Eye Doctors Dry Eye Secret Treatment

Dry eyes can be a very debilitating condition. It is very common in low humidity climates like the Fort Collins area, and it can interfere with contact lens wear and comfort. It can also be a severe problem after LASIK corrective eye surgery. Optometrists have a number of different options to treat dry eye syndrome  and contact lens intolerance today, and TheraTears non preserved artificial tears have proven very useful to eye doctors. TheraTears has some unique properties that can actually help restore the eye tissues instead of just treating the symptoms of burning eyes, gritty eyes, and general discomfort.

The tear film covering the front of the eye has been the subject of extensive study by eye doctors over the last decade. It is composed of a water component, a mucous component, and a lipid component. Every time you blink, your eyes experience a resurfacing of the tear film. When things go right, the new film has adequate water and retains its integrity until your normal blink reflex recurs. When things go wrong comfort and cells that produce the tear components are compromised.

The water component of tears has a normal value for osmolarity which is related to how much the salt concentration is in your tears. When the water levels decrease, the same amount of salt is present so the relative percentage of salt in the tears increases. This draws more water out of the corneal tissue on the front of the eye and can damage the surface cells known as the epithelium layer. The high osmolarity levels also decrease the amount of goblet cells. These are the cells that produce the mucous component of the tear film that makes the tear layer slide out across the eye surface. There are electrolytes like sodium and chloride in the tear film that are essential to keep the osmolarity in a normal range and also help the proteins like lactoferrin dissolve in the tears. Lactoferrin is a protein that fights against bacterial and fungal eye infections. It also serves to reduce eye inflammation. Because the cornea tissue on the front of the eye has no direct blood supply, a healthy tear function is vital to maintain good eye health and vision. Even from this brief view of the tear film, you can see how important it is to your optometrist that this complex system is functioning normally.

So now one of the best kept secrets of eye doctors in treating dry eye disorders and contact lens discomfort-TheraTears

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And there is a little known way of using TheraTears to achieve the correct effects called saturation dosing. Saturation dosing involves taking one vial of TheraTears and emptying it into the eyes over a five minute period for times a day for at least a few weeks. It helps restore the salt content levels back to normal and allows goblet cells to regenerate. It is specially formulated to stay on the eye for about 30 minutes. The electrolyte content is similar to what a normal eye would be so it helps readjust this also. After a few weeks your optometrist can decide when you can discontinue the saturation dosing and start a single drop several times per day. Often the tear film regains a significant amount of its integrity and the burning, dry eye discomfort stops. Sometimes the simple things work best.

Itchy eyes have you rubbing with the summer pollen?  As an Optometrist in Fort Collins I see the office filled with eye allergy problems every year when the cottonwood trees fill the air with summer snow. The best solution currently is usually an eyedrop prescription called Pataday. Pataday is s refined version of the older drop called Patanol. Pataday is formulated so you only need to use it once a day for maximum benefits. It has a dual acting mechanism, the first is an antihistamine effect that starts immediately to curb the effects of the histamine released from cells that have been exposed to pollen or other allergens. The second mechanism takes several days to fully function but it stabilizes the cell walls so they won’t break down and release the histamine when exposed to allergens.

Because you already have histamine released it takes several days for Pataday to stabilize the system and let the histamine already present dissipate from your system. That is why it is important to use it daily during a bad allergy stretch instead of only when your eyes are bothering you. Pataday has shown to be superior to a number of similar medications is a number of studies. It is a very safe prescription eye drop and we don’t hesitate to leave patients on it constantly if needed. Because it is the same drug in Patanol, there is a fairly long track record.  The biggest drawback to Pataday is cost, without insurance coverage it is an expensive drug and if you are uninsured you need to discuss this with your eye doctor. There are other options that are much better than continued suffering with the itching and burning that can become incapacitating and even dangerous when driving.

Alternatives such as oral antihistamines can sometimes worsen symptoms by drying the eye and resulting in relative increases in allergen concentrations and dry eye syndrome. Some over the counter eyedrops can exacerbate symptoms if used on a prolonged basis.

Pataday remains the prescriptions drop of choice for seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC) ( in plain English, the itchy stinging eye symptoms that accompany the trees and grasses growing in the summer).One of the premier benefits is the once a day dosing means you can continue wearing your contact lenses. Using an eye drop first thing in the morning allows you to start wearing your lenses 15 minutes later and not have to worry about removing them for multiple doses during the day.

Cold compresses and frequent use of non preserved artificial tears also help decrease the inflammation and dilute the pollens in your tear film.

Some patients find relief in alternative treatments.  Similasan’s Allergy Eye drops are homeopathic formulations relatively easy to find over the counter.

