If you haven't joined Facebook yet, you're missing out on my Ask The Eye Doctor group. (not to mention all the people from high school who you've long forgotten!)
Let's face it - we all have questions when we go to the doctor. But sometimes, we forget the ask them. Other times, we don't really understand the answer. So I thought I'd post some recent questions and answers that have been posted to the group. If you have your own question that you think would be of interest to others, we'd love to have you come on board!
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Hi , I wonder what you think about preventing Glaucoma naturally: Miranda Dear Miranda, As an ophthalmologist and President of a company that formulates nutritional supplements for eye health, I consider myself to be qualified when it comes to a discussion of treatments for glaucoma. Additionally, I am a fellowship-trained specialist in glaucoma (http://www.doctorkrawitz.com). The article that you sent me gives an excellent overview of the mechanism of glaucoma. And certainly the lifestyle and natural suggestions have overall health benefit. Unfortunately, other than the short-term benefit (a couple hours) of exercise, the benefits of natural treatments has not been shown in clinical trials. For example, normal tension glaucoma seems less to be related to atherosclerosis and more to blood vessel spasm; it is more frequently seen in young people with a history of migraines. I'm a big proponent of homeopathic and natural treatments - but if and only if the evidence bears out benefits. While hypotheically there may be benefit to certain nutritional supplements to improve circulation only in the treatment of low tension glaucoma, the proof has been lacking. So I don't recommend VisiVite or any other nutritional supplements for glaucoma. Dr. Krawitz___________________________________________
I've been told that I have dry eye and right now it is very bad. I am taking drop and meds. Right now my left eye is killing me. My eye doctor has told me that my tears dry in about 1-2 seconds. Andrea Indianopolis, Indiana Dear Andrea, The 1-2 seconds that your doctor is referring to is called, "Tear Break-Up Time" or TBUT. Normally, it should be more than 10 seconds. You have a particular form of dry eye in which even if you are making enough salt water, the outer oily layer of the tears that prevents tear evaporation is not healthy. So the tears that you make are rapidly disappearing. Artificial tear drops, or for that matter prescription eyedrops that encourage more salt water formation, are unlikely to give you significant improvement. You need to improve the outer oily layer using: 1. Warm soaks to the eyelids 1-2 times per day to encourage better function of the Meibomian Glads that make the oily layer. 2. Strongly consider the use of my nutritional supplement, Dry Eye Relief, which is the only one on the market to address the inner, middle and outer layers of the tear film. See http://tinyurl.com/7pesp5 and http://tinyurl.com/cvwwea.___________________________________________
Hello, my name is Jerick and I'm 16. I was just wondering if wearing non-prescription graphic contacts with my glasses on are safe. I haven't worn them yet because I haven't consulted my eye doctor yet. I also have astigmatism and my eyes are in the negatives. Jerick Dear Jerick, Even cosmetic contact lenses can cause eye injury, including abrasion and ulcers of the cornea. Don't use them unless your eye doctor approves of the manufacturer, the fit of the contact lenses on your eyes, and that you are properly instructed regarding proper hygienic technique. Dr. Krawitz___________________________________________
Hi, my name is Usha and Iam 35. Exactly one year back I got in my retinal tear because of Eales disease. My doctor said there is no permanent solution for this. You have to keep on observing your symptoms. I was thinking to talk to people with my condition but I never met anybody. Today I was trying to post my question to get a answer or advice from the doctor. I saw Ammad is also having Eales. So, do you have advice on this. My question is I was diagnosed with Eales last year begining with retinal hemorrhage in the right eye. It was too bad they tried to fix it with the laser but after few days retina was detatching so they had to do viterectomy. After 2 or 3 months again I got hemorrhage in left eye they did laser the after it got settled with God's grace. My question is, is it ok to get preganant having this condition. My doctor says its ok. But I get so many questions in my mind. Just wanted to get your advice. Thank you Usha Dear Usha, Eales Disease is very uncommon in the United States, but more common in India and Pakistan (where you are from). I'm sure that it is very frustrating for you. Fortunately, Avastin has at least a temporary beneficial effect, and newer medications are in the pipeline. Dr. Krawitz
