Choosing the Right Glaucoma Eye Drops: A Guide for Patients
Issues related to glaucoma? Hello, Director Gao: During my recent visit to the doctor, I was given two options to choose from: 1. Shulutong (Brimonidine) 2. Shuer Tan (Apraclonidine). I would like to ask the doctor which one I should choose. I found information online about the s...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello, These two medications are completely different and have different effects, so they should be selected based on clinical needs. I cannot provide specific recommendations. However, it is generally uncommon to use Shulutong alone. The likelihood of these two medications cau...[Read More] Choosing the Right Glaucoma Eye Drops: A Guide for Patients
Managing Glaucoma: Long-Term Use of Eye Drops and Pressure Control
Glaucoma issues? Dear Director Gao, My background information is as follows: Right eye: myopia -10.50 with astigmatism -1.25; Left eye: myopia -9.25 with astigmatism -2.50. I underwent laser treatment for a retinal tear in my left eye at the end of August 2020, and it has since ...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello, If eye drops are needed to control intraocular pressure (IOP) and keep it within the normal range, they must be used continuously. Maintaining IOP within the normal limits reduces the risk of deterioration. The specific target for IOP that is considered safe must be dete...[Read More] Managing Glaucoma: Long-Term Use of Eye Drops and Pressure Control
Understanding High Myopia: Risks, Treatments, and Eye Care Tips
Vision problems Hello Dr. He: 1. I have high myopia, and I really don’t want to wear glasses for the rest of my life. I haven't taken good care of my eyes since childhood. 2. Why do I frequently have high intraocular pressure? 3. My myopia is -10.00 diopters, and I've ...
Dr. He Jianxian Reply:
Dear Ms. Chen, Most individuals do not experience significant increases in myopia after reaching adulthood; however, there are some exceptions, and you may be among this group. This could explain the continuous increase in your myopic refractive error. Once the axial length of t...[Read More] Understanding High Myopia: Risks, Treatments, and Eye Care Tips
Understanding Eye Fatigue: Is It Glaucoma or Something Else?
Eye fatigue I have myopia of -600 diopters and astigmatism of -50. I now see a halo of color around lights, and my eyes sometimes feel swollen. Recently, I've been yawning a lot. Could this be glaucoma?
Dr. He Jianxian Reply:
Hello Mr. Fei Xiang: Your description suggests a suspicion of acute glaucoma causing the "iris" phenomenon. This condition typically does not occur in individuals with natural high myopia. Your situation is likely just eye fatigue, for your reference. Director He Jianxi...[Read More] Understanding Eye Fatigue: Is It Glaucoma or Something Else?
Managing High Eye Pressure and Dry Eye Syndrome: Key Questions Answered
High intraocular pressure + dry eye syndrome Previously, my intraocular pressure was 23-24. The doctor prescribed me Iopidine, bottled artificial tears, bottled eye drops, and tear film ointment, along with self-paid single-dose artificial tears. After a month, during my follow-u...
Dr. He Jianxian Reply:
Hello Miss Mei: 1. The use of intraocular pressure-lowering medications should be based on a high suspicion of glaucoma. If the corneal thickness is normal but intraocular pressure is elevated, and there are defects in visual field testing or abnormalities in OCT examination, pl...[Read More] Managing High Eye Pressure and Dry Eye Syndrome: Key Questions Answered
Understanding Gradual Vision Loss: Seeking Answers for Blurry Sight
I have been gradually experiencing blurred vision for the past three years? I am 30 years old and about three years ago, I suddenly noticed that my vision became somewhat blurry without my glasses. Previously, I did not need to wear glasses for daily activities like seeing and dr...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello Tony: If all the tests have been done and some diseases have been ruled out, however, based on your description, it seems somewhat like an issue related to retinal pigment degeneration. I wonder if this diagnosis has already been excluded? In Taiwan, the Department of Ophth...[Read More] Understanding Gradual Vision Loss: Seeking Answers for Blurry Sight
Understanding High Eye Pressure and Its Impact on Vision Health
Elevated intraocular pressure, slightly compromised optic nerve, normal visual field examination? Hello, Doctor. I have myopia of -9.00 diopters and astigmatism of -1.50 in my left eye, and myopia of -9.75 diopters and astigmatism of -7.51 in my right eye. I have been wearing gla...
