Drink Coffee to Help Dry Eyes?
 

A small Japanese study has shown that caffeine intake can increase a person's ability to make tears.  The increased secretion of tears that occurs with caffeine could be helpful to people that suffer from dry eye syndrome.  Dry eye is prevalent in women and older adults and in some cases involves a decrease in the production of tears needed to lubricate the surface of the eye. Some symptoms include gritty, scratchy, burning eyes and fluctuating or blurry vision.  This current study supports an earlier one that showed that caffeine drinkers had a slightly lower risk of developing dry eye than non-caffeine drinkers.  Interestingly the study also showed that people with certain genetic variations were much more susceptible to the caffeine and its tear producing benefits.  Larger studies are needed to determine if caffeine could play a role in the treatment for dry eye.  Until then, continue to enjoy your morning cup of coffee knowing that you may be helping to make your eyes more comfortable.
 
Jennifer Viscusi, OD

Send Kids Outside to Prevent Nearsightedness.

Parents frequently ask what they can do to prevent their children's eyesight from getting worse year after year. British doctors may have the answer--send your kids out to play more often. Doctors at the University of Cambridge analyzed eight studies to see what methods were useful in preventing myopia, or nearsightedness, in children. Kids who played outside seemed to have a much lower chance of nearsightedness than those who stayed indoors. For each additional hour outside per week, the chance of myopia dropped by about 2 percent. The doctors aren't sure whether natural sunlight causes this phenomenon or simply focusing the eyes on distant objects. The rates of myopia in children are rising in the United States. Playing outside is a very simple, non-invasive, cost-effective measure that also goes to improve the general health of children. Send your kids out to get some fresh air today. You'll be helping their bodies and their eyes!

 Jennifer Viscusi, OD

How Are Belladonna Drugs Associates with Spanish Royalty?

Belladonna drugs are atropine and related compounds.  They are commonly part of medications for GI distress and also used to dilate the pupils during a full eye examination.

The plant has been known since Babylonian times and is believed to be the poison that destroyed the army of Marcus Antonius in the Parthian Wars.  In the 1400's the plant's alkaloid chemicals were used in the Spanish Court to dilate the women's pupils, giving them an appearance the men found attractive.  They became known as Belladonna drugs, or 'beautiful woman' in Spanish.  Since the women could not see well with their eyes dilated, I doubt they were as enthusiastic about its use!

Michael E. Starrels, M.D.

Herpes Zoster (Shingles) Prevention

Shingles are the result of reactivation of the Varicella (chickenpox) virus.  Shingles may cause a disfiguring rash, severe often chronic pain, inflammatory keratitis, iritis and glaucoma.  It is a serious and common disease that occurs as you naturally lose immunity.

Since 1995 the Varicella vaccine has been available for children.  For adults 50 years and older, a modified form of the vaccine now offers significant protection against Shingles, IF taken before the problem develops.  Everyone over 50 should discuss having this vaccine with your Doctor.

Michael E. Starrels, M.D.

Transient Ischemic Attack

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), also known as “mini-stroke,” is caused by a blood clot in the brain that is temporary (or transient). Most TIAs last about 5 minutes and it is considered a warning sign of an impending stroke. The warning signs of TIA are similar to that of a stroke:  sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body, sudden confusion or trouble speaking, sudden trouble walking, sudden severe headache with no known cause and sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.

The best action to take if you experience any of these symptoms is to dial 9-1-1 and get to the emergency room ASAP.

John Sheehan II, OA