Essential Eye Care Questions: Symptoms and Treatments

Q: Essential Eye Care Questions: Symptoms and Treatments

Hello, Xin You：<br>1. <br>After undergoing dilation and an eye examination, is it normal to feel slight swelling and a foreign body sensation in the eyes for a couple of days? This is not typical. <br>If it persists, you should measure your intraocular pressure and check for othe

Eye health issues

Hello, Doctor.
I have several questions that have been bothering me:
1.
After undergoing dilation and having my eyes examined, I feel a slight swelling and a foreign body sensation (somewhat fatigued) in my eyes for two to three days.
Is this a normal phenomenon?
2.
How long can I use the foxone ophthalmic suspension (0.2 mg/ml) prescribed by the doctor? The prescription is for three days; should I use it for just three days? Could this eye drop cause increased intraocular pressure leading to the aforementioned sensations (slight foreign body feeling and fatigue)?
3.
Will using artificial tears like Tear Naturale to relieve dry eyes lead to dependency?
4.
Besides the eye drops prescribed by the ophthalmologist, I sometimes purchase over-the-counter eye drops from drugstores.
Is it true that these eye drops should not be used after one month of opening?
5.
I am supplementing with lutein.
What is the adequate daily dosage? The health supplement I take contains 30 mg of lutein, but I read reports suggesting that 10 mg per day is sufficient, and some even say that one multivitamin (which contains 1 mg of lutein) is enough.
Besides lutein, can I take other products to support eye health, such as blueberry capsules and zinc tablets?
6.
I have a habit of wearing sunglasses when going out.
Does this effectively protect my eyes from macular degeneration? When riding a bike at night, I sometimes encounter oncoming vehicles with high beams, which makes my eyes very uncomfortable.
Is it okay to wear polarized sunglasses at night, or should I choose other glasses that filter light? When using digital devices, even if my glasses have blue light blocking features, can I still use commercially available blue light blocking clip-ons?
7.
I am currently 30 years old, but I already have symptoms of floaters.
Can I prevent them from worsening? Is excessive eye use the cause of floaters? Can I continue wearing contact lenses with floaters? When my eyes feel fatigued (after removing my contact lenses), is it okay to apply a warm compress (using a commercially available steam eye mask, following the package instructions)?
8.
Should individuals with floaters avoid vigorous exercise? Are they also advised against riding stimulating amusement park rides (like roller coasters or pirate ships)?
I apologize for the many questions, and I appreciate your help.
Thank you.

Xin You, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/03/13

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello, Xin You:
1.
After undergoing dilation and an eye examination, is it normal to feel slight swelling and a foreign body sensation in the eyes for a couple of days? This is not typical.
If it persists, you should measure your intraocular pressure and check for other issues.
2.
How long can I use the foxone ophthalmic suspension (0.2 mg/ml) prescribed by the doctor? The prescription is for three days; is it sufficient to use it for just three days? Most people do not experience elevated intraocular pressure from this medication, which could cause the aforementioned sensations.
If you do not have any discomfort, you may choose not to use it.
3.
Will using artificial tears to relieve dry eyes lead to dependency? It is not a dependency on the medication itself, but if there is insufficient tear production, using them is necessary to reduce discomfort.
4.
Regarding over-the-counter eye drops purchased from drugstores, do they expire one month after opening? Most eye drops have a similar guideline.
They can typically be used for six weeks after opening.
5.
I am currently supplementing with lutein.
How much should I take daily to be sufficient? The health supplement I take contains 30 mg of lutein, but I have read that 10 mg per day is adequate.
Some reports even suggest that taking a multivitamin (which contains 1 mg of lutein) is enough.
Besides lutein, can I take other products to support eye health, such as blueberry capsules and zinc tablets? The American Macular Degeneration Foundation recommends 6-30 mg daily.
For adult supplementation, 10 mg is sufficient.
Other eye health supplements are optional.
6.
I have a habit of wearing sunglasses outdoors.
Does this effectively protect my eyes from macular degeneration? At night, I sometimes encounter oncoming vehicles with high beams, which makes my eyes uncomfortable.
Can I wear polarized sunglasses at night, or should I choose other glasses that filter light? When using electronic devices, even if my glasses have blue light blocking features, can I still use commercially available blue light blocking lens covers? Wearing sunglasses during the day can protect the retina, and it is recommended.
While oncoming high beams can be uncomfortable, they do not harm the eyes.
Wearing polarized sunglasses may affect safety, so it is not advised.
Using blue light blocking accessories for 3C devices is not necessary, but it is a matter of personal preference.
7.
I am currently 30 years old, but I already have symptoms of floaters.
Can I prevent them from worsening? Are floaters caused by excessive eye strain? Can I continue wearing contact lenses with floaters? When my eyes are fatigued (after removing my contact lenses), can I apply a warm compress (using a commercially available steam eye mask as directed)? Floaters cannot be prevented or avoided from worsening, and they are not related to eye strain.
You can wear contact lenses.
Applying a warm compress is permissible.
8.
Should individuals with floaters avoid vigorous exercise? Can they ride stimulating amusement park rides (like roller coasters or pirate ships)? People with floaters can live normally and exercise, unless they have been diagnosed with retinal thinning or tears.
Taiwan E-Hospital Puzi Hospital Ophthalmology: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM; Wednesday afternoons from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
Online responses are for reference only; if necessary, you should seek medical attention at a healthcare facility.
I hope to have the opportunity to serve you.
Gao Pi-Lin

