Managing High Eye Pressure and Dry Eyes: Finding the Right Treatment
High intraocular pressure + dry eye syndrome I have been seeing a doctor for a year regarding my eye condition. The medications prescribed to me include: 1. Tears Naturale 15ml 2. Medison eye drops 0.01% 3. Izba (Travatan) 0.003% 2.5ml/bottle 4. Duratears artificial tear ointment...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello: If your physician has a different diagnosis regarding glaucoma and you want to clarify whether you truly have glaucoma, it is recommended that you visit a large hospital with a glaucoma specialty for a thorough examination. It is best to have a glaucoma specialist evaluate...[Read More] Managing High Eye Pressure and Dry Eyes: Finding the Right Treatment
Managing Myopia Progression: The Role of Cycloplegic Agents
Pupil dilation control Hello, doctor. I am currently a senior in high school, and my eyesight is -500 diopters in both eyes. My myopia has been rapidly increasing, with an increase of about 50 diopters in the past six months. I would like to ask the doctor: 1. Is it still effecti...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello: Mydriatic agents need to be used at appropriate concentrations. If the control effect is inadequate, a higher concentration medication may be required. However, higher concentrations can lead to more side effects, and patients may be more light-sensitive, so careful consid...[Read More] Managing Myopia Progression: The Role of Cycloplegic Agents
Can Styes Affect Your Second Dose of the AZ Vaccine?
Stye and AZ Vaccine Hello, doctor! I started developing a stye around August 20 and am currently treating it with ointment, eye drops, and oral medication. I plan to receive the second dose of the AZ vaccine this week and would like to know if there will be any impact. Thank you,...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello Wendy: Currently, there are no medical research reports on this matter, but it should not affect the efficacy of the vaccine.[Read More] Can Styes Affect Your Second Dose of the AZ Vaccine?
Understanding Eye Floaters and Blinking Issues: What You Need to Know
Subsequent Issues with Floaters and Blinking Problems Hello, Doctor. I apologize for bothering you, but I have a few questions that have been troubling me for a long time, and I am really anxious. I developed floaters around November last year, and it has been very distressing. I...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello, anxious college student: 1. It's a common phenomenon among adolescents, but I'm not sure either. 2. The Amsler grid test assesses the macula but cannot determine retinal thinning. 3. Floaters are not related to bright lights. 4. If you see bright lights when blin...[Read More] Understanding Eye Floaters and Blinking Issues: What You Need to Know
Can You Take Lutein Supplements While Breastfeeding?
Medications during pregnancy Is it safe to take lutein supplements during breastfeeding? I have a history of elevated intraocular pressure, dryness, and mild retinal degeneration, and I have been using eye drops and supplementing with lutein. However, I stopped taking lutein supp...
Dr. He Jianxian Reply:
Lutein can also be obtained through diet, so supplementation should generally be fine. However, if there are concerns, it may be advisable to pause supplementation for a while. This is for reference only. Consulting a nutritionist regarding nutritional intake during breastfeeding...[Read More] Can You Take Lutein Supplements While Breastfeeding?
Understanding Long-Term Use of Mydriatic Eye Drops: Effects and Insights
Long-term use of mydriatic agents? I have been using long-acting mydriatics (from 0.5% to now 0.025%) daily for over 10 years, but I have noticed that I do not experience any issues with blurred vision. At most, I am more sensitive to light than the average person, even when rece...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello Cherry: Typically, when dilating drops are used, distant vision should not be blurred, but light sensitivity is normal. Some individuals may experience blurriness when reading at close distances, but since you are nearsighted, you should be able to adjust to a distance wher...[Read More] Understanding Long-Term Use of Mydriatic Eye Drops: Effects and Insights
Understanding Eye Flashes: When to Seek Medical Attention
Flashes of light in the eyes? Hello Doctor: Last night I stayed up late and applied some eye drops before bed. After that, when I blinked, I suddenly saw flashes of light, similar to lightning, which occurred a few times and then stopped. The next day, I woke up and did not exper...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello Tracy: If there are no more flashes and your vision and visual field have not changed significantly, you can just observe it yourself. However, if the flashes occur frequently or if there are changes in your vision or visual field, it is advisable to get an examination for ...[Read More] Understanding Eye Flashes: When to Seek Medical Attention
Does Straining Your Eyes After Dilation Damage Your Vision?
