Binding: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 617.7
EAN: 9780300122855
ISBN: 0300122853
Label: Yale University Press
Manufacturer: Yale University Press
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 272
Publication Date: 2007-05-28
Publisher: Yale University Press
Studio: Yale University Press

Customer Rating:
Summary: Are Your Eyes Dry?
Comment: From: www.BasilAndSpice.com
Author & Book Views On A Healthy Life!

Book Review: Reversing Dry Eye Syndrome: Practical Ways to Improve Your Comfort, Vision, and Appearance (Yale University Press, 2007) by Steven L. Maskin, M.D.

Do you have dry eyes? Apparently almost 5 million of us do in the United States. Moderate cases are estimated at 20-30 million people. Common in the over age 50 group--7.8% of women and 4.7% of men are impacted by it. If left untreated, keratoconjunctivitis sicca or dry eye syndrome, can lead to more eye problems, including blindness. Either the tear (lacrimal) glands under the eyelids aren't producing enough tears or the tears themselves are evaporating too quickly because of their composition.

Dr. Steven Maskin, author of Reversing Dry Eye Syndrome, says that dry eye syndrome is painful. Symptoms sometimes begin mildly and progress:

Achy or sore eyes

Redness, inflammation

Scratchy, grainy, gravelly feelings

Feeling of something in the eye

Burning, Stinging

Itching frquently

Contact lens discomfort

Nighttime dryness

Difficulty opening eyes in the morning

Blurred/ Fluctuating sight

Heavy eyes

Watery eyes

Excessive mucus discharge

Sensitivity to light

What are the causes? Researchers aren't quite sure, but some factors play significant roles:

LASIK Surgery

Live in a dry or windy area

Use the computer often

Use the eyes often for work or recreation

Drive long distances often

Smoke or live with someone who does

Use medications for allergies, birth control, or depression

Take hormone replacement therapy

Have had cosmetic eye surgery

Have worn contact lenses for many years

Suffer from specific illnesses: Sjogren's syndrome, diabetes, thyroid disease, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, ocular rosacea.

I've had a little dry eye syndrome periodically due to contact lenses, reading, and computer use, but hadn't really thought that much about it, until my friend had LASIK eye surgery. He is an emergency room physician who loves to scuba dive on his time off. The need to see underwater through a mask, without contact lense worry led to LASIK surgery and a severe case of dry eyes. Using lubricating drops often, the standard treatment in the United States and Europe, his condition slowly improved. Further detection and treatment for severe cases involves drugs, surgery, in-office procedures, and moisture goggles.

What can be done at home? Recent studies indicate that increased consumption of omega-3 fatty acids will improve the situation, possibly by 68% for women. Opt for salmon, tuna, sardines and other cold water fatty fish. Drink more water and reduce your caffeine intake. Caffeine, a diuretic, encourages the body to eliminate water, whereas water hydrates the body. Avoid rubbing the eyes, instead blot them with clean tissue. Last, check in with the allergist, to identify an unknown eye-drying problem.

5 Stars

---

Customer Rating:
Summary: Excellent overview of the topic, worthwhile even for the well informed patient
Comment: I applaud the author for writing an intelligent, succinct, readable, upbeat overview of this irksome health issue. Patients who are newly diagnosed or who have not extensively researched the cause of their dry eye problems should definitely purchase this book. That being said, for someone like myself, who has already consulted ophthalmologists, am aware of my diagnosis, and have read numerous web articles on the topic, virtually all of the information was already familiar to me. However, I still unearthed one important nugget of information (that punctal occlusion using a cauterization process is reversible, and may be preferable to punctal plugs) which may be important for my future treatment. That alone was worth the price of the book, since my ophthalmologist had never mentioned this option. The book also contains a handy summary of the confusing variety of OTC eye drops and some good reminders about simple lifestyle changes that can be of great benefit. While any person with dry eye should initially consult an ophthalmologist to obtain a proper diagnosis, I just love books like this because doctors these days have so little time to sit you down and explain all of the strategies and treatment options that can be of benefit. Having this book several years ago would have been very helpful to me; it is a perfect example of why a small investment can sometimes be more worthwhile than a whole string of doctors' appointments.

---

Customer Rating:
Summary: Use a PC? Read This Book -- It'll Open Your Eyes!
Comment: I'm at the computer all day, sometimes every day. A few months ago, my eyes started hurting, and on occasion would tear excessively.

I did some Internet digging and discovered Maskin's dry eye book. It opened my eyes, so to speak.

The first thing the book confirmed was that I had dry eyes. I also learned about the other syndromes and disorders I could be experiencing; I also discovered which of the over-the-counter drugs I should use --and which to avoid.

The book provided me with a wealth of simple tips I could use immediately to help reduce my dry eye problem. For instance, I lowered the height of my monitor and started taking breaks every 30 minutes. Obvious things, sure, but only after reading about them in the book.

Besides helping me understand more about dry eyes, the book also made me realize I needed to seek out a consultation with an ophthalmologist. (That alone was worth the price of the book).

The writing style is comfortable and easy-to-read, and it's remarkably thorough. I definitely have a better handle on the problem and realize it can be treated.

If you're having any type of eye discomfort -- as you probably do as you're on this page -- I strongly urge you to pick up a copy of Maskin's book.

---

Customer Rating:
Summary: understand your dry eye condition and symptoms
Comment: This is a helpful book to understand dry eye syndrome's causes and management. This very common, painful condition can cause one to feel very alone, but its sufferers are not. Through education and action, discomfort can be reduced or eliminated.

---

Customer Rating:
Summary: Thank you, Dr. Maskin!!
Comment: Finding "Reversing Dry Eye Syndrome" was a Godsend for my eye dilemma. After over a year of treatment with several ophthalmologists, and after trying (time and again to no avail) their recommendations for eye drops, punctual plugs, Restasis and the like, this book was like an oasis in the desert. I even got to the point where I thought I must be imagining my pain and discomfort. After reading this book and realizing there were others like me - as well as the potential for significant improvement of my symptoms - I called Dr. Maskin's office and made the appointment for a consultation. I have just completed two surgical procedures since November and FINALLY, I feel like I have "my old self" back again!! Dr. Maskin is my hero. Thank you for making this a most special Christmas for me!

---