More severe cases of allergies can be treated with the new generation of ester ophthalmic steroids that target inflammation with a unique, site-active mechanism of action. These modified steroid prescription eye drops are very safe to use without the high frequency of side effects of glaucoma and cataracts seen in older steroid drops.

Don’t delay treatment for eye allergy problemns. There are numerous options and no reason to continue suffering.

What do pollution and onions have in common? They both can make you cry!

• Probably sulfuric acid is the culprit. When an onion is cut the alliin compounds are released and converted into alliinase enzymes that result in a form of sulfur compounds to be released in vapor forms. When theses interact with the water on the mucous membranes irritation results. In higher concentrations sulfuric acid is a very strong binder of water, actually pulling it out of cells and creating damaging heat in the process. In the lower ranges that occur from cutting onions the acid shift is probably more significant. The water attraction function may accelerate the breakup of the tear fil also which is a painful process.

Cutting onions underwater is often suggested as a method to avoid the eye pain. If you can acquire this skill it probably would work but it also sounds like a method to inflict different types of pain involving sharp objects and fingers. Other than goggles, which still allow the sulfuric acid of form in the sinuses, a light fan breeze good be helpful in directing the vapors away from your face.

Normal tear functions includes a complex interaction of a water component, mucous, and oily compounds. Blinking serves to resurface the tear film like a wiper blade spreading out a new smooth surface. It also pumps the tears though the drainage system of tear ducts and washes away debree and other toxins, allowing new tears to refresh the immune and nutritional components of the tear film. Irritants like onion vapors interfere with the stabilization of the tear film between blinking. The underlying corneal tissue has the most sensitive nerve structure in the body, and this disruption can be temporarily excruciating.  Of course, rubbing your eyes after cutting jalapenos is more enlivening experience not quickly forgotten.

If you have splashed an irritant in your eye call Fort Collins Eye Doctors-Dr Kisling   9780-226-0959  immediately and tell the receptionist the problem so we can schedule you for a same day appointment. Usually your vision insurance plan services Read more

Welcome to Dr Kisling-Fort Collins Eye Doctors Choice Website. Our vision is to be the premier resource for answers about your eye symptoms and eye problems. You can use the search box to find answers to questions about your eyes. You will find articles on contact lenses, dry eyes, glaucoma, eye nutrition pinkeye ad other eye diseases.

There is also information about eye examinations, eyeglasses, prescription eye glasses for different conditions;nearsightedness,farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia.

We carry a unique selection of eyeglasses for women, men and children with the latest lens technologies including glare free anti-reflection coatings, no line progressive 5th generation eye glass lens designs, transition sunglasses tints, thin and light hi-index prescription lenses.

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If there is a topic you would like more information on please feel free to leave a request in the comment box. Thank you for visiting our website and we hope we can become your partner in preventative eyecare for a lifetime of healthy eyesight!

Fort Collins has low humidity and a large number of patients have dry eye symptoms of burning, stinging, and red eyes by the end of the day. We usually recommend you use non-preserved artificial tears. Because most people will be using rewetting drops fairly often, using solutions without preservatives means no toxic chemicals are repeatedly added to your eyes. These types of solutions come in little single use vials since there are no preservatives to keep the solutions sterile once they are opened. They should be used throughout the day 3-4 times. It is important to spread the use throughout the day. If you wait until your eyes are feeling dry and irritated there are microscopic alterations to the corneal eye tissue that will cause it to remain irritated even with moisture eye drops. Schedule an appointment for a Complete Eye Doctors Dry Eye Evaluation Exam and discussion of all of your dry eye treatment options.

Dry Eyes and Climate and Altitude

 

Do you suffer from dry eyes, you know, the ones that are itchy and burning and there doesn’t seem to be any relief? Join the millions who suffer right along side you. There are many reasons one may suffer from the dry eye syndrome, age plays a factor into dry eyes as well environmental factors and lifestyle. Even where you live plays a huge role in the dry eye syndrome.

The tear lining of your eyes deteriorating causes dry eye syndrome. A normal eye has a thin tear lining covering it at all times keeping it moist. When your tear gland become damaged and stops producing tears naturally, or when the tear lining becomes infected irritation sets in and the dry eye syndrome settles in, leaving you less then comfortable, and producing intolerance to your contact lenses.

The tear lining is what shield your delicate eye tissues from free radicals in the air. When it is no longer present, your eyes no longer have the ability to flush naturally these elements away. When you live in climates that are already dry, hot and windy this increases the already unpleasant condition of dry eyes. This leads to dry spots on your cornea weakening your vision.

