Tag: dry eyes

How Do I Treat My Dry Eyes?

Have you been suffering from chronic Dry Eye? Maybe you spend a lot of time behind a computer at work, school, or even at home. If your dry eyes have been causing a problem, you’re probably wondering how you can treat them on your own. In some cases you can get temporary relief from Dry Eye symptoms over the counter, but in other cases a prescribed drop or procedure maybe needed.

Below are a few types of treatments for your chronic Dry Eye:

When you are first diagnosed with Dry Eye, your eye care professional will have you try different treatments, depending on the severity of your Dry Eye. Below are a few treatments you may encounter after diagnosis.

Over the counter drops:

These types of drops are found in your pharmacy and provide temporary relief for your dry eyes. They are helpful if you experience an occasional episode or two. If you have chronic Dry Eye it is likely you will have to continue using these drops multiple times a day, while also using other methods.

Prescribed Eye Drops or topical treatments:

If you continue to have difficulties with Dry Eye, your doctor may prescribe some drops for you to use regularly. These drops are often prescribed for those who have continued Dry Eye or have difficulty producing tears. If you have an issue with the lipid glands, topical creams or ointments may be suggested (such as testosterone cream). Prescribed eye drops and creams can often provide better relief than over the counter eye drops.

Lipiflow® Procedure:

For those who have difficulty with chronic Dry Eye related to a lipid deficiency, Lipiflow® may be a great treatment option for you. Lipiflow® is a painless 12-minute outpatient treatment that heats and massages the eye lids and glands that create the lipids. This action loosens and unclogs the glands, allowing lipid to be produced and excreted more effectively. While the procedure is relatively new, it has been extremely effective in providing relief for those who suffer from chronic Dry Eye that previously had no great treatment options.

Watch Jennifer, a Dry Eye sufferer for over 30 years, discuss how she finally found relief:

Why are my RGP Lenses so Uncomfortable is There Another Option?

Contact lenses and eye glasses are usually the first treatment option recommended for Keratoconus. However, as Keratoconus progress contacts become very, especially RGP contact lenses (Rigid Gas Permeable lenses).

Increasingly doctors are now recommended Holcomb C3-R® (cornea collagen crosslinking) as the first treatment and contacts as a secondary treatment. Holcomb C3-R® helps to stabilize Keratoconus and will help keep you comfortable in lenses longer.

But, what do you do if your Keratoconus has progressed to the point that even after Holcomb C3-R®, RGP lenses are uncomfortable. There are several other specialty Keratoconus contact lens options.

These options include:

Hybrid Contact Lenses (SynergEyes)

What are Hybrid Lenses? They are a mixture of soft lenses and RGP lenses. They provide you with the comfort of a soft lens but the crisper vision of an RGP. Many report these provide a great edge to contact for all day wear without the harsh edge of the RGP lenses.

Scleral Lenses

What are Scleral Lenses? These are similar to RGP lenses only they are larger in diameter. They almost look like a bowl that you fit over your eye. The advantage is they do not rest on the cornea, so they provide increased comfort. In addition, prior to insertion the lenses are filled with saline, so basically all day your eye is bathed in saline, which can help keep your eyes moist and lessen the concerns about dry/irritated eyes.

RGP, Hybrid lenses, or Scleral contact lenses can provide the best option for improved clarity, comfort, and stability. However, the most important benefit to Keratoconus treatment today is the Holcomb C3-R® which will preserve your vision and stop the deterioration of your vision so you can maintain good vision and comfort in contacts and avoid the painful cornea transplant.

There are many benefits of using specialty Keratoconus contact lenses for the treatment of your Keratoconus. Take the time and get the facts. Ask your eye care professional about contact lenses for your Keratoconus Treatments today!

Watch Michael explain how he is now living life all over again thanks to specialty Keratoconus contact lenses.

