North Shore Towers Courier n November 2014 21 THE EMANUEL SERIES Allergies? Or Could it be Dry Eye, a Medical Condition? By Robin Frank Dry, scratchy, irritated eyes? These symptoms, which affect millions of Americans, can put a damper on summer fun. Getting to the root cause of eye discomfort is the first step in receiving the proper treatment to get relief, according to Andrew Gewirtz, M.D., an ophthalmologist at North Shore Queens Eye Medicine in Little Neck. The cause isn’t always what people think. Many who believe they have allergies may actually have a medical condition called dry eye, which can range from mild to severe, according to Dr. Gewirtz. “There are various causes of dry eyes, and some medications can make the condition worse,” he says. “Antihistamines, used to treat allergies, exacerbate dry eye, which makes the correct diagnosis all the more important.” Dry eye is one of the most common reasons for a visit to the ophthalmologist, affecting an estimated 20 million Americans. It can have a major impact on quality of life. S y m p - toms can vary depending on the patient, often masquerading as allergy symptoms. P e o p l e with dry eye may experience a stinging or burning sensation; excessive tearing or mucous discharge; eyes that are easily irritated; a scratchy, gritty feeling or the sensation that there is something in one’s eye; sensitivity to light; difficulty wearing contact lenses; and blurred vision. To make the diagnosis, doctors begin by obtaining a thorough medical history, which includes any medications a patient may be taking. In addition to the medical history and a patient’s symptoms, Dr. Gewirtz uses the TearLab system, a quick, painless test to help diagnose dry eye disease and monitor progress once treatment begins. North Shore Queens Eye Medicine is an acc r e d i t e d T e a r L a b Dry Eye Center. The condition occurs when the eyes do not produce the right quantity or quality of tears. The disease is more common as we get older and affects more women than men, especially after a woman reaches menopause. People who have certain medical conditions are also more susceptible to developing dry eyes. “It’s important for people to receive the correct diagnosis sooner rather than later,” said Dr. Gewirtz. “The tear film nourishes and protects the surface of the eye. When this is compromised, it can lead to damage to the eye. There is an increased risk of infection and even visual impairment if severe dry eye goes untreated over an extended period of time.” In mild cases, addressing environmental factors often provides relief. Hot, dry and windy climates; excessive sun exposure; central heating; air conditioning; cigarette smoke; and air pollution have been linked to an exacerbation of dry eye. Increasing humidity in one’s environment and staying away from cigarette smoke can help. Stopping certain medications such as antihistamines or diuretics may also alleviate symptoms. Artificial tears, gels and ointments are also used to treat dry eye. Prescription medications are available for more severe cases. When over-the-counter or prescription eye drops fail to provide relief, a treatment called lacrimal plugs often relieves symptoms. The plugs are tiny devices inserted into the tear ducts to increase the tear film and surface moisture. Anyone who would like more information on dry eye or wishes to make an appointment with Dr. Gewirtz is invited to call 718-225-5656. Stephen C. Widom CULTURAL ARTS p r e s e n t s sunday, October 19, 2014 at 3PM The Second Amendment A BiogrAPHY LECTURE offered by MiCHAEL WALDMAN followed by BOOK SIGNING Michael Waldman is president of the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law, was director of speechwriting for President Bill Clinton from 1995 to 1999, and is the author of My Fellow Americans, POTUS Speaks. Now, Waldman presents a provocative, often surprising, and much needed history of this brief, but momentous constitutional provision—from Bunker Hill and James Madison to Newtown and Justice Scalia—in The Second Amendment: A Biography. Admission: $40 & $30 Call 516.482.5701 about special Discounts Templle Emanuell off Greatt Neck l 150 Hiicks Lane,, Greatt Neck,, NY scwculltturallartts..org The Sanctuary at Mount Lebanon The only Indoor Jewish Community Mausoleum In New York’s Five Boroughs Special Prices and Choice Locations in the All New Building for a limited time • Single & Companion Gravesites • Family Plots • Niche Space for Cremated Remains Affordable Payment Plans • Credit Cards Accepted A Not-For Profi t Cemetery serving the Jewish Community since 1914 7800 Myrtle Ave • Glendale, Queens, NY 11385 718-821-0200 • www.MountLebanonCemetery.com
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