Dr. Grossman’s Blog

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Five or more cups of coffee per day may cause an individual to hallucinate.

A study out of Australia’s La Trobe University looked at the roles that caffeine and stress play on instances of auditory hallucinations.  Participants who were under stress and under the effect of high levels of caffeine listened to white noise and were asked to indicate when they heard Bing Crosby sing “White Christmas.”  Those reporting highest stress and caffeine levels were much more likely to report hearing the song (which was never played) than were those with low stress and caffeine levels.

‘It is apparent that the health risks of excessive caffeine use must be addressed and caution should be raised with regards to the exacerbating use of this stimulant,’ says Professor Simon Crowe.

We caution clients and patients against consuming coffee and other sources of caffeine if they are concerned about eye conditions including diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and dry eyes.

image via nccam.nih.gov

As we know well at Natural Eye Care, taking care of dry eye syndrome is about more than just using eye drops.  In fact, it may never be about using eye drops.

An article over at PCON Supersite discusses some oral treatments for dry eyes. We recommend that our patients evaluate their diet and lifestyle choices and make some necessary changes as well as take the right dietary supplements.

Not only our eyes, but the entire body need essential fatty acids in the form of omega-6s and omega-3s.  Omega-6s help fight inflammation that can be an underlying cause of dry eyes and omega-3s make it possible for the body to use the fats in omega-6s.

According to the article’s author, Jeffrey Anshel, OD, the Institute of Medicine recommends we take in “four times as many omega-6 fatty acids as omega-3 fatty acids. It is currently estimated that the average American diet maintains a ratio of up to 25:1.”  This overabundance of omega-6s comes from the Western diet’s reliance on vegetable oils containing linoleic acid that are added to processed foods.  What we really need are fats in the form of  omega-6 gamma linolenic acid (GLA).  These can be found in black currant seed oil, borage oil and evening primrose oil, which are much more rarely found in the average American pantry.  A great source for omega-3s is fish oil.

Source originally published: PRIMARY CARE OPTOMETRY NEWS November 1, 2008

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Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid, often causes eye problems.  It can cause inflammation around the eyes and cause the eyes to bulge in a condition called Graves’ ophthalmopathy or Graves’ orbitopathy.  Other symptoms include dry eyes, sensitivity to light, double vision, and eye pain.

A new Italian study published in the New England Journal of Medicine finds that daily supplementation with the mineral selenium can help alleviate eye symptoms and increase overall quality of life.

This study watched people with Graves’ disease who took either selenium or the pharmaceutical pentoxifylline or a placebo over a 6 month period.  Selenium relieved symptoms and those who took it exhibited no side effects.  Some of those who took the drug reported side effects including nausea, bloating, and abdominal discomfort.

Source: drugs.com

Image via www.nei.nih.gov

Prevent Blindness America reminds us that women are more likely to suffer from dry eye syndrome than men.

Their organization has designated April as Women’s Eye Health and Safety Awareness month.  They quote Lynn K Gordon, MD, PhD, president of the national organization, Women in Ophthalmology, ““Not only do more women have Dry Eye, they are also more likely to develop eye diseases such as cataracts and glaucoma.  And, because of increased longevity, women are more likely to develop macular degeneration. It is imperative that women of every age make an appointment with their eye doctor as soon as possible to ensure that they are protecting their vision for the future.”  Source: Prevent Blindness America

So, what can a woman (or a man) who wants to prevent dry eyes do?

• Make sure to eat lots of green leafy vegetables.
• Avoid sugar and/or artificial sweeteners: Consumption of more than 11 teaspoons of sugar a day has been linked to dry eye syndrome (a single can of soda contains approximately 9 teaspoons of sugar). Sugar is hidden throughout processed and refined foods including cereals, ketchup, and salad dressings.
• Avoid the toxic fats in commercial red meat, dairy products, fried foods, and hydrogenated oils (such as margarine and shortening). These fats interfere with the proper metabolism of essential fatty acids in the body and are indirect causes of dry eye syndrome. Eat organic or free range products whenever possible.
• Avoid coffee and smoking.
• Avoid hydrogenated and transfatty acid containing foods (i.e.: margarine, most chips… always remember to read labels and be aware of what you are putting into your body).
• Drink 8-10 glasses of water a day.
• Avoid any foods to which you may be allergic. Try cutting out categories of foods for a week at a time, and see how you feel, or visit an allergist for testing. Typical allergenic foods include nightshades (eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, white potatoes and cucumbers), milk, wheat, and corn (or products with corn in them).
• Supplement your diet with a good multivitamin and/or an organic green drink daily.