Two Common Eye Problems & Their Treatments

There are several eye conditions that are treated regularly every year. Most patients experience at least one of these common conditions in their lifetime. We often forget to take care of our eyes as we become adults. The old saying “Out of Sight, Out of Mind” often plays its part when it comes to the eyes.
Those who play sports may have a greater likelihood of getting common eye injuries like detached retina or snow blindness if they are actively outdoors. Viral and bacterial infections like pink eye are also common. Below are a few more common eye conditions and their treatment options.
1) Dry Eyes: Dry Eye is a very common condition that can be a problem for many patients. Whether it’s mild or severe it can stop or reduce your daily activities.
Treatments: Some known treatments for Dry Eye are over the counter drops. Artificial tears or even a new non-invasive procedure called LipiFlow.
Watch Susan’s story about her experience with LipiFlow after seeing a number of doctors who never provide hope for her dry eyes

2) Cataracts: Cataracts quite often affect those who are increased in age. Cataracts are a cloud that forms over the eyes lens. It progresses over time and decreases vision of the patient who has it.
Treatment: Treatment for advanced Cataracts is most often surgery where the natural lens is removed and replaced with a clear, artificial lens. Cataracts often develop more rapidly and deteriorate the vision more quickly in those who suffer with other medical conditions like Type 2 diabetes.
Watch Allen’s story about his experience with Cataract surgery and how he know sees like a teenager:

Top Alternatives to LASIK & LASIK Repair

Have you thought about the LASIK procedure but are worried about complications? There can be complications from LASIK procedures but not always for the reasons you suspect. In fact, quite a few of the people who get LASIK procedures often aren’t the right candidates to begin with and their eye doctors don’t even realize it.

When it comes to the LASIK procedure there are two main reasons why people have complications. The first is because they have thin corneas. This can be determined during a thorough consultation and should be mandatory testing for all individuals seeking LASIK treatment.

The second reason is that the procedure is not performed correctly. If this happens there are several options to help correct the problems including the use of a procedure called PRK which reshapes the outer cornea. This procedure can often take a bit longer to recover but it can increase your overall quality of vision. Another would be the Holcomb C3-R Crosslinking System, which strengthens the cornea if it has become weakened from LASIK.

Benefits of PRK:

There is no risk of corneal flap complications
Good option for patients with thin cornea
Less depth than typical laser treatment
Reduced risk of compromised corneal thickness (than with LASIK)

What are the signs of LASIK Complications?

For many, the complications from LASIK may not occur for several years after surgery. How do you know when you are having complications from your LASIK procedure? There are several ways to tell however you should report all eye complications to your eye care professional right away. Below you will find a list of some signs of LASIK complications:

Irregular Astigmatism
Keratoconus or Keratectasia
Epithelial in-growth
Decrease vision
Dry eyes & decreased tear production
Blurred vision
Eye irritation

Listen to David’s story featured NBC News about repairs after LASIK and his Keratoconus treatments:

Experiencing Dry Eye Relief with LipiFlow®

Benefits Vs. Risk Factors

For those who suffer from Dry Eye, the notion that there is a treatment that works for them is something they seldom consider.

Often patients with Keratoconus find improved comfort in contact lenses if they had their dry eyes properly assessed and treated.

Most have grown tired of using warm compresses and artificial tears, with no hope in sight. Lipiflow® is bringing new hope to sufferers of Dry Eye everywhere. LipiFlow® Thermal Pulsation System is a new treatment for MGD Dry Eye that is non-invasive and addresses the root of the problem, the glands, by cleaning out the clogged lipids and getting the glands to produce clean lipids on their own.

Below are a few benefits & risk factors for the new Lipiflow® system:

Risk Factors:

There are very few risk factors from the LipiFlow® Thermal Pulsation System at this time. It is true that some people may not be a good candidate for the LipiFlow® System, and as with all procedures there are a few risk factors.

