Managing Allergic Conjunctivitis: Concerns About Long-Term Steroid Use
Allergic conjunctivitis and corticosteroid issues? I would like to ask if it is safe to use steroid eye drops continuously for one month? I have been treating allergic conjunctivitis for a week without improvement and need to continue for another 2-3 weeks (originally 4 times a d...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello Ms. Kuo: If you have not fully recovered, you may continue using the medication. Please have a physician check your condition in two weeks to determine if you should continue. The likelihood of corticosteroids causing elevated intraocular pressure leading to glaucoma is low...[Read More] Managing Allergic Conjunctivitis: Concerns About Long-Term Steroid Use
Understanding Eye Issues: Dry Eyes, Floaters, and Night Vision Concerns
Eye problems Hello, Doctor. I visited several clinics in July and August due to dry eyes (with a tear break-up time of 7.2) and an increase in floaters. All examinations (visual field, fundus, macula) were normal, and I was prescribed artificial tears. By September, my symptoms s...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello: 1. This symptom is likely to be floaters. 2. Rainbow circles can sometimes be caused by corneal edema or secretions, and dry eyes can also lead to this phenomenon. Sometimes, wearing glasses can cause similar effects due to lens refraction or humidity. If the visual field,...[Read More] Understanding Eye Issues: Dry Eyes, Floaters, and Night Vision Concerns
Understanding Glaucoma: Navigating Conflicting Eye Exam Results
Glaucoma issues Hello, Director: (1) Can you please tell me if the following examination results are normal? Slit lamp examination: OU C: hyperemia K: c AC: DC L: c disc: c/d 0.4 (2) I underwent a fine ultrasound examination at a major hospital, and the doctor's conclusion w...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello Mr. Wang: If your visual field is normal and your intraocular pressures are 19 and 17 mmHg, these are considered normal. The cup-to-disc ratio of your optic nerve is 0.4, which means you generally do not need to use glaucoma eye drops. You can continue to monitor your intra...[Read More] Understanding Glaucoma: Navigating Conflicting Eye Exam Results
Morning Eye Discomfort: Is Late Sleep Causing High Eye Pressure?
Eyes feel sore and dry in the morning? Hello, Dr. Gao. Recently, I've noticed that if I go to bed late the night before, I tend to wake up with eye discomfort and some light sensitivity the next morning. However, after washing my face, it improves significantly in about ten ...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello, If you go to bed late, you may experience symptoms such as eye strain and light sensitivity the next morning. This is likely due to reduced tear production from staying up late, which can lead to dry eyes and the symptoms you described. This is not related to high intrao...[Read More] Morning Eye Discomfort: Is Late Sleep Causing High Eye Pressure?
Are Cataract Surgery Eye Drops Covered by Insurance in Taiwan?
Preoperative eye drops for cataract surgery? Dear Dr. Gao, are the eye drops used before cataract surgery, namely Carbachol, Timolol, and Nepafenac ophthalmic suspension, covered by health insurance, or do they need to be purchased out-of-pocket? Thank you for your assistance.
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello: Colistin is an antibiotic, Ketanserin is a medication for lowering intraocular pressure, and Nepafenac ophthalmic suspension is an anti-inflammatory drug. Since cataract surgery is billed per procedure, whether these medications are covered by insurance or require out-of-p...[Read More] Are Cataract Surgery Eye Drops Covered by Insurance in Taiwan?
Understanding Glaucoma: Insights from Ultrasound Examination Results
Microscale Ultrasound Examination Hello, Doctor: 1) At the beginning of June, I went to the ophthalmology department for a fine ultrasound examination for glaucoma, and the results were as follows: Diagnosis: 365.10 Open-angle glaucoma, unspecified; 377.51 Disorders of optic ch...
Dr. He Jianxian Reply:
It seems that you do not have the results of a visual field test. It is recommended to undergo a visual field test for more accurate results. If glaucoma is confirmed, most medications will need to be used for a lifetime. Additionally, corneal thickness can indeed affect intraocu...[Read More] Understanding Glaucoma: Insights from Ultrasound Examination Results
Understanding High Eye Pressure and Its Impact on Vision: Key Insights
Elevated intraocular pressure and optic nerve? Hello Doctor, Last year I was diagnosed with high intraocular pressure, so I have been going to the hospital for examinations and follow-ups. Over the past year, the average intraocular pressure readings for my left and right eyes ...