Reply Date: 2020/03/13

More Info

Hello! Thank you for your detailed questions regarding eye care. I understand that you have several concerns, and I will address each of them based on current medical knowledge.

1. Post-Dilation Discomfort: It is common to experience a sensation of pressure or fatigue in the eyes for a few days after dilation. This is due to the effects of the dilating drops, which can temporarily alter the way your eyes focus and may cause some discomfort. If the sensation persists or worsens, it’s advisable to consult your eye care professional.

2. Foxone Ophthalmic Suspension: This medication is typically prescribed for a short duration, often three days, as you mentioned. It is essential to follow your doctor's instructions. While this medication should not significantly raise intraocular pressure in most patients, if you experience unusual symptoms such as increased pressure or discomfort, you should contact your doctor.

3. Dependency on Artificial Tears: Using artificial tears, like the ones you mentioned, generally does not lead to dependency. However, if you find yourself using them excessively, it might indicate an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. It’s best to consult with your eye care provider if you feel the need to use them frequently.

4. Over-the-Counter Eye Drops: Yes, most over-the-counter eye drops should be discarded one month after opening, as they can harbor bacteria and other pathogens that may lead to infections. Always check the packaging for specific instructions.

5. Lutein Supplementation: The recommended daily intake of lutein varies, but many studies suggest that 10 mg per day is beneficial for eye health. If your supplement contains 30 mg, that is generally safe, but you may not need that much. Other supplements like bilberry extract and zinc can also support eye health, but it’s best to discuss any new supplements with your healthcare provider to ensure they are appropriate for you.

6. Sunglasses and Eye Protection: Wearing sunglasses can help protect your eyes from UV damage, which is linked to conditions like macular degeneration. Polarized sunglasses can reduce glare, especially at night, but they should not be overly dark, as this can impair visibility. Anti-reflective coatings on lenses can also help reduce glare from oncoming headlights. Using blue light-blocking glasses for screen time is beneficial, but ensure they are of good quality.

7. Floaters (Myodesopsia): Floaters are common and can occur at any age, though they are more prevalent as we age. While excessive screen time can contribute to eye strain, it is not a direct cause of floaters. If you notice an increase in floaters or flashes of light, you should see an eye doctor promptly. Wearing contact lenses is generally fine, but if your eyes are fatigued, consider giving them a break. Warm compresses can be soothing and are safe to use.

8. Exercise and Floaters: Having floaters does not typically restrict you from engaging in physical activities or riding amusement park rides. However, if you experience any sudden changes in your vision or discomfort during such activities, it’s wise to consult with your eye care professional.

In summary, maintaining regular eye exams and discussing any changes in your vision or discomfort with your eye care provider is crucial. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation. Thank you for your questions, and I hope this information helps you feel more informed about your eye health!

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