What medicine can I use for dry eyes?

Dry eye has many causes. But irrespective of the cause, dry eyes can be very discomforting. There are several medications one can buy but the best is restasis. This liquid formula can help people with dry eyes. It rapidly relieves the itching, pain or redness. Restasis works by increasing the production of tears from the small glands in the eye. Unfortunately, Restasis does not work for all patients with a dry eye. For example, if you do not have tear glands, then Restasis will not work.

Side effects

Restasis does have a few mild side effects that include itching, redness or, burning when it is first applied. These symptoms generally disappear after a few days. Other side effects include blurry vision or discharge from the eye. If these symptoms persist, one must notify their health care provider.

In extremely rare cases, Restasis may worsen the dryness in the eye. If this happens, the drug should be discontinued and one should discuss the option of artificial tears with their doctor.

Like all drugs, Restasis can also induce an allergic reaction which may present with a skin rash, difficulty breathing, facial swelling and itching. If this ever happens, one should seek immediate medical attention at the nearest emergency department.

How do I use restasis 

Restasis should only be taken as directed by your doctor. Restasis should be applied to the affected eye twice a day. The two doses must be separated by at least 10 hours. Before applying the Restasis eye drops, always wash your hands. Try and not contaminate the tip of the vial with your hands or eye. Shake the vial before use to ensure that the medication is properly mixed. Tilt your head and look to the ceiling, then pull on the lower eye lid to make a small hollow pouch- instill the Restasis drop into the eye. After application, look down and close your eye for 30 seconds. Try not to rub or blink there the eye for the nest minute. If you use other eye medication drops, wait at least 15 minutes in between each drop. One should always remove contact lenses 15 minutes before instilling the eye drops. The lenses can be worn again in 15-20 minutes after the drops.

For maximal benefit, Restasis must be taken at the same time every for several days to work. If you miss a dose of Restasis, do not double dose the next time as it will increase the side effects.

Can vitamins help my eye?

Lately there have been many ads on dietary supplements that may benefit the eye. Many manufacturers claim that eating vitamins can prevent glaucoma, cataracts or improve vision. This is first rate Bull Crap.

There is no evidence to show that eating vitamins can prevent cataracts or glaucoma. The few studies that have been done on vitamins have not shown that the supplements prevented glaucoma or improved vision. Moreover, it is very rare to find an individual with vitamin deficiency in North America- we are a nation which overindulges in food.

So if you have an eye problem, go see an eye doctor. The entire health supplement industry has gotten out of control with false advertising and nonsensical claims. Sure, if you want to take vitamins, there is nothing wrong.

But if you want to be healthy and save money, eat fruits and vegetables. These natural foods contain all the minerals and vitamins that you will ever need.

Why do i tear excessively? part 2

Treatment

The treatment of excessive tearing usually requires a visit to an eye doctor. One should never let an ordinary GP or a family physician muck around with your eyes. An expert eye doctor can easily find the cause of excessive tearing in a few minutes. Sometimes the physician may place a drop of a colored dye on the eye and see how it drains. In almost all cases, excessive tearing is resolved when the offending agent is removed.

If an infection is present, you will be given an antibiotic. Other causes may require use of steroid drops. Often simple massage of the tear duct can loosen up the junk and clear the duct. For a dry eye, one may require artificial eye drops or warm compress.

If the blocked duct persists, the physician may have to probe the duct with a small metal wire to open the passageway. This is a painless procedure done in a doctor’s office and does not take long. If the blocked duct is recurrent, one may need surgery and a small tube is inserted to keep the duct open.

All individuals who have excessive tearing with alterations in vision should see an eye doctor promptly.

Why do I tear excessively (epiphora?)

All healthy individuals have wet eyes because of the constant secretion of fluid from the lacrimal glands located on the outer edge of the eye under the eyebrow. Tears form to keep the eyes moist and then drain down on the inside of the nose.

While tearing is common when some is crying, there are some individuals who tear constantly. Epiphora or Excessive tearing is a medical disorder that results when tears spill out of the eye even when one is not crying. Depending on the cause, symptoms of excessive tearing many be

a. a red eye
b. pain
c. low grade fever
d. swelling around the eyes


The most common cause of excessive tearing is a dry eye. A dry eye syndrome occurs when there are too few tears produced or the tears rapidly blow away. When the eye senses dryness, it responds by making more tears.

There are many other causes of excessive tearing and they include the following:

Normally tears from eyes drain through small holes located on the nasal side of the eye. Tears drain through these holes and enter the nose. Sometimes ducts at the entrance of the nose can be blocked and tears fall on the cheeks. The ducts may be blocked at birth from

- excessive mucus build up
- ingrown eye lashes
- an infection which causes thick viscous fluid
- certain medications
- a traumatic injury
- repeated and frequent exposure to allergens,
dust and pollutants that irritate the eyes
- a stye