Have your eyes been dry and scratchy? Are you finding it difficult to wear your contact lenses for extended periods of time? If so, you may be suffering from dry eye syndrome. It is very common to have problems with dry eye, especially as you get older or take certain medications. The good news is that it is a highly treatable condition. The problem is that if left untreated, dry eye can cause serious problems of the cornea. If your eyes are feeling uncomfortable, the best thing to do is come to our practice of Dr. Sheldon Cowen and see if you have Seattle dry eyes.
At our practice, our expert ophthalmologist is Dr. Sheldon Cowen. Our practice is state-of-the-art and Dr. Cowen is up-to-date on all the latest treatments and procedures for eye care. Our entire staff is committed to providing compassionate and personalized eye care service for our patients. If you think you may have Seattle dry eyes, Dr. Cowen will be able to perform several eye tests to make a definitive diagnosis. If you are confirmed as having dry eyes, Dr. Cowen will be able to discuss the various treatment options and let you know what he recommends for you in your particular case. Our practice can provide you with treatment that will give you much relief from this uncomfortable eye condition. Treatments can include Lipiflow, eyedrops, punctal plugs or dietary modification. Lipiflow is a new procedure that works to treat the actual cause of dry eye when it is blocked eye glands. Opening and clearing these glands can cause them to resume natural production of oils needed for a healthy tear film.
Dry eye can be caused by several different eye conditions so treatment options will vary. Dry eye can be caused by poor tear production, poor tear quality, or tears drain too quickly from your eyes. Dr. Cowen will need to run several pain-free tests to determine what the particular cause of your Seattle dry eyes is. He may recommend that your dry eyes be treated with over-the-counter or prescription eye drops. Or, Dr. Cowen may recommend that other treatment options are taken. One such option is placing a small removable plug in the tear duct so that tears will stay in the eye longer. If you would like to meet with Dr. Cowen for treatment regarding your dry eye problems, contact us at the practice of Dr. Sheldon Cowen for an appointment.
By Dr. Sheldon J. Cowen
July 15, 2015