For more on what helped our clients deal with dry eye syndrome, please take a look at this page.

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An international team of scientists have published a report that could change the way we look at dry eye syndrome.

There is news from the International Workshop on Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, which has spent two years formulating an evidence-based evaluation of meibomian gland structure and function in health and disease.  According to report authors, MGD is an extremely important condition, conceivably underestimated, and very likely the most frequent cause of dry eye disease.  More than 50 experts from around the globe worked together, mostly using technology to connect across great distances to develop a contemporary understanding of the definition and classification of MGD.

According to the report, researchers now understand that the meibomian gland is a key component in the etiology of dry eye and contributes to the evaporative status of the tear film.

“MGD may well be the leading cause of dry eye disease throughout the world. Although this condition influences the health and well being of millions of people, there has not previously been a global consensus on the definition, classification, diagnosis or therapy of MGD,” explained Dr. David A. Sullivan, PhD, TFOS President.

If you have been concerned about your chances of experiencing dry eye syndrome post cataracts surgery, your fears may be warranted.

A new study finds that people who have had cataracts surgery are more likely to suffer from dry eyes than is usually reported.  An assessment of 143 people who underwent cataracts surgery showed that while only 22.1% of patients received a dry eye diagnosis, more than 30% reported stinging, burning, dryness and foreign body sensation, while 40% reported itching, sensitivity to light, blurred vision and fatigued eyes. Source: OSNSupersite

Learn more about natural strategies to cop with dry eyes at our website.

Also, read about natural ways we have helped people suffering from cataracts.

In my practice and at NaturalEyeCare.com we know that the eyes are the windows to the soul and windows that reveal the state of your overall health.

A new story over at Yahoo Health lists 14 different conditions that can be recognized by looking into your eyes.

The list includes Computer Vision Syndrome, also known as Computer Eyestrain. Red, burning eyes as well as blurred vision, dizziness, and trouble concentrating are all signs of eyestrain from excessive computer use.  Visit our pages on computer eyestrain for tips on how to prevent and treat it.

Blepharitis, or inflammation of the eyelids, also made this list because they say it can be linked to acne rosacea.  Inflammed eyelids can also be a sign of allergies and sensitivities to foods or the environment.  It can even be a reaction to certain prescription or over the counter drugs – see more on drugs that harm the eyes.

Dry eyes are the most common complaint brought to eye doctors.  They can be indicative of rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes (especially when the blood sugar is up), asthma, thyroid disease (lower lid does not move when blinking), lupus, and possibly glaucoma.  Dry Eye Syndrome itself can be treated with several natural remedies.

Taking fish oil every day can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.

A study published in The Journal of Nutrition studied women with early breast stage breast cancer who took omega fatty acids EPA and DHA in the form of both seafood and dietary supplements.  Women who took the most EPA and DHA were 25% less likely to suffer from further breast cancers compared to those in the study who took markedly less of the omega-3s.  Source: http://jn.nutrition.org/content/141/2/201.short?rss=1

This is great news – and it just adds to the already ample evidence about the benefits of fish oils.  Studies have also shown that omega-3 fatty acids can help ward off macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, and dry eye syndrome, just to name a few.  Visit our research pages to learn more about how supplements and nutrition can benefit your eyes and the rest of your body.

image by Robert Mobley

After being diagnosed with cancer, and particularly after having undergone cancer treatments, it is especially important for patients to receive good eye care.

One lasting side effect if radiation can be dry eye syndrome.  It is particularly important that any lubricating eye drops that patients use are free of preservatives.

Other complications include radiation induced retinopathy.  Patients are particularly susceptible to this condition if they had chemotherapy at the same time as they were receiving radiation treatments.  Retinopathy caused by radiation looks much like diabetic retinopathy and is treated in the same way.

Source: Optometry Times

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Dry eye syndrome, marked by feelings of grittiness, irritation, and burning as well as difficulty reading for long periods of time, and, even though it seems quite contradictory, excessive tearing or watering of the eyes, is a potentially debilitating condition that requires treatment.

Some eye doctors blame dry eye on problems with the meibomian gland, one of the sources of tear film.  An article in Optometry Times discusses ways to clear blockages of the meibomian gland including the potentially painful squeezing of the gland (by a medical professional) or the less aggressive (though also potentially less effective) application of warm compresses to melt the obstruction.

For other treatments of dry eye and tips on how to prevent the condition, visit our website.