wellness summer 2021
Not A Dry Eye at Tumwater Eye Center Many of us share a common, elusive problem—Dry Eye Disease (DED), a condition caused by poor tear production. Over 16 million Americans were diagnosed with the syndrome in 2020 alone. For the last 26 years, the doctors at Tumwater Eye Center have been providing quality eye care and treating patients for this irritating condition. Dr. Douglas Jeske and Dr. Devin Finch assured us that, “We strive to get to the root cause for each patient’s DED. We utilize technology to image the oil glands and assess oil gland function.”
Healthy glands
Truncated glands
Several factors contribute to the development of DED, such as environment, medications, outside health issues and contact lens use. The most frequent cause of DED is the progressive loss of oil-producing glands in the eyelids that may come with aging; this helps explain why 50% of Tumwater Eye Center’s patients over the age of 50 experience symptoms. Be forewarned, though, while
aging is a significant factor in DED, younger people are susceptible, as exorbitant use of mobile and computer devices is a guilty agent. Burning, scratchy sensations, blurred vision, redness, and watery eyes are a few symptoms of DED, and, if it goes untreated, complications with corneal surface damage and infection can occur. Take proactive and preventative measures and look to Tumwater Eye Center’s expertise. Tumwater Eye Center’s treatment for patients is based on the cause of DED and may include prescription medications, nutritional supplements, lid hygiene, and advanced procedures like LIPIFLOW® to reset the oil glands. Tumwater Eye Center has experienced, dedicated staff. For the last three years in a row, the Center won the Outstanding Dry Eye Practice Award, 1 of 27 awards out of over a thousand practices. If you suspect you may be suffering from DED, don’t hesitate; schedule a visit at Tumwater Eye Center today. The Center follows CDC protocol and staff members received the COVID-19 vaccine to ensure patient safety. vNATALIE BENSON For Additional Information tumwatereye.com
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