FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.queenscourier.com NOVEMBER 6, 2014 • HEALTH • The Queens Courier 15 People Over 65 at Greater Risk of Eye Disease Symptoms You Should Never Ignore 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. It is said that the eyes are the windows to the soul. But our eyes can also tell us much about our overall health. During an eye exam, doctors find clues to what’s going on in our eyes – and in the rest of the body. “Some eye diseases have no symptoms, so it’s important that everyone have a baseline eye exam starting at age 40. Anyone who has diabetes, a family history of glaucoma or another eye disease, or has other risk factors should of course start earlier and have more frequent exams,” said Dr. Andrew Gewirtz, an ophthalmologist at North Shore Queens Eye Medicine in Little Neck. Certain eye diseases, such as cataracts and macular degeneration are more common by the time an individual qualifies for Medicare at age 65. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends an eye exam at least every two years for adults 65 and older. Anyone who experiences symptoms such as blurred vision, eye pain or sees flashes of light is advised to make an appointment without delay. It’s not uncommon for patients to first learn they have another health problem, such as diabetes, high blood pressure or a thyroid condition in the ophthalmologist’s office during a routine eye exam, according to Dr. Gewirtz. “During an exam, we can see the blood vessels in the eye. Since many illnesses like diabetes and hypertension affect the blood vessels, we can detect a disease before patients are aware of it, and advise them to see their internist or family doctor.” Dr. Gewirtz says the following symptoms should prompt an appointment with an ophthalmologist: • Yellow eyes. A yellowing of the white part of the eye can be a symptom of hepatitis, a liver disease. • Bulging eyes. This can signal a thyroid problem or it can be a manifestation of other diseases, such as a tumor behind the eye. • Red or bloodshot eyes. Red eyes don’t always mean you didn’t get enough sleep. They can be a sign of an over-active thyroid, allergy or an eye infection. • A sty or other growth on or near the eyelid. Any growth on or near the eyelid should be checked by a doctor. Certain eyelid or skin cancers can look like a sty or pimple. • Dry eyes. This condition often affects people when they get older. Dry eyes are common, and eye drops and other treatments can often relieve the discomfort. But dry eyes can also signal an autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis. • Watery or tearing eyes. This can be a sign of corneal disease, a blocked tear duct, or an eyelash or lid problem. Anyone who has pain along with the tearing should be examined right away as this could be a sign of infection, inflammation or a foreign object in the eye. • Double vision. When double vision occurs in both eyes, it could be related to thyroid disease, a brain problem, a tumor or another disease. • Seeing halos around lights. If people experience pain and vision loss along with the appearance of halos, it may indicate cataracts, glaucoma, corneal disease or contact lens overuse. • Dots and spots. Called floaters, people may see tiny objects that look like small dots, pieces of string or amoeba-like objects. In middle-aged and older adults, they can develop with normal aging. However, if they appear suddenly as hundreds of small black particles, it can be a sign of a retinal tear or a retina detachment. There is serious cause for concern when floaters occur with flashes of light. To make Appt with Dr. Gewirtz call 718-225-5656 ADVERTORIAL
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