightens skin, offering both dry eye relief and cosmetic benefits.

  • LipiFlow

    LipiFlow combines heat and gentle pressure to clear blocked meibomian glands. This in-office treatment restores natural oil flow to the tear film, providing lasting relief from evaporative dry eye.

  • BlephEx

    BlephEx is a handheld device that exfoliates the eyelid margins, removing bacteria, biofilm, and debris. It treats blepharitis and enhances overall eyelid hygiene, reducing inflammation and improving tear quality.

  • ZEST

    ZEST (Zocular Eyelid System Treatment) uses a natural okra-based gel to deep-clean eyelids, removing oil, debris, and contaminants. It's gentle yet effective for managing dry eye and eyelid inflammation.

Medical Management of Ocular Surface Disease

We offer the following technologies for superior medical management of your OSD:

  • Amniotic Membranes

    Amniotic membranes promote healing of the ocular surface by reducing inflammation and scarring. Used in moderate to severe cases, they support corneal regeneration and enhance patient comfort during recovery.

  • Punctal Plugs

    Punctal plugs are tiny inserts placed in the tear ducts to retain moisture on the eye's surface. They help relieve dryness by preventing tear drainage, improving hydration and comfort.

  • Rx Drops

    Prescription eye drops, including anti-inflammatories and immunomodulators, target the root causes of ocular surface disease. These medications help reduce symptoms, control inflammation, and support long-term eye health and comfort.

  • Serum Tears

    Serum tears are custom-made eye drops derived from a patient's own blood serum. Rich in growth factors and nutrients, they promote healing and relief in severe dry eye and ocular damage.

  • At-Home Therapies

    At-home treatments like warm compresses, lid scrubs, omega-3 supplements, and humidifiers support daily management of ocular surface disease, helping maintain tear stability and reduce flare-ups between office visits.

Ocular Surface Disease FAQs

Meet our Eye Doctors

Brian Grudem
Brian Grudem O.D.
Language: English
  • Family Friendly
  • Professional Certification

Dr. Grudem Established Birch Lake Eye Clinic in 1979. Dr. Grudem received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin and his Doctorate of Optometry degree from Pacific University College of Optometry in Forest Grove,…

Kevin Lucas
Kevin Lucas O.D.
Language: English
  • In Person Appointments
  • Professional Certification

Dr. Kevin Lucas received his Doctor of Optometry from Nova Southeastern University in 1998. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology and Chemistry from Mankato State University. Dr. Lucas has been in practice since 1998 and…

Deanna Lundell
Deanna Lundell O.D.
Language: English
  • Accepting New Patients
  • Family Friendly
  • In Person Appointments
  • Professional Certification

Dr. Lundell is the newest member of our team and specializes in pediatrics, amblyopia, and myopia control. Originally from northeastern Wisconsin, she moved to Duluth to obtain her undergraduate degree with honors from The College of St.…

Franklin Alexander
Franklin Alexander O.D.
Language: English
  • Accepting New Patients
  • Family Friendly
  • In Person Appointments

Franklin Alexander, O.D., received his Doctor of Optometry from Midwestern University Chicago College of Optometry. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from North Dakota State University in 2020. Dr. Alexander’s passion…

Brad Schwantke
Brad Schwantke O.D.
Language: English
  • Accepting New Patients
  • Family Friendly
  • In Person Appointments
  • Professional Certification

Dr. Brad Schwantke received his Doctor of Optometry from Pacific University in 2011. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from St. John’s University. Dr. Schwantke, specializing in pediatric eyecare, has been practicing…

Patient Reviews

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593 Reviews
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Tim R. - Jun 22, 2026
Dr. Lucas is excellent.
beth m. - Jun 2, 2026
Very happy to have found this great eye clinic in White Bear Lake! I had a visit with Dr Kevin Luca... s who was fabulous! He was so nice, thorough, and explained everything fully. The staff was friendly and consistent in making sure you had what you needed.

Your Ocular Surface Disease Doctor in White Bear Lake

Outside Birch Lake Eye Clinic
Photograph of Brian Grudem
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Spectera
  • EyeMed
  • Davis Vision
  • Superior Vision
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
Close-up of a person's eye with a red and irritated sclera.

Ready to see the world more clearly?

Contact us to schedule your eye exam!