Dr. Liang Ce Reply:
It is recommended that you discuss the above situation with your attending physician to determine if further examinations are necessary. Thank you, and wishing you good health![Read More] Understanding High Eye Pressure and Its Impact on Vision Health
Are Vision and IOP Tests for Glaucoma Covered by Health Insurance?
National Health Insurance Coverage Items Could you please let me know if the visual field test/IOP measurement and OCT macula/disc examination, which the doctor recommended due to the possibility of glaucoma, are covered by health insurance? Thank you!
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello Liz: Is the coverage dependent on the condition, or should I consult the attending physician to find out? In Taiwan, at Puzi Hospital's ophthalmology department: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and Wednesday afternoons from 2:00...[Read More] Are Vision and IOP Tests for Glaucoma Covered by Health Insurance?
Arginine and Its Impact on Eye Pressure: Benefits and Cautions for Glaucoma Patients
Arginine lowers intraocular pressure by being converted into nitric oxide (NO)? There is some information suggesting that arginine may be beneficial for intraocular pressure in glaucoma. However, dietary supplement warnings often advise individuals with glaucoma, herpes, myocardi...
Dr. He Jianxian Reply:
Hello, it is possible that this is the reason you mentioned, because if glaucoma patients take this arginine without seeking medical attention, they could risk blindness. Director He Jianxian, Ophthalmology Department, Nantou Hospital.[Read More] Arginine and Its Impact on Eye Pressure: Benefits and Cautions for Glaucoma Patients
Understanding High Myopia: Risks, Treatments, and Lifestyle Adjustments
High myopia I have high myopia, and I really don't want to wear glasses for the rest of my life. I haven't properly protected my eyes since childhood, which is why I often experience high intraocular pressure. My myopia is -10.00 diopters, and I've been told that h...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello Jiajing: I apologize, but it is currently not possible to restore the eyeball to a state of emmetropia before myopia developed. In cases of high myopia, the condition of the retina must be assessed. If there is no retinal damage, one can generally live a life similar to tha...[Read More] Understanding High Myopia: Risks, Treatments, and Lifestyle Adjustments
Understanding Retinal Laser Treatment: Risks and Genetic Factors
Retinal laser treatment Hello Dr. Gao: I have a friend who experienced retinal detachment the day after undergoing laser treatment for a retinal tear. I would like to ask about the likelihood of such cases. He mentioned that it is uncertain whether a poor scarring reaction led to...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello, Xiaolin: The scabbing from the laser treatment takes some time to heal. If it peels off the next day, it indicates that moisture has entered the original wound, causing the peeling. This should not be related to the scab's tension. It is also unlikely to be related to...[Read More] Understanding Retinal Laser Treatment: Risks and Genetic Factors
Understanding Congenital Optic Nerve Pits and Their Relation to Glaucoma
Eye problems 1. If someone has a congenital larger optic nerve pit, will it also enlarge over time like in glaucoma? 2. When an ophthalmologist flips the upper eyelid to check for foreign bodies, does the process involve touching the conjunctiva, or does it only touch the eyeli...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello, Hao Han: 1. It should not happen. 2. It will only touch the eyelid. If it touches the conjunctiva, it will be very painful. 3. No, it is not. In Taiwan, the ophthalmology department at Puzi Hospital is open: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, a...[Read More] Understanding Congenital Optic Nerve Pits and Their Relation to Glaucoma
Understanding Common Eye Issues: Floaters, Eye Care, and Exams
Eye problems 1. Can benign floaters disappear on their own? 2. Is it possible for benign floaters to not cause any retinal issues throughout a person's life, or do benign floaters inevitably lead to retinal holes as one ages? Are individuals with physiological benign floater...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello Sun: 1. It may or may not happen, but it usually lasts for a while, and then you get used to it. 2. Benign floaters do not cause retinal disease. Floaters do not lead to retinal tears because tears occur due to vitreous traction or if the retina itself is thinner. 3. Ey...[Read More] Understanding Common Eye Issues: Floaters, Eye Care, and Exams
Is Pupil-Dilating Eye Drops Safe for Children with Glaucoma?
Is it appropriate to use mydriatic eye drops for glaucoma? Hello, doctor. My child was diagnosed with glaucoma in one eye during elementary school. We have been using eye drops and monitoring the condition for seven years. Now, the eye with glaucoma has developed mild myopia, and...
