Don't Ignore Your Dry Eye Symptoms

Kylie Sebastian, O.D. • April 18, 2018

Do you ever get to the end of the day and experience uncomfortable or “tired” eyes? They may feel gritty or sandy as if something is in them. Or, you may feel like your vision films over on occasion, especially with prolonged reading or computer activities. Your eyes may even water on windy or cold days. You may be a contact lens wearer who used to love your contacts, but now your eyes do not tolerate them. Does this sound familiar? You may be experiencing the early stages of Dry Eye Disease.

WHAT IS DRY EYE DISEASE?

Dry Eye Disease affects millions of people across the country. Disease is a scary word, but dry eyes are not just a mild annoyance. Dry Eye Disease is a progressive condition and without treatment there can be serious consequences like pain, corneal scarring and decrease in vision. It can even become so uncomfortable that it affects your work performance, your hobbies, and your daily life.

HOW DO YOU TREAT DRY EYE DISEASE?

After being diagnosed with Dry Eye Disease, your doctor may initiate a treatment regimen. This regimen may include warm compresses, anti-inflammatory medications, a Fish Oil or Omega-3 supplement, blinking exercises and artificial tears. Some individuals require treatment using minor procedures to better control and prevent progression. Due to the different types of dry eye disease, your eye doctor will personalize your treatment to best control your disease state and follow up with you to ensure the treatment is effective.

DON'T IGNORE YOUR SYMPTOMS

You may have mild symptoms, but it is crucial for your eye health to have these symptoms addressed by an eye care professional at their onset. Catching any disease early is key to your long-term success. Talking with your eye doctor can prevent future Dry Eye Disease complications and help you get on the right track to healthier eyes.

Eat Right for Your Sight - Garlic Lime Pork Chops

By Cataract & Laser Institute • March 30, 2018
Pork is packed full of thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, phosphorus and protein and offers a leaner option of meat that can be a great benefit to your eye health and overall health. Consuming the protein that pork contains helps keep your immune system strong, aids in tissue repair, helps maintain your body's hormone balance and nourishes lean muscle tissue. Also great for bone and enzyme health, cell growth and development, and energy, pork is a great option to add into your diet. Pork also contains lutein and zeaxanthin, which are two essential nutrients that keep our eyes healthy. So get your grills out! The weather is getting warm and it's time to start experimenting with different seasonings, including this delicious garlic-lime mix that will taste great on pork chops. Garlic-Lime Pork Chops Ingredients: Juice and zest of 2 limes 2 garlic cloves, minced 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper flakes 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/4 teaspoon sea salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons freshly chopped cilantro 2 tablespoons freshly chopped basil 1 teaspoon minced fresh ginger 4 lean 1/2-inch-thick boneless pork chops (about 1 - 1 1/2 pounds) Directions: Whisk together all ingredients except the pork chops in a bowl. Add the pork chops and marinate, covered in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight. When ready to serve, bring the pork chops to room temperature and prepare a grill. Cook over medium-high heat just until cooked through, about 6 minutes per side, or until a meat thermometer readers 145 degrees F. Nutrition: Serving Size - 1 pork chop Calories: 602 Protein: 55 g Fiber: 1 g Fat: 40 g Saturated fat: 8 g Sodium: 348 mg Vitamin A: 245 IU Vitamin C: 6 mg Vitamin D: 79 IU Vitamin E: 4 IU Zinc: 7 mg Beta-carotene: 127 ug Lutein and zeaxanthin: 105 ug Recipe Source: American Macular Degeneration Foundation