What is Latisse?

LATISSE® is a prostaglandin analog, indicated to treat hypotrichosis of the eyelashes by increasing their growth including length, thickness and darkness. It is applied to the upper eyelash line nightly. Lash lengthening, darkening and thickening should occur after about 16 weeks of use. Side effects include ocular irritation, darkening of eyelid skin and iris. This is not normally covered by insurance plans and costs about $116 per month. 

Who can prescribe Latisse?

You should see an eye doctor for prescription of Latisse; optometrist or ophthalmologist.  Latisse is actually a glaucoma medication and can change your eye pressure - so your eye pressure and ocular health need to be monitored while you are on this medication.

My eyes feel dry and gritty - What can I do?

There is more than one way to treat dry eyes.

Option#1Artificial Tearscome in liquid, gel and ointment formulation.  They need to be used at least 2-4 times daily to be effective.  The key to artificial tears is to use them regularly.  Our office currently recommends Systane Balance, dose frequency is related to severity.

Option#2Omega-3 supplementsare available in fish oil or flaxseed derivatives.  You need to take 1000mg per day for at least 2 months to see results.

What vitamins and supplements are good for my eyes?

I am asked this question frequently by my patients.  There are multiple supplements that can benefit your eyes, but you need to be careful not to overdose on certain ones.  Vitamins A (beta-carotene), B-Complex, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, lutein, zeaxanthin, bilberry, Omega-3 and bioflavonoids - just to name a few that have been researched to provide ocular health support.  Many of the following multivitamins provide these supplements: ICaps, Ocuvite, Oculaire, Macutrition and PreserVision.

Can smoking damage my eyes?

Yes, it can increase your risk of developing blinding eye diseases!

#1 Smokers are 4 times more likely to develop macular degeneration.  If you already have macular degeneration, smoking can make it progress more quickly.  Vitamin A is one of the  treatment modalities for macular degeneration, but if it is taken by a smoker, vitamin A can increase the risk of lung cancer. 

#2 Smokers develop cataracts earlier!  They are 3 times more likely to develop cataracts in their late 40's and early 50's - smoking causes a yellowing of the lens inside the eye, making it more vulnerable to cataract development.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that gradually destroys the macula (the area in the back of your eye that is responsible for central 20/20 vision).  AMD comes in 2 forms: wet and dry.  

Dry AMD is when the tissue has degenerated and there is only atrophy (cell death), as opposed to Wet AMD that has blood and fluid leakage in the tissue.  Dry and Wet macular degeneration are treated with a combination of vitamins and minerals to fortify the tissue - slowing the progression.

What is do High Definition (HD) lenses mean to me?

This is actually a very popular question.  An HD lens is digitally designed - that means it is NOT a stock prescription lens that is just pulled off a shelf and cut out for your frame.  HD lenses are digitally designed by the computer taking your prescription, measurements, and frame position into consideration.  

The digital design gives you clearer, sharper vision that eliminates peripheral distortion in single vision lenses.  

Question:  Can my vision change while I am pregnant?

Answer:  YES!  During pregnancy, changes in hormone levels, fluid retention, and blood circulation can affect your eyes and vision.  Water retention can result in puffy eyelids and cause your cornea to change shape.  The shape change can cause a shift in your eyeglass or contact lens prescription.  Also, due to the shape change, your contact lenses may not fit the same.  The hormone and circulation changes will impact the tear layer on your eyes - so your eyes may feel dry or more irritated.

I'd like to start by saying.....I've never blogged before.  A few patients have asked that I comment on ocular disease, eyeglass trends, contact lenses, etc.  If you have questions, stop in, call or e-mail and I will try to answer them promptly.  By the way, for those of you who have met Buddy, he says hello.

 

This is the number one statement I hear from all patients:"Doc, please don't air-puff my eyes!!!" 

We don't 'air-puff' you just to torture you - I promise.  This test is one of the 3 screening tests for glaucoma.