Red eye
Burning sensation
Sensitivity to light

These risks are very minimal and are typically experienced only for a short time after the procedure.

Benefits of LipiFlow Thermal Pulsation System:

Helps Red Eye (related to Dry Eye)
Helps your body create clean and plentiful lipids
Short treatment length
Little to no discomfort
Faster Recovery time

The Lipiflow® Thermal Pulsation System’s benefits far out way its risks. Many Keratoconus patients are experiencing freedom from Dry Eye after years of suffering. Keratoconus and dry eye are treatable, talking to your eye care professional to determine candidacy is best.

Dr. Brian discusses the LipiFlow® treatment and how it is performed:

LipiFlow®: A New Alternative for Dry Eye Relief

Dry Eye is a common condition. Often Dry Eye gets worse during the summer months. If you have struggled with Dry Eye and it seems you are getting little relief, LipiFlow® may be able to help. Lipiflow® is a 10-minute treatment that cleans out the glands that are blocked by dust and debris.

Those who are active during the summer, have a job that requires hours on the computer, or even those who work around flying dust or debris have difficulty with Dry Eye. It can cause pain and irritation, reducing your quality of vision and interrupting your daily activities. Below are a few signs of Dry Eye:

  • Itchiness
  • Redness
  • Blurred vision
  • Discomfort
  • Gritty sensations
  • Scratchy eyes
  • Sensitivity to light

Overall Benefits of LipiFlow®:

There are several benefits to getting the LipiFlow® treatment. For those who have been suffering for several years, you can have significant improvement within 4 weeks. LipiFlow® allows the glands to be cleaned and increase the patient’s natural lipid production. This gradually helps with relief from your symptoms and can allow for a better quality of vision overall. If you have been dealing with Dry Eye without relief for a long period of time, you understand the need for treatment to help the underlying problem. LipiFlow® goes right to the gland that is blocked allowing true relief.

Some of the overall benefits of using the LipiFlow® treatment are:

  • Improved quality of vision
  • Improved lipid production
  • Less irritation during work or personal activities
  • little to no pain
  • 86% improvement rate

Current over the counter artificial tears, “Get the red out” eye drops, and other treatments will only provide you with temporary relief. After a while these products may not work the same. LipiFlow® can be a true treatment for your Dry Eye symptoms. Getting a checkup annually and asking your eye care professionals about LipiFlow® can give you a better idea if it may be right for you. Get relief for your chronic Dry Eye and improve your quality of vision with LipiFlow®.

To hear Barbara’s first-hand results, click the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qbx-CXBuZTY

Facing Dry Eyes as a Symptom of Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a progressive condition that causes loss of vision, vision disturbances, and changes in the quality of life of those who suffer from the condition. There are several symptoms of Keratoconus that cause daily issues for its patients. Learning what symptoms may flare and how to deal with them will allow you to gain some of your life back.

One symptom that flares frequently is Dry eyes. This symptom causes irritation, redness, and sometimes excessive rubbing of the eyes. In more serious cases it can cause pain for the patient and making wearing contact lenses very difficult. Dry eyes is a reduction of the production of tears by your eyes naturally.

There are several reasons one can develop dry eyes such as:

Medication changes

Conditions – Like Keratoconus, diabetes, Cataracts, etc..

Reduction in the blinking of the eyes (for instance in writers)

Certain procedures

Treatments:

1 Eye Drops

Typically treatments for dry eyes consist of over the counter eye drops, such as Artificial Tears. Yes, get the red out products can help reduce the amount of irritation in your eye, but there is medication in this eye drop that is not good for prolonged use. Artificial tears work the best as they rehydrate the eye provide the moisture in places that your eye has lost them. These are not permanent fixes for treatments, finding the initial cause of your dry eye and fixing that problem will help your symptoms out the most.

2 Supplements

Flaxseed Oil or Fish Oil supplements taken daily can help decrease dry eyes. Consult your doctor about taking these supplements before you try them.