Dr. He Jianxian Reply:
1. The physiological blind spot is normal; if you look at an object with one eye positioned at the location of the physiological blind spot, it will indeed be invisible. 2. The perspective of the blind spot when viewing distant objects is exactly the same.[Read More] Understanding High Eye Pressure and Its Impact on Vision: Key Insights
Understanding High Eye Pressure: Is Thick Cornea a Shield Against Glaucoma?
Intraocular pressure issues? Hello Doctor, my intraocular pressure has been consistently high, around 22-23. Previously, my fundus examination was normal. Recently, I visited an ophthalmology clinic where the doctor performed an OCT scan. He was quite surprised to find that my co...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello Mr. Huang: Your corneal thickness is relatively high, which can result in elevated intraocular pressure measurements; however, there is still a possibility of developing glaucoma. The measured intraocular pressure may be significantly higher than the standard. The doctor ...[Read More] Understanding High Eye Pressure: Is Thick Cornea a Shield Against Glaucoma?
Understanding Allergic Conjunctivitis and Its Impact on Eye Health
Allergic conjunctivitis I have been troubled by allergic conjunctivitis for six months, but during this time, I have seen an ophthalmologist, and my intraocular pressure has ranged between 17-22 mmHg. The corneal thickness was also measured and found to be about 10 micrometers le...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello: Both the OCT and visual field tests are normal, and the intraocular pressure is nearly normal, so glaucoma can be ruled out for now. However, regular follow-ups are still necessary. The eye discomfort and pressure you are experiencing are mostly due to eye strain, and sinc...[Read More] Understanding Allergic Conjunctivitis and Its Impact on Eye Health
Understanding the Treatment for Styes: Proper Use of Eye Medications
Questions regarding the use of medications for hordeolum (stye)? I developed a stye on my right eyelid and went to the ophthalmology department at the hospital. Since it was close to closing time, the doctor was in a hurry. They first measured the intraocular pressure in both eye...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello, Din: Shilong eye drops are used to keep your eyes clean, helping to rinse away dirt or suppress certain bacteria. Therefore, you can apply them to both eyes. However, since you already have an ointment prescribed for your right eye, the doctor has advised you to use the oi...[Read More] Understanding the Treatment for Styes: Proper Use of Eye Medications
Understanding Eye Pressure Measurement: Pain and Risks Explained
The tonometer's airflow was too strong and sprayed too much, resulting in eye pain? On July 17, I went to the clinic to measure my intraocular pressure. Even though I clearly opened my eyes, the technician kept insisting that I hadn't. They measured one eye 20 times (wh...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello, Xiao Wen: The air that was sprayed will not harm the retina; however, there may be some minor abrasion to the cornea. Applying artificial tears and an ointment, along with resting your eyes, will help. The cornea heals quickly and should recover within a few days, so there...[Read More] Understanding Eye Pressure Measurement: Pain and Risks Explained
Understanding High Eye Pressure: Causes and Solutions
How to manage high intraocular pressure? I would like to ask... I experience high intraocular pressure about 2-3 times a year, but during my previous examinations at your clinic and at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, my pressure was normal, and even the fundus photography sh...
Dr. Cai Wenyuan Reply:
Hello, high intraocular pressure accompanied by headaches and nausea is a symptom of acute angle-closure glaucoma, which is different from your condition. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Tsai Wen-Yuan, Director of the Ophthalmology Department, Taoyuan General Hospit...[Read More] Understanding High Eye Pressure: Causes and Solutions
Understanding High Eye Pressure: Symptoms and Solutions
How to address high intraocular pressure? I would like to ask... I experience elevated intraocular pressure about 2-3 times a year, but during my previous examinations at your clinic and at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, my pressure was normal, and even the fundus photograp...
Dr. Cai Wenyuan Reply:
Hello, high intraocular pressure accompanied by headaches and nausea is a symptom of acute angle-closure glaucoma, which is different from your condition. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Tsai Wen-Yuan, Director of the Ophthalmology Department, Taoyuan General Hospit...[Read More] Understanding High Eye Pressure: Symptoms and Solutions
Understanding High Eye Pressure: Symptoms and Solutions Explained
How to manage high intraocular pressure? I would like to ask... I experience elevated intraocular pressure about 2-3 times a year, but during my previous examinations at your clinic and at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, my pressure was normal. Even the fundus photography sh...