However, the environment you live in could have lead to your dry eye syndrome alone. Free radicals in the air, high altitudes, air conditioning, cigarette smoke, extended periods of working on a computer, contact lenses, and as previously said, hot, dry and windy climates can all lead to dry eye syndrome. If you work on a computer all day, or live in a climate or work or live in an environment that is ripe for the development of dry eye syndrome there are some preventive measures you can take to help reduce the risks. If you work on a computer for extended periods of time, blink your eyes frequently and take breaks away from it. In hot, dry, and windy climates wear eye protection and use artificial tears when you feel the slightest bit of dryness on your eyes. If you have control over air conditioning in your work environment, either try to stay away from it or turn it down to where it is not running continuously. Increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet.

If you suspect you are experiencing dry eye syndrome seek out an Eye Care Center that has an experienced Optometrist for a full eye evaluation. Some common symptoms of dry eye syndrome due to climate and altitude are itching, burning, irritation, redness, tired eyes, and a thickening of mucus surrounding your eye to name a few. Your best line of defense whenever you experience any abnormalities in your eyes is to seek out a quality Optometrist immediately. Your eyesight is far too important to ignore. If you live in the Northern Colorado – Ft. Collins region or want to learn more about dry eye syndrome or other eye complications visit www.drkisling.com. Dr. Kisling can see to your needs and answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding your eye care. Preventive measures such as regular eye care exams at a Eye Care Center is your best defense in having long lasting quality eye sight.

A number of years ago an outbreak of pink eye in a elementary school had all the moms frantic and half of the school would be missing in action shortly after the announcement was sent home. Those days were prior to the education parents and health care providers have been receiving in current times about preventive measures to help in ceasing the spread of pink eye. In the past if one child was infected by pinkeye it was not long before half the class ended up with it too. Now that personal hygiene is taught more extensively in the schools at an earlier age parents are becoming more aware of how to prevent further infection of pink eye at home. This has helped seclude outbreaks so they occur less frequently than previously. It is still not unheard of to occasionally see a major outbreak spread rapidly through a school. Pink eye can cause any parent concern when they see their child come home from school with a pink to extremely red eye. Hemorrhagic forms of pinkeye cause small amounts of blood to spread out over the white part of the eye and the appearance exceeds their actual capacity to damage eyesight. The first scare is eye damage. Thankfully, pink eye rarely causes any long-term eye vision damage and some types of pink eye can resolve without any treatment in a week or so.

Pinkeye, otherwise known as conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva that can be caused by infections, allergies, viruses, colds, bacteria, or a substance that irritated the eye leading to an infection. Just because some pink eye types will fade away without intervention, never risk a your childrens sight with that thought process; always seek out medical eyecare from your family Optometrist immediately. Some forms of pinkeye can be debilitating for up to a year. Other more serious eye diseases may look like pinkeye but indeed may be a very serious type of eye disease. Most schools will not let your child return to school unless you can show proof that you have seen one of the Eye Doctors in your area. Your Optometrist can give your child a clean bill of health when they feel like they are no longer contagious. Unfortunately, this is not an exact science but a reasonable enough guess to significantly reduce the spread of pinkeye today. Typically a child will need to be out of school for 3-4 days.

Newborns born with pink eye is generally due to the mother passing on an STD (sexually transmitted disease) to the infant through the birth canal and can be serious if not caught at onset. Doctors have become more then vigil in checking birth mothers prior to birth for STDs that can cause serious side effects in their newborn well prior to delivery and treat those conditions during her term. Pinkeye presents with symptoms of eye discomfort, commonly relayed as feeling as if sand is in the eye. It can commonly cause the child to wake in the morning with a thick crust that seals the lids together resulting in the need of a warm towel to soften the mucus to be able to open the eye comfortably. Other common symptoms are sensitivity to light, itchiness, and excessive tearing. Pinkeye caused by bacteria or a virus are highly contagious and can be passed through touching an infected child, touching something an infected child has touched, coughing, and sneezing.

To prevent the spread of pink eye keep your child out of school or daycare until your doctor or Optometrist give the go ahead for them to return. Teach your children to wash their hands frequently and explain to them why it is so important. Washing hands while singing the happy birthday song twice to themselves is a good way to teach them correctly. Also, teach your children not to share personal care items with another student or child as well as if they are aware that another child is ill or has a case of pink eye. Do not use or touch anything belonging to that child until they have been given a clean bill of health. This is especially true in young contact lens wearers; your child should never try on another persons lenses or borrow their case or contact lens solutions. In your home, wash pillowcases regularly, especially anytime your child is ill as well as other bedding and linens. If your child has a case of the pink eye, separate their towels and washcloths items from the rest of the families and wash their items in hot water. If your child is at risks of coming down with pinkeye due to allergies, limit their pollen contact by keeping your child inside on heavy pollen days, keep your home closed up during them periods, dust and vacuum daily, and avoid subjecting your child to any other free radicals in the air such as cigarette smoke, smog, car exhaust, etc. If you suspect your child may have a case of the pinkeye or a school nurse has sent your child home, contact a qualified Optometrist to get treatment as needed for your child.