Will straining the eyes during dilation harm the eyes? Hello Doctor: I have been administered a long-acting mydriatic agent in my eyes, but when I look at close objects, my vision is slightly blurry. However, if I exert some effort, I can see things clearly. What could be the rea...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello, C: When looking at nearby objects, the ciliary muscle in the eye contracts. Therefore, when mydriatic agents are used, they paralyze the ciliary muscle, allowing it to relax. If the mydriatic effect is complete, then straining the eyes should not help. However, if the para...[Read More] Does Straining Your Eyes After Dilation Damage Your Vision?
Understanding Eye Redness: Causes and Treatments for Conjunctivitis
Bloodshot eyes Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing conjunctivitis in my left eye for four weeks now. For the first three weeks, the clinic doctor prescribed me FLUCASON 0.1% and FLOXIN eye drops to use every four hours. This week, he mentioned that he feels it has improved sig...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello, Xiao Zhang: If there is no elevated intraocular pressure, and you are not experiencing itching or pain, there should not be any significant issues. Your physician has examined you and agrees with this assessment. If there were any problems, the doctor would have diagnosed ...[Read More] Understanding Eye Redness: Causes and Treatments for Conjunctivitis
Understanding Persistent Chalazion: Causes and Treatment Options
The chalazion granulation has not completely resolved? Recently, I noticed swelling and pain in the lower eyelid of my right eye when blinking, along with a granuloma-like bump. I visited an ophthalmology clinic, where it was diagnosed as a pre-sty (hordeolum). After using prescr...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello: If the swelling does not subside for a long time, it may develop into a granuloma. If topical medication does not completely eliminate it but there is no discomfort, it may not require treatment. However, if there is a feeling of pressure or if it affects your appearance, ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Chalazion: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Visual Distortion: Causes Beyond Eye Strain
Visual distortion, perceiving straight lines as curved? I have approximately 3 to 400 degrees of vision in both eyes and wear glasses. Recently, I visited two hospitals in the past week where I underwent OCT and fundus examinations. The results showed that my retina and macula ar...
Dr. He Jianxian Reply:
Excessive eye use does not cause visual distortion. If there are no issues with the macula or retina, vision should not be distorted. If there is indeed a distortion problem, one must consider causes outside of the eyes. Director He Jian-xian, Ophthalmology Department, Nantou Hos...[Read More] Understanding Visual Distortion: Causes Beyond Eye Strain
Managing Excessive Axial Length in Children's Eyes: Concerns and Solutions
Excessive axial length in children? Thank you, doctor, for your prompt response to my questions! Yesterday, I inquired about my child's axial length of 25mm. This year, my son turns 8 years old and has 200 degrees of astigmatism in both eyes. In July last year, his right eye...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello Kelvin: 1. It is still within the normal range; a flat cornea indicates a lower refractive value, not a thin cornea. 2. The current proactive management methods include the use of long-acting atropine eye drops or wearing orthokeratology lenses. However, there are individua...[Read More] Managing Excessive Axial Length in Children's Eyes: Concerns and Solutions
Managing Myopia Progression in Children: Concerns About Axial Length Growth
Excessive axial length? Hello Doctor, my son turned 8 this year. He has 200 degrees of astigmatism in both eyes. In July of last year, his right eye had +75 degrees of hyperopia and his left eye had -25 degrees of myopia. The axial lengths were 24.21 mm for the right eye and 24.4...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello Kelvin: 1. An increase in axial length can lead to a progression of myopia, but a flattening of the cornea can counteract myopia. Currently, the axial length seems to be longer than average, but it may be compensated by the corneal changes, so the refractive error is not ...[Read More] Managing Myopia Progression in Children: Concerns About Axial Length Growth
Persistent Stye: Should You Continue Treatment After Drainage?
