Dry Eye

Dry Eye Disease is a chronic condition, which has no cure and is exacerbated by a number of lifestyle factors. The risk of Dry Eye increases with age. Other risk factors include patients who have undergone refractive surgery, have severe allergies, are on certain medications, or are contact lens wearers. Those with rheumatoid arthritis and many other diseases are also at increased risk. Approximately 6 million women and 3 million men have moderate to severe symptoms of Dry Eye in America. Women who are pregnant, on certain types of birth control, taking hormone replacement therapy, or experiencing menopause also have increased rates of Dry Eye.

If you have dry eye, you may experience some of the following symptoms:

• Feeling a burning or stinging in your eyes
• Feeling like there are particles in your eyes
• A gritty, sandy feeling in your eyes
• Itchiness
• An intermittent bout of blurry vision that is helped by excessive blinking                                                                      

In order to replace the missing moisture in your eyes, you can use over-the-counter tear replacements called "artificial tears." Artificial tears come in different brands with different ingredients. Typically drops that come in bottles contain preservatives, which can be harsh on the front surface of the eye. As a result, preservative-free artificial tears (also over-the-counter) are a great way to get good lubrication without the threat of corneal damage.  For patients that prefer using a bottle, the Refresh and Optive brands use the most forgiving preservatives.

Other treatment options include the use of a humidifier to help keep natural moisture in the air so your eyes will not dry out as quickly. You should make sure to avoid circulating air blowing on the face in the car, at work, or during sleep as this can exacerbate dry eye signs and symptoms. Smoking cessation has been shown to dramatically help reduce dry eye as well. 

When using a computer, remember to blink often and give eyes a rest from staring at screens, tablets, and phones. We typically use the 20-20-20 rule: after staring at something for 20 minutes, give yourself a 20-second break, while looking at something 20 feet away. You can also apply a warm compress for 15 minutes per day to help promote tear flow and soothe irritated eyes. Be sure to not use harsh soaps or cleansers on or around the eye area, as these may exacerbate dryness and inflammation.

Allergy Eye Drops

Pataday has been one of the most successful prescription medications for eye allergy and is now available without a prescription!  The catch is the price.  Here is our current advice:

Good:  Alaway (Bausch & Lomb)  One drop twice a day, priced around $14 for a 10 mL bottle.

Best:  Pataday (Alcon)  Twice Daily, blue label, around $16 for a 5 mL bottle.

Pataday is also available as a more concentrated Once Daily, red label, around $18 for a 2.5 mL bottle!  2.5 mL is a surprisingly small amount.

For someone with mild symptoms, Alaway is a good value.  For more significant symptoms, Pataday Twice Daily is a great choice.  We rarely see the need for the more concentrated Once Daily, especially for those who get two drops on the cheek for every one in the eye!

More Eye Drops Recalled

CVS and Walgreens brands of lubricating eye drops have now been added to the recall. If you have these, please check the lot numbers. No adverse events have been reported, however the best advice is to discontinue use of these products. If you have concerns, or have experienced any issues, please call our office.

https://www.fda.gov/safety
https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls

Eye Drop / Ointment Recall

Do you have any Walmart Equate brand eye drops or ointments? Or a recent prescription for generic Maxitrol ointment? If so, please check your lot number. The manufacturer, Altaire Pharmaceuticals, has issued a recall citing concerns about "potential for nonsterility." No adverse events have been reported, however the best advice is to discontinue use of products with these lot numbers. If you have concerns, or have experienced any issues, please call our office.

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/altaire-pharmaceuticals
https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls

Readers' Choice

Thank you so much for voting for us in the latest readers' choice awards!! We really try to "keep first things first" and for us that is taking care of patients. Thank you for that opportunity and this confirmation!

Happy Birthday Dr Patel!

Happy birthday to our sweet Dr. Patel! We are so blessed to have you two days a week! We hope you get everything you ask for 🤩

1 for 1

We are excited to have partnered with Restoring Vision for a 1 for 1! They are a non-profit dedicated to providing new, high-quality reading glasses to people who would otherwise not have access. Beginning January 1 of this year, through this non-profit we donate one pair of new glasses for every pair we make here. With your help, our year to date is over 650 glasses donated!