Dr. Liang Ce Reply:
It is advisable for you to discuss the above situation further with your attending physician. Thank you, and wishing you good health![Read More] Is Pupil-Dilating Eye Drops Safe for Children with Glaucoma?
Understanding OCT and Visual Field Tests in Age-Related Eye Health
Glaucoma examination 1. When visiting an ophthalmologist, the doctor mentioned that everyone's optic nerve will inevitably degenerate with age, and that the optic nerve at age 20 will be different from that at age 50. I would like to ask, when I undergo an OCT examination, w...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello, Mr. Tao: 1. Normal values are relative to your age and will change. The physician will interpret them for you to avoid misjudgment. 2. Assessments will be based on your age. 3. I apologize, but I have not encountered that before. 4. The plate is less likely to change. 5. ...[Read More] Understanding OCT and Visual Field Tests in Age-Related Eye Health
Are Dilating Eye Drops Safe for Open-Angle Glaucoma Patients?
Mydriatic eye drops 1. I have open-angle glaucoma with elevated intraocular pressure and floaters. I have used mydriatic eye drops four times in three weeks for examinations. Could this cause harm to my eyes? Specifically, I administered the drops twice within a short interval of...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello James: 1. It should not happen. 2. Closed-angle glaucoma is more likely to trigger acute attacks, while open-angle glaucoma does not. 3. It will not happen. In Taiwan, the ophthalmology department at Puzi Hospital is open on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings fr...[Read More] Are Dilating Eye Drops Safe for Open-Angle Glaucoma Patients?
Long-Term Use of Mydriatics: Risks of Glaucoma and Other Eye Conditions
Side effects of eye drops? 1. If the angle is normal but there is a predisposition to "chronic" open-angle glaucoma, will long-term use of mydriatic agents induce glaucoma? 2. I have seen different opinions online. Doctor A says, "Long-term use should be cautious ...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello Daniel: Open-angle glaucoma is less likely to experience acute attacks due to mydriatic agents. Closed-angle glaucoma is more prone to such occurrences. Mydriatic agents cause the pupils to dilate, increasing the amount of light entering the eye. Prolonged exposure to brigh...[Read More] Long-Term Use of Mydriatics: Risks of Glaucoma and Other Eye Conditions
Understanding Glaucoma: Key Questions and Insights for Patients
Glaucoma issues? 1. If a person has over 200 degrees of myopia and astigmatism, will the visual field testing instrument, which corrects refractive errors, adjust for astigmatism in addition to myopia? Does the existing astigmatism affect the visual field test results? 2. Since ...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello, Ah Hou: 1. I have not used this type of visual field instrument, so I am unsure if it can correct astigmatism. However, mild astigmatism may not require correction. 2. Unless the pupil is very small, it generally does not significantly affect the visual field and can be o...[Read More] Understanding Glaucoma: Key Questions and Insights for Patients
Understanding Eye Discomfort: Is It Just Dry Eye Syndrome?
Foreign body sensation in the eyes, dry eye syndrome? Hello, Doctor. I have been using glaucoma medication for four years. Recently, for the past six months, I often wake up in the middle of the night with pain in my left eye, about three times a week or once a month. It feels li...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello Lily: The most likely diagnosis is dry eye syndrome. Try using an ointment before bedtime, which should help reduce the occurrence. If there is still no improvement, you should consult a physician for an examination. In Taiwan, the ophthalmology department at Puzi Hospital ...[Read More] Understanding Eye Discomfort: Is It Just Dry Eye Syndrome?
Night Vision Issues: Halo Effects and Light Sensitivity Explained
Poor night vision, presence of halos, and photophobia? Hello, Doctor Gao. I am currently 26 years old and I spend a lot of time using my eyes, almost all day staring at the computer. My myopia is about -3 to -4 diopters, with astigmatism of over -1 diopter in one eye and over -2 ...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello, S: Conditions such as conjunctivitis, keratitis, iritis, cataracts, and glaucoma may all present with halos. Issues with the cornea itself can lead to halos. If there is no inflammation, no cataracts, and no glaucoma, it may be more related to the cornea, so it would be ad...[Read More] Night Vision Issues: Halo Effects and Light Sensitivity Explained