Tips To Help Relieve Your Dry Eye:

Increase the amount of breaks you take when starring at the computer screen.

Avoid excessive eye rubbing

Get regular eye examinations

Wear protective lenses when going out

Use Artificial Tears

Consider taking Flaxseed Oil or Fish Oil supplements

Remember dry eye is generally a symptom, and symptoms are best relieved by finding the underline cause. Let your eye care professional know all your symptoms each time you visit. If dry eye is a big disturbance ask them what you can do to reduce the symptom. Improving the overall quality of life for the patient is the doctors main objective for treatment, so communication is key to a great treatment plan.

For more information regarding dry eyes visit: www.dryeyepain.com

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

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3 Major Tips You Should Know When Diagnosed With Keratoconus & Diabetes

Protecting Your Vision One Step at a Time

Diabetes alone is a hard condition to live with but when you have a diagnosis of Keratoconus as well we often struggle even harder to avoid blindness, or additional loss of vision. Fortunately there have been several advancements in the treatment of Keratoconus to help you deal with the condition, and relieve the strain to facing two progressive diseases.

Taking care of your vision is an important step to prevent complications for diabetics. Ensuring that you are seeing your eye care doctor is an important part of eye care health but there are many other things you can do to take care of your eyes when you are dealing with diabetes. Below are few add tips to help you along the way to help with vision care and treatment of both Diabetes & Keratoconus.

Below are 3 Tips for Dealing with Keratoconus & Diabetes:

Finding the Right Doctor: Its not just about finding a doctor, it’s all about finding the right doctor. The truth is Keratoconus is a treatable condition. There have been major advancements in the treatment of Keratoconus over the past 5 years. Some treatments offer not only slowing the progression, but they have even been known to stop the progression in patients. Seeing the right doctor can mean the difference between continued progression of the condition itself or slowing/or stopping it all together. Finding an experienced doctor should be your first step.

Research: Even though we are not doctors we should still take a vested interest in our own health. Learning as much as we can about our conditions and how to manage them will give us a positive attitude when it comes to our treatment. Understanding all we can about our conditions can help us understand the treatment part of our recovery. Just as learning more about the insulin you take and why you take it can help you understand the things you maybe doing that need to be changed to improve your treatment of type 2 Diabetes. This way you can assist in your own treatments & help improve your health.

In addition being prepared to aid in your own treatment should be your first step. Understanding that medicine is something that we all have come to rely on full force, participating in your own path to good health will help you become more aware of your condition, symptoms, and treatment management. Researching your Keratoconus & Diabetes can help you improve your quality of vision as well.

Ensuring You are Tested: Another important part of your treatment are the examinations & testing. While most doctors are on top of things you must remember they are human too so it is also up to you to know when and what tests you need performed to ensure that things are being done properly. Most doctors encourage questions and reminders from their patients. If you are not comfortable asking you should find a doctor you are comfortable with. This is extremely important to your treatment plan. If you haven’t done a treatment plan with your doctor it is important that you start one. After all it is your health, and staying on top of things will improve your quality of life as well as your quality of vision.

The doctors are a very important part of your treatment but so are you! Ensuring that you assist in your own treatment plan will improve your chances of a successful recovery. If you want more information on treatment options for Keratoconus visit: WebMD.com

For more information about keratoconus visit the American Keratoconus Association

Home   |   About Us   |   Cornea Cross Linking   |   Intacs   |   CK   |   Visian ICL   |   PRK   |   Testimonials   |   Media   |   Blog   |   Fly In   |   Research   |   Privacy Policy   |   Contact Us |   Sitemap

         ©2019 BOXER WACHLER VISION INSTITUTE OF BEVERLY HILLS. 465 N. Roxbury Drive, Suite 902, Beverly Hills, CA 90210.                          Call: 310.594.5210  Or   Text: 424.245.0171  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. email: info@boxerwachler.com.

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