Dr. Cai Wenyuan Reply:
Hello, high intraocular pressure accompanied by headaches and nausea is a symptom of acute angle-closure glaucoma, which is different from your condition. Wishing you safety and health. Sincerely, Dr. Tsai Wen-Yuan, Chief of Ophthalmology, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of He...[Read More] Understanding High Eye Pressure: Symptoms and Solutions Explained
Understanding High Eye Pressure: Risks, Treatments, and Care Tips
Intraocular pressure issues? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing consistently elevated intraocular pressure, usually around 22-23 mmHg. I have had a comprehensive eye examination at a major hospital, and my fundus examination appeared normal. I would like to ask if having this...
Dr. Cai Wenyuan Reply:
Hello, intraocular pressure is not the sole criterion for diagnosing glaucoma; regular monitoring is sufficient. Reducing the use of electronic devices and allowing your eyes to rest is beneficial. Corneal thickness can affect the accuracy of intraocular pressure readings; genera...[Read More] Understanding High Eye Pressure: Risks, Treatments, and Care Tips
Post-Cataract Surgery: Addressing Pain and Vision Issues
Post-cataract surgery Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you a question. My father just had cataract surgery a few days ago. After returning home on the same day, he started experiencing severe eye pain. He immediately went back for a follow-up, and the doctor mentioned that some...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello, Xiao Zhou: During cataract extraction, there may be many tiny fragments that are sometimes difficult to detect with the naked eye, which can obstruct aqueous humor drainage. This may lead to a temporary increase in intraocular pressure and postoperative inflammation, both ...[Read More] Post-Cataract Surgery: Addressing Pain and Vision Issues
Understanding Retinal Issues: Managing Blurry Vision and High Myopia
Retinal issues causing blurred vision? Hello, Doctor. Today, I noticed that my distance vision in my left eye is blurry, so I immediately went to see an ophthalmologist. Additionally, my left eye has elevated intraocular pressure. The doctor promptly arranged for a dilated eye ex...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello, 1. The doctor mentioned that a thinner peripheral retina is a common condition among individuals with high myopia and advised not to panic. Is that correct? Answer: Yes, that is correct. People with myopia tend to have larger eyeballs, which results in a thinner periphe...[Read More] Understanding Retinal Issues: Managing Blurry Vision and High Myopia
Understanding Eye Blood Vessels: Are They a Cause for Concern?
Is there a relationship with blood streaks? Hello, doctor. I usually wear contact lenses two to three days a week, for about 8 hours each time. I have an eye examination every year, and I undergo optical coherence tomography and visual field tests every two years. My intraocular ...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello, A-Hsing: Based on your description, it seems to be normal vascular tissue on the conjunctiva. There are many microvessels in the conjunctiva, and when the eyes feel uncomfortable, these vessels can become engorged, making the eyes appear red. There is no need to worry abou...[Read More] Understanding Eye Blood Vessels: Are They a Cause for Concern?
Understanding Steroid Use for Conjunctivitis: Risks and Recommendations
Steroid conjunctivitis Hello Doctor, I was diagnosed with conjunctivitis last week. After a week of treatment, my eyes are no longer red, swollen, or painful, but the inner corners of my eyes still feel itchy. However, since I have allergies, I'm unsure if the itching is due...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello XUAN: 1. If I continue using steroid eye drops, will it cause any harm? (Steroids seem to increase intraocular pressure, raise the risk of cataracts, and impair vision.) Answer: The risk is actually not very high; if the condition requires it, there is no need to avoid i...[Read More] Understanding Steroid Use for Conjunctivitis: Risks and Recommendations
Understanding Floaters and Flashes: Do They Require Ongoing Monitoring?
Floaters and flashes? I have a problem with floaters and have experienced flashes of light. I have undergone two fundus examinations, both of which showed no issues. I would like to know if the flashes are caused by the floaters. If the examinations have shown no problems, is it ...
Dr. Gao Pilin Reply:
Hello, Wei: Flashes and floaters are both caused by the degeneration of the vitreous body. The examination showed no issues, and if there are no changes, regular follow-ups are not necessary. Generally, weight training does not cause harm. However, straining while holding your br...[Read More] Understanding Floaters and Flashes: Do They Require Ongoing Monitoring?