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Dry Eye Disease

For several years, Dr. Richard Mangan has presented the latest treatment strategies for dry eye disease to hundreds of eye physicians from all over the country. He frequently discusses some of the newer diagnostic and treatment options for dry eye, including a new and accurate in office lab test that quantifies the severity. He also addresses poor public awareness of these latest tests and treatment strategies, and calls upon his colleagues “to get the word out”.

“Despite recent advancements in the field of dry eye, many patients are still self-medicating with over-the-counter artificial tears. While tear supplementation helps alleviate symptoms for short periods of time, they do not effectively treat the underlying cause of dry eye, which is inflammation. According to a recent study, the average patient suffers with clinically significant dry eye for 6.5 years before seeking the medical advice of their eye care professional. We also know that the longer a patient goes without proper treatment, the greater the risk of permanent vision loss from opportunistic infections and corneal scaring. Additionally, usage of artificial tears containing certain preservatives can actually worsen their particular dry eye condition”.

If you are currently using artificial tears or allergy drops, but have not addressed your dry eye symptoms with your family optometrist, now is the time. Some basic strategies could help save you money in over-the-counter medication costs, and more importantly, help you feel and see better.

For more information on this revolutionary new test for dry eye, please go to www.tearlab.com. If you would like to be tested and find out what your “number” is, simply call our office to schedule an appointment. Questions regarding insurance and billing for this very affordable test will be answered when you call. We also offer FREE screenings to see if your symptoms are consistent with dry eye disease and warrant a more detailed evaluation by your optometrist or by our dry eye specialist, Dr. Richard Mangan. If your eyes often burn, itch, water, or feel gritty, you may suffer from dry eye disease. Don’t delay, please call today.

Dr. Mangan’s Top 10 Tips for Allergies

Tip #1

Never Rub Your Eyes. Rubbing your eyes transfers antigens to the lids and ocular surface, as well as stimulates histamine release, which worsens symptoms.
Unfortunately, the average adult touches their face up to 16 times per HOUR, and this number increases in children and in those with ALLERGIES.

Tip #1A

Wash your hands regularly: thus when you actually do rub your eyes, you will not self- innoculate with allergens.

Tip #2

If your allergies are worse in the morning, check for down or feather pillows, and switch to allergy- free pillows.

Tip #3

During your worst allergy season, remain indoors with filtered air conditioning to reduce antigen exposure.

Tip #4

If your allergies are limited to your eyes, use drops, not pills. If limited to your nose and sinuses, use nasal sprays, not pills.

Tip #5

Avoid over-the-counter remedies that “get the red out”. They invariably contain vasoconstrictors, chemicals that quickly induce dependence. Withdrawal will occur with a temporary worsening of the redness when stopping these medications. Not only that, chronic regular use is extremely bad for mucous membranes in the eye and the respiratory passages.

Tip #6

Chill your drops to provide added comfort and efficacy: cool temperatures cause vaso-constriction.

Tip #7

Use cool compresses with a fluid-filled face mask to alleviate symptoms instead of rubbing.

Tip #8

Use allergy drops BEFORE visiting allergic places or working in the garden during allergy season, rather than waiting until the itching and redness begin.

Tip #9

Put your pet out of the house or at least out of your bedroom.

Tip #10

Adjust your times of outdoor activities around local pollen levels. You can check the pollen levels daily at www.pollen.com. Just enter your zip code…it’s EASY!

Bonus Tip

Have your eyes tested for Dry Eye. When tear volume is low, the concentration of antigens on the eye surface is higher. Ask your nurse or technician about “TEAR LAB”, a new inexpensive test for dry eye that is now covered through insurance

Upcoming Events for 2012

Baby Fair

May 15th - 10a-3p
Location: Lingle Hall, Reid Hospital

Senior Expo

May 17th - 9a-1p
Location: Lamplight Inn at the Leland

Relay for Life

May 19-20th - Wayne County Fair Grounds
June 23rd - 1:00PM at Miami University Millett Hall, Oxford Ohio
July 14th - Roberts Park, Connersville Indiana
July 20th - 6:00PM at Heritage Park, Versailles Ohio

Special Olympics 2nd Annual Golf Outting

July 21st - Location: Elks Country Club

Cataract Awareness Lunch & Learn

August 23rd - 12p-1p
Speaker: Chris Hainline, M.D.
Location: McCullough Hyde Hospital, Oxford Ohio

Special Olympics 5K Run/1K Walk

September 29th - Location: Indiana University East

News

Dry Eye Disease

Dr. Mangan’s Top 10 Tips for Allergies

Upcoming Events for 2012

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