In my practice, I encounter many patients that are having symptoms of dry eye syndrome but do not realize that it is a problem that can be treated. Many think that it is a natural process of aging or eye strain. Dry Eye Syndrome is a very common disorder that can lead to loss of productivity at work.  There are several ways that we can diagnose and treat Dry Eye Syndrome. We have the newest diagnostic tests such as Tear Osmolarity testing as well as the newest treatments, Meibomian Gland Intraductal Probing and Intense Pulse Light at Matossian Eye Associates. Let your ophthalmologist know if your eyes are irritating you. 

Priya Desai, MD

Eyes can water for a variety of different reasons besides crying.  Anything that irritates the eyes, such as an eyelash or dust, can bring on the tears.  Although we can’t always see the things that get in our eyes, tearing is our body’s way of washing out the irritant and protecting the eyes.  Have you ever started tearing while peeling or chopping an onion?  The fumes onions give off contain tiny chemicals that can get in your eyes and make them hurt.

Things that can dry out your eyes, like cold air or wind, can make your eyes water as well.  To protect the eyes from getting too dry, our tear glands produce extra tears which causes our eyes to water.

Our eyes can also tear due to allergies, or an infection such as a cold, or conjunctivitis (also known as pinkeye).  All of these irritations can inflame the eyes and make them water. 

So now you know what your eyes are up to when they start to tear.

Hetal Dewan, OD

 

1. Customize Your Environment: You can adjust your environment when using digital devices to promote healthier eyes, such as using a large monitor or screen magnifier to reduce eyestrain or adjusting your chair for better comfort.

2. Think About Lighting: Good room lighting is essential for maintaining healthy eyes. So, position the computer screen to reduce reflections from overhead lighting and windows. For extended reading, change your monitor settings to a reflective lighting scheme.

3. Adjust Your Reading Angle: Adjust the screen so that you are looking at it slightly downward and are about 24 to 28 inches away. The center should be about 4 to 6 inches below your eyes. Adjust the brightness and contrast settings on the screen to where they are comfortable for you.

4. Magnify Text On Screen: Magnifying the text and images on your device will help you avoid straining your eyes from squinting.

5. Blink And Take Frequent Breaks: Taking breaks helps you to recharge. Use the ’20-20-20 Rule’… every 20 minutes, take a 20 second break and look at something 20 feet away. And don’t forget to blink! Blinking naturally lubricates your eyes. 

French researchers reported findings that patients with mild Alzheimer’s disease whose vision improved after cataract surgery also showed improvement in cognitive ability, mood, sleep patterns and other behaviors.  Bridgette Gerard, MD conducted the first study to specifically evaluate whether cataract surgery could benefit Alzheimer’s patients. 

She enrolled 38 patients (average age 85 years) who all exhibited mild dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease.  All participants had a debilitating cataract in at least one eye and were appropriately treated with standard cataract surgery/IOL implantation.  A neuropsychologist assessed the study group one month before and three months after cataract surgery for mood and depression, behavior, ability to function independently and cognitive abilities. 

Depression was relieved in many of them, cognitive status, the ability to perceive, understand and respond appropriately to one’s surroundings improved in 25% of patients.  The level of improvement was similar to what commonly occurs after cataract surgery in elderly people who do not have dementia.

EyeWorld Weekly News, “Cataract Surgery May Benefit Alzheimber’s Patients”, Volume 16, Number 40 November 7, 2011.

Cynthia Matossian, MD

Joshua D. Stein, MD led a study team at the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center that linked diabetes and hypertension with an increased risk for developing open-angle glaucoma (OAG). 

The study consisted of 2 million patients aged 40 and older who were enrolled in a managed care network in the United States and who visited an eyecare provider more than once between 2001 and 2007.

Researchers found that people with diabetes alone had a 35% increased risk of developing OAG and those with hypertension alone had a 17% greater risk, the University said.  Patients with both diabetes and hypertension had a 48% increased risk of developing OAG.

The University will be completing further research on the other possible connections between OAG and various aspects of metabolic syndrome an assortment of conditions including obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia.

Eyeworld Week, “Diabetes, Hypertention linked to Glaucoma”, Volume 16, Number 31, August 22, 2011

Cynthia Matossian, MD