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Dry Eye Treatment

Dry eye is a very common condition that occurs when people don’t have either enough tears, or the correct composition of tears, to lubricate the eyes and keep them comfortable.

If you have dry eye, your eyes may feel gritty, itchy, burning, and painful. These sensations often worsen as the day goes on. Stringy mucus may appear in or around the eyes. Patients with the most severe disease are at increased risk of developing corneal infection, scarring or ulceration. These conditions can cause permanent vision loss, although this is rare. Severe dry eye is sometimes caused by Sjögren’s syndrome, which is a chronic disorder that also results in dry mouth and is often associated with arthritis. More information about this disease is available at: www.sjogrens.org.

The first line of treatment is usually eye drops that act as artificial tears and give some temporary relief, but do little to arrest or reverse any damaging conditions. The preservatives in some eye drops can irritate the eye; preservative-free artificial tears may be required. For more severe cases of dry eye, topical steroids (in eye drops) are prescribed to combat inflammation. In other situations closing the drainage canals either temporarily or permanently, to keep the tear film on the surface for a longer time is beneficial. For some forms of dry eye, tiny plugs can keep tears on the eye’s surface by slowing the rate of drainage from the eye; this procedure is called punctal occlusion. Other forms of treatment such as Restasis which works by increasing the production of you eyes’ own tears.

What People are Saying About Crowder Eye Center

Brandon

A welcoming office with friendly faces. Dr. Prodan was kind and did a great job explaining what she was doing during the appointment. Sadly, I have to wait a whole year until I get to go back.”

Stephanie

“I am a new patient to Crowder Eye Center. When I called to make my first appointment, I was able to be seen within two weeks. The staff is very nice and helpful. I was able to see Dr. Adams. He listened to my concerns and questions and offered great advice regarding my treatment. I am very pleased to have chosen this office for my eye care!”

Dawn T.

My family saw Dr. Adams today. He was excellent! All of the staff was friendly and helpful. They also have appointments available later in the afternoon than most providers’ offices.

Marie N.

“I am so impressed with the office and with Dr. Prodan. She was very thorough with my daughter’s examination and very knowledgeable.”

Leslie M.

“Always a pleasant experience here, and Dr. Adams is the best! We recently moved about an hour away, but it’s worth the drive.”

Melissa F.

“Dr. Crowder is efficient and personable and his staff is very pleasant! I highly recommend Crowder Eye Center!”

Shannon R.

“Service was phenomenal from the moment I walked in the door. The office has been remodeled and provides a relaxing but upscale feel.”

Greg H.

“Dr. Crowder pays such great attention to detail and explains the process and everything he is doing. He is more thorough than any eye doctor we have been to in the past”