Dry eye season is coming fast!

Dry eye season is coming fast! Anyone who has dry eye syndrome, or even mild dry eyes, is beginning to notice that irritation is getting worse. Why are things getting worse now? First, let's talk about symptoms of dry eye syndrome. Most patients simply experience dry or gritty sensations in their eyes. These tend to be worse later in the day, as we use our eyes. They are made worse by use of computers, reading, and driving, since we tend to blink less when we are doing these activities. Other symptoms may include tiredness, intermittent blurred vision, and even tearing. So why do these symptoms get worse this time of year? As the air gets colder, the humidity in the air drops, increasing dryness. On top of that, forced air heat, which is in use in most buildings, is very dry. Most office buildings, stores etc do not have humidifiers on their heat, which only makes matters worse. Increase your artificial tear use this Holiday season...and if that does not work, consider going to your eye doctor for tear-drain plugs or Restasis! More info is available at www.2020vision.com or its dry eye page.

Red eyes, dry eyes and thyroid disease

A patient asked me today if his chronic red eyes really "mean anything". When I asked him what he meant, he said that his eyes feel better due to the dry eye treatment with Restasis, but that the redness had not completely resolved. This lead us to a pretty interesting discussion about red eyes, local diseases of the eye, and what systemic (whole body) problems can lead to red eyes. To put it in simplest form, redness is a sign of irritation. This can be due to dry eyes, allergies, infection, or inflammation, and can range from mild to severe. Many patients do not even feel that there is a problem, but notice redness when they look in the mirror. The first line of treatment is to use soothing lubricant drops, or artificial tears. Visine and other 'get the red out' drops are only to be used occasionally, not long-term, but tears can be used forever if they are working. If tears and other local treatments are not working, then other causes should be considered. Thyroid disease can be linked to dryness, and chronic red eyes. Other more rare causes would include some of the autoimmune diseases such as Lupus or Rheumatoid Disease. Blood tests can help confirm these problems, and sometimes treatment of the entire body is needed, with the red eyes resolving at the same time. It is most likely that if you have red eyes, it is from dry eye, blepharitis or allergies, but if you have concerns, or if eyedrops are failing to help, come see Dr. Goldstein. Call 586-323-2020, or request an appointment online at his website, 2020vision.com

The itchy eyes are back! Allergy season!

It's that season again...itchy eye season. The spring and fall are the times when our eyes are most reactive to airborn allergy elements. Pollen, grass, ragweed, hay fever....all of these can trigger allergic reactions in peoples' eyes. And let's not forget blepharitis, the most common eye problem seen in most eye doctor's offices. Many patient use over-the-counter allergy drops, but most eye doctors don't recommend them. Treatment of allergic conjunctivitis, or 'allergy eyes' is an art. Sometimes, simple application of lubricating eyedrops is all that is needed. Other times more aggressive measures are the answer. Occasionally, patients even need steroid eye drops. In general, the fist step is to apply lubricating drops during the day, and use lid hygeine in the evening. This may be all that is needed to help alleviate symptoms. If this does not work, a visit to the doctor is needed to figure out the next step. Prescription drops for allergies may seem expensive, but since they can act for 24 hours, they may actually be less expensive than the over-the-counter drops, that need to be used 4 times daiiy. The prescription drops are also usually more effective because they work on several areas of allergic reaction. Steroid drops can also be used, but are usually only needed for a short period of time. During this time, an eye doctor should carefully monitor the patient for increases in eye pressure. Careful consideration of all of the different modes of treatment can usually make the most uncomfortable patient very happy and 'itch free'. For an appointment with Dr. Goldstein, call 586-323-2020, or go to his website, www.2020vision.com.

Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry Eye Syndrome is one of the most common problems in eye care today, and it seems to be increasing in frequency. It is also now recognized as a bigger issue in terms of good vision.
Most patients with dry eyes complain of dryness and grittiness. It may surprise some people to know that tearing is also a symptom of dry eyes. Patients with dryness will experience excessive tearing as their eyes try to compensate for the irritation that comes with dry eye. Blurred vision may also occur, either because of the tearing, or because good vision relies on a smooth tear film on the front of the eye.
Treatment usually starts with over-the-counter tear products, used up to 6 times daily. Other options include the use of Restasis prescription drops and the use of plugs in the tear outflow system. These treatments may be used in combination.
Most patients with dry eyes can have relief, but many require constant care, and are frustrated by constant dryness and burning.