Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is a sight-threatening retinal condition of the central vision. All patients diagnosed with macular degeneration should be taking carotenoid vitamins in the AREDS2 formulation. These vitamins lower the risk of Dry Macular Degeneration converting to Wet Macular Degeneration. If someone in your family has had macular degeneration, even if you don't, we recommend you take Lutein and Zeaxanthin supplements to protect the macula. There are two formulations we like, Macuhealth LMZ3 is available online https://www.macuhealth.com/product/macuhealth/ and Trunature, which has an orange bottle and is available at Sam's Club, Costco and Walmart.

Dry Eye

Lubricant eye drops may be used up to 3 times a day for relief of stinging, burning, irritation or watery eyes. The best drops are Systane Balance, Soothe XP, Refresh Optive Advanced and Rhoto Dry Aid. What makes these drops different from most, is that they contain oil, which is more effective and longer lasting than water-based drops. These drops should not be used while wearing contact lenses, as the oils can stick to the lenses. Warm compresses for 5-10 minutes daily can help to melt the oils in the glands and keep them flowing to produce your tears. Therapearl is a widely available eye mask (it has blue gel beads inside) that can be heated in the microwave for this purpose.

Morning Dry Eye

If your eyes feel most dry when you first wake up, you may be sleeping with your eyes slightly open or getting exposure to airflow such as ceiling fans and CPAP machines overnight. We recommend EyeEco Silicone Sleep Masks to protect the eye from drafts and retain moisture. These are available at our office.

Eye Allergies

Allergy-specific eye drops are the most effective way to combat seasonal allergies with symptoms of itchy eyes. We recommend Alaway, used once daily during allergy season for at least 1 month at a time. One mechanism of this drop stops itching today and the other stops itching a few days from now, so it is important to take the drop consistently even if your eyes are feeling okay. When the month finishes, try stopping the drop. If symptoms return, resume use for one more month and so on. If you wear contact lenses, wait a few minutes after instilling the drop before putting on your lenses. 

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelashes and eyelids. The symptoms include red, itchy, irritated eyes, or a feeling like there is something in your eyes. Blepharitis can result from simple lash debris like dandruff, bacteria and skin oils or can happen because of a mite, called Demodex, that lives in the hair follicles of the human eyelash. After an in-office lid scrub to clear debris on a microscopic level, the best way to keep blepharitis under control is with at-home lid scrubs 2-3 times per week. We recommend OcuSoft foam or pre-moistened wipes for this purpose. They are widely available over-the-counter, in drug stores, grocery stores and online.