The stye won't go away; I had an ophthalmologist drain it once? Hello, I visited an ophthalmologist a little over a week ago, and the doctor drained the pus from my stye (external hordeolum). I was prescribed eye drops and ointment to use daily. After the drainage, the pus w...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello, if there is some white pus coming out again and there is still some pain, you may need to return for a follow-up appointment to see if it is necessary to drain the pus again. Online answers can only serve as a reference; if needed, it is essential to seek medical attention...[Read More] Persistent Stye: Should You Continue Treatment After Drainage?
Understanding Eye Floaters and Flashing Spots: Causes and Concerns
There is a fixed spot in the eye when blinking? Hello Doctor, two days ago I suddenly experienced symptoms of floaters in my eyes, and when I blink, there is a fixed dot in my left eye (which disappears quickly). I went to a clinic that day for an examination, and they told me th...
Dr. He Jianxian Reply:
Basically, floaters are not always noticeable; they are typically observed only against a simple background. As long as a dilated eye exam shows no issues, there is no need for excessive concern. Director He Jian-xian, Ophthalmology Department, Nantou Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Eye Floaters and Flashing Spots: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Sudden Grayish Ovals in Vision: Possible Causes and Concerns
A sudden appearance of a flat oval-shaped "mosaic/ground glass" grayish-white shadow in the right eye? Hello Doctor: My left eye is hyperopic at +2.25 diopters, and my right eye is myopic at -6.25 diopters. Due to severe astigmatism in my left eye, I have some amblyopia...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello Mr. N: If you notice movement that follows your eye movements but is slightly out of sync and appears shaky, it is likely due to opacities in the vitreous body. These opacities can sometimes be undetectable during examinations and are only perceptible to the individual. Vit...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Grayish Ovals in Vision: Possible Causes and Concerns
Understanding Eye Fatigue: Causes, Symptoms, and Long-Term Effects of Eye Drops
Eye fatigue Hello, doctor. My question is that my eyes often feel sore, dry, and fatigued. Recently, I've started to notice that small text on my phone appears blurry, but it gets better when I look at things from a distance. However, I still feel like I can't see the t...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello, you may have some degree of hyperopia, which could explain your situation. It would be advisable to get an eye exam. Some eye drops should not be used long-term, while others have minimal side effects; it depends on the specific type of drops. Of course, if your symptoms i...[Read More] Understanding Eye Fatigue: Causes, Symptoms, and Long-Term Effects of Eye Drops
Persistent Stye: Seeking Relief for Swollen Eyelids After Treatment
I have had a stye for almost a month, and despite seeing the doctor twice, it is still swollen? Hello, doctor. I initially developed a stye on my eyelid, which is swollen and red, and it feels a bit painful. I went to see a doctor who diagnosed it as a hordeolum and prescribed me...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello, if the redness and swelling persist for two weeks, it is advisable to visit an ophthalmologist for an examination, as medication may still be necessary. You can apply a warm compress, and ointment can be applied to the wound. Online responses should only be used as a refer...[Read More] Persistent Stye: Seeking Relief for Swollen Eyelids After Treatment
Understanding Eye Health: Common Concerns and Symptoms Explained
Vision problems Hello, Doctor. I have three questions I would like to ask you. 1. During a dilated eye exam last June, I noticed a small area in the lower left and directly below my right eye that appeared darker (deep red). However, several months of subsequent dilations and v...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello Wei: 1. Based on the physician's and your descriptions, there should be no issues. Regular follow-ups are sufficient. 2. First, correct both eyes to achieve emmetropia, then check for any color disparity. If there is none, it is likely due to refractive error. Other...[Read More] Understanding Eye Health: Common Concerns and Symptoms Explained
Understanding Steroid Eye Drops After Retinal Surgery: Key Concerns
Regarding the use of steroids? Hello Doctor: Last month, I underwent laser surgery for a retinal tear, and the doctor prescribed me steroid eye drops (I was unaware they were steroids at the time, as I have glaucoma. My glaucoma specialist advised me to avoid any medications cont...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello: 1. If you are a patient sensitive to steroids, which can cause elevated intraocular pressure, you should avoid using steroids. If it is necessary to use them, you must regularly monitor your intraocular pressure. 2. If the doctor says there are no issues, then you can disc...[Read More] Understanding Steroid Eye Drops After Retinal Surgery: Key Concerns