Reversing Dry Eye Syndrome: Practical Ways to Improve Your Comfort, Vision, and Appearance... by Steven L. Maskin

"One thing that is essential to my success as a professional tennis player is good, clear vision. Dr. Maskin's vast institutional knowledge of the eyes and the clear and succinct way in which he conveys that knowledge in his book will help me protect one of my most valuable assets for years to come."-Jennifer Capriati, Grand Slam Tennis Champion

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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