Alternative treatments for pinkeye in under developed countries include topical povidone-iodine (betadine) which is effective against most bacterial conjunctivitis at a fraction of the cost of standard antibiotic prescription eye drops. Povidone is sometimes used by optometrists to treat EKC, a special severe from of viral conjunctivitis. However, it does not appear to be a treatment for most viral forms of conjunctivitis. Homeopathic remedies include Similasan Pink Eye Relief eye drops. Similasan 2 Allergy Eye Drops have had one small study showing effectiveness and they do seem to work well for some patients with milder forms of allergic conjunctivitis. Any over the counter eye drop treatments should be used under medical supervision as some drops can induce angle closure glaucoma in susceptible patients. There have been cases where individuals have gone blind from self treating with over the counter eye drops. Chronic dry eyes can make you susceptible to recurring bouts of conjunctivitis. Treatment of dry eyes may be a very good preventative measure for chronic pinkeye

Often I have patients who buy sunglasses at a drugstore, at the beach,etc. -then start to wonder about the quality of the lenses.The sun is so  bright in the mountains around Fort Collins it’s hard to  get by without something when you forget. Optics aside (we know they are often poor even in very inexpensive sunglasses off a rack), the question is do they provide adequate protection from ultraviolet radiation (UV).  UV is divided into 3 bands; UV-C is mostly absorbed by the atmosphere and not a concern, UV-B passes into the eye and causes the most problems, UV-A adds to this damage. Visible blue light is the one that snuck up on us-studies are still showing contradicting results but it does appear regular blue light like you see outside every day causes retinal damage and on a cumulative basis, kind of like radiation exposure. Macular Degeneration is a leading cause of blindness in seniors so it is an important issue.

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a private non-profit organization that administers and coordinates the U.S. voluntary standardization and conformity assessment program. ANSI developed a standard for non prescription eyewear  (Z80.3 – 2008), Nonprescription Sunglasses and Fashion Eyewear – Requirements). One safety issue that consumers do tend to be aware of is protection from ultraviolet radiation (UVA and UVB). The amount of UVA and UVB protection needed depends upon how a consumer uses the sunglasses, with two types of use classified as Normal  ( home to the car to the office) or High and Prolonged Exposure (at the beach, fishing, skiing). Lenses are also classified for intended function as special, dark, general purpose or cosmetic tint. The combination of the intended function and the type of use gives a total of eight UV transmittance specifications. Sunglass manufacturers with a long track record that meet ansi standards are what you want. Since in some ways it is a voluntary system with few penalties for non-comliance or misrepresentation, the best value usually comes from known suppliers of quality (which may not be the most expensive brands). Remember, If you do choose a pair of blue sunglasses that states it blocks uv, that is all pretty meaningless (It could block 1%)  and meanwhile the tint is dilating the pupil allowing more UV than normal to come in due to the dilation.Unfortunatley some of this light is now blue causing further damage. Eye Doctors Offices are very adept at providing you with UV protection in precription eyewear and you should insist it be included with your lens options. Ask advice when it comes to non prescrition lenses. Not only can you proect your eyes from damage you can insure continued comfortable contact lens wear-a case of snowblindness is a type of pain you don’t want to experience! Face wrap sunglasses, especially the type we carry that add a lite foam seal around the eyes, can be very helpful in sports activities to prevent dry eyes and stinging.

My Eyes are constantly burning and stinging-Does This sound like you?

1. We offer solutions!
2. The only prescription available for long term chronic dry eyes.
3. Part of a comprehensive treatment program for restoring your eye comfort
4. Fort Collins Eye Center for Specialists Dedicated to the treatment of Dry Eye Syndrome
   Restasis was approved several years ago and is currently the only prescription eye drop that is used by Eye Doctors long term to increase your eyes ability to produce tears.

 

Restasis is cyclosporin which has a long track record of safety in Veterinary Medicine in treating dry eyes in dogs. Most Optometrists expect Restasis to start working within a month but it can take 3-6 months to reach it’s maximum efficacy. I find Restasis works very well for about 25-30% of my patients. This may seem low but when it works it is a wonderful product and well worth trying if you suffer from chronic dry eyes. There is currently a My Tears, My Rewards® program called for rebates, a free months supply after a certain period of time, a newsletter and online tools. Schedule a consultation to see if Restasis is right for you: 226-0959