30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Are Your Eyes Dry?, October 21, 2008
This review is from: Reversing Dry Eye Syndrome: Practical Ways to Improve Your Comfort, Vision, and Appearance (Yale University Press Health & Wellness) (Paperback)
From: www.BasilAndSpice.com
Author & Book Views On A Healthy Life!
Book Review: Reversing Dry Eye Syndrome: Practical Ways to Improve Your Comfort, Vision, and Appearance (Yale University Press, 2007) by Steven L. Maskin, M.D.
Do you have dry eyes? Apparently almost 5 million of us do in the United States. Moderate cases are estimated at 20-30 million people. Common in the over age 50 group--7.8% of women and 4.7% of men are impacted by it. If left untreated, keratoconjunctivitis sicca or dry eye syndrome, can lead to more eye problems, including blindness. Either the tear (lacrimal) glands under the eyelids aren't producing enough tears or the tears themselves are evaporating too quickly because of their composition.
Dr. Steven Maskin, author of Reversing Dry Eye Syndrome, says that dry eye syndrome is painful. Symptoms sometimes begin mildly and progress:
Achy or sore eyes
Redness, inflammation
Scratchy, grainy, gravelly feelings
Feeling of something in the eye
Burning, Stinging
Itching frquently
Contact lens discomfort
Nighttime dryness
Difficulty opening eyes in the morning
Blurred/ Fluctuating sight
Heavy eyes
Watery eyes
Excessive mucus discharge
Sensitivity to light
What are the causes? Researchers aren't quite sure, but some factors play significant roles:
LASIK Surgery
Live in a dry or windy area
Use the computer often
Use the eyes often for work or recreation
Drive long distances often
Smoke or live with someone who does
Use medications for allergies, birth control, or depression
Take hormone replacement therapy
Have had cosmetic eye surgery
Have worn contact lenses for many years
Suffer from specific illnesses: Sjogren's syndrome, diabetes, thyroid disease, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, ocular rosacea.
I've had a little dry eye syndrome periodically due to contact lenses, reading, and computer use, but hadn't really thought that much about it, until my friend had LASIK eye surgery. He is an emergency room physician who loves to scuba dive on his time off. The need to see underwater through a mask, without contact lense worry led to LASIK surgery and a severe case of dry eyes. Using lubricating drops often, the standard treatment in the United States and Europe, his condition slowly improved. Further detection and treatment for severe cases involves drugs, surgery, in-office procedures, and moisture goggles.
What can be done at home? Recent studies indicate that increased consumption of omega-3 fatty acids will improve the situation, possibly by 68% for women. Opt for salmon, tuna, sardines and other cold water fatty fish. Drink more water and reduce your caffeine intake. Caffeine, a diuretic, encourages the body to eliminate water, whereas water hydrates the body. Avoid rubbing the eyes, instead blot them with clean tissue. Last, check in with the allergist, to identify an unknown eye-drying problem.
5 Stars
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28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
What a Great Book!, August 15, 2007
This review is from: Reversing Dry Eye Syndrome: Practical Ways to Improve Your Comfort, Vision, and Appearance (Yale University Press Health & Wellness) (Paperback)
I only wish some of the opthomologists I have visited over the past year had read Dr. Maskin's book! But now that I've discovered it, I feel I understand more than they do. Dr. Maskin clearly and in layman's terms explains all the causes of dry eye and how to actually treat and reverse it. Using his advice, I am managing my condition and in a lot less discomfort now. If you are visiting a series of doctors who don't seem to have a diagnosis for you, or act like it's just old age - save the money on visits and buy the book instead!
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25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An Outstanding Book for Dry Eye Suffers, August 16, 2007
This review is from: Reversing Dry Eye Syndrome: Practical Ways to Improve Your Comfort, Vision, and Appearance (Yale University Press Health & Wellness) (Paperback)
This book provides invaluble information on the topic of dry eyes not found elsewhere for the layperson. It explains in easy to read and understandable text both the physical and emotional impact that this condition can cause. I developed dry eyes three years ago as a result of an eye surgery. I have had to have several eye surgeries to correct the bad results and have seen many Drs. trying to find help for my dry eyes. When I started reading Dr. Maskin's book, I realized after just a few pages that I had finally found someone that understood this condition and the pain, frustation and impact it can have on one's life. Dr. Maskin explains thoroughly the many causes, what to look for, treatments and ways to manage and reverse dry eyes.
Luckily I live in the same state as Dr Maskin and made and appt. as I read the book. He diagnosed a condition that other Dr. I have seen had never even mentioned. My condition required a breakthrough surgery that is only preformed by a few eye surgeons, a procedure Dr. Maskin specializes in. I have had excellent results am gradually getting back to a normal lifestyle.
This book was a "God Send" for me. This book should be recommened by physicians as a resource for thier patients with dry eye symptoms ....
Accolades to Dr. Maskin for his interest and dedication to this condition and writing this book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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