Dry Eyes Q & A with Dr. Yeung

Q: Is it true that Dry Eye symptoms seem to be more severe during the winter months?

Yes, there is a decrease of moisture with decrease of temperature as well as the heater is on.

Q: When should someone come in to see their optometrist for Dry Eye symptoms?

Foreign body sensation, burning and watery symptoms, decrease in vision as well as fluctuating vision. Problems with reading and computer work, tearing, difficulty wearing contact lenses. The condition cannot help itself. Patients should come in before the condition gets worse.

Q: What do you check in order to assess whether a patient is suffering from Dry Eyes?

Corneal damage, tears break up time, patient’s symptoms.
Ocular disease: anterior blepharitis, posterior blepharitis and lid wiper epitheliopathy.
Thorough medical history: age, gender (women), Medications: premarin, allergies medications, seizure medications.
Systemaic diseases: hypertension, diabetes and arthritis, allergies, history of use of acutane, smoking, traveling in the plane a lot, coffee and tea drinkers (over 3 cups), number of hours of computer work, location of monitor, ceiling fan and air duct location.
Diet: eat fish?

Q: What are the common treatments that you use in order to help people suffering from Dry Eyes?

Level 1 arteficail tears
Level 2 steroid (Lotemax)
Level 3 steroid plus restasis
Level 4 punctual plug and restasis
Q: My eyes frequently are overly watery. That isn’t Dry Eye, is it?

Dry eyes irritate the eyes and a result the eyes respond to produce more tears. A lot of dry eyes patients report continuous tearing

Q: Are there certain people that are more prone to having Dry Eyes?

Women over 50; people who lack sleep; smokers; dirty environment; computer workers; smokers; heavy coffee drinkers; premarin user; people who had Lasik and other eye surgeries.

Q: Do you have any recommendations for people to help them avoid Dry Eye issues?

Eat fish to get Omega 3 at least three times per week. Quit smoking. Watch for medication such as Diuretics and Premain.