Term
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Definition
| A preservative that's gentle on corneal epithelial cells (found in some Tears Naturale as well as OptiFREE) |
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Term
| What is TheraTears's selling point? |
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Definition
Lower osmolarity than other artifical tears.
(Thera gonna diluta da salt-a on-a da eye-a. Wassa matta you??) |
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Term
| What's the difference between Soothe and Soothe XP? |
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Definition
XP = Extra Protection = thicker for use hs
(Note: Soothe Xtra Hydration was recalled because of mold deposits at the tip. [Insert line about Xtra Soothing (with "Hydration" instead of "Protection") and finding unwanted somethings 'at the tip'.]) |
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Term
| These drops are like "vitamins on the eye" because of their citric acid and sodium citrate, antioxidants that have been shown to have some would-healing properties. |
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Definition
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Term
| What's Purite and what artificial tear contains it? |
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Definition
| Purite dissipates to H20 and NaCl when exposed to light. Probably among others, Allergan Refresh Tears, Refresh Liquigel, and Optive carry it (as does Alphagan P). |
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Term
| What do Refresh Liquigel and Refresh PM have in common? |
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Definition
They're both ointments.
(And they're both made by Allergan. And they both have Refresh in their name. And they're both artificial tears. And they're both for the eyes.) |
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Term
| What's GenAqua and where do you find it? |
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Definition
GenAqua (sodium perborate) is a preservative that turns to H2O and O2 upon contact with the eye.
It's found in GenTeal artificial tears. |
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Term
| How is Optive different from TheraTears? |
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Definition
While TheraTears has a very low osmolarity and will change that aspect of the eye, Optive is purported not to change the eye's osmolarity but compensate for it with L-carnitine and erythritol.
Short answer: Optive compensates for osmolarity / TheraTears changes it |
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Term
| What is HP-Guar and in what drop is it found? |
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Definition
HP-Guar is the water-soluble polysaccharide spider thingy.
It's found in Systane. |
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Term
Systane Balance is expensive and designed specifically for patients with what problem?
Also, what do you have to do before you can use it? |
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Definition
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)
Shake it like a Polaroid picture. |
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Term
| What's that one naturopathic drop with the Belladonna and bee's wing in it? |
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Definition
Similasan Dry Eye Relief (as in, Simi-laced with herbs and nature. And Belladonna.)
It's the one with the eye picture that looks like it belongs on the walls of McMenamins. :) |
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Term
What is the active ingredient of Restasis?
Who may particularly benefit from it?
Any C/I's? |
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Definition
Cyclosporine A.
It breaks the cycle on inflammation, so people with atopic conditions really benefit from this.
C/I'd with active ocular infections or suspended hypersensitivity to it |
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Term
| Might you ever use a steroid for dry eye? |
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Definition
| Sure… but it would really only be to see if Restasis would be a good way to go. |
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Term
| What's the deal with baby shampoo for lid hygiene? |
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Definition
It may actually dry the eyes out…
(1:100 dilution, btw…) |
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Term
| What's the fix for meibomianitis and rosacia-based dry eye? |
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Definition
| Oral doxy (but remember the side effects of tetracyclines! [bones, teeth, sunburn]) |
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Term
| What type of allergy may C/I most punctal plugs? |
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Definition
| Silicone, since most are made of the stuff. |
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Term
| If you were looking for a more permanent punctal plug solution, what would you go for and why? |
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Definition
Oasis FormFit Plug is a hydrogel material that's kind of like door foam.
It IS removable, though, by flushing saline through. |
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Term
| Flaxseed oil, evening primrose oil and/or fish oil are terrific sources of what supplement? |
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Definition
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Term
| What's the recommended ratio of Omega-3s to Omega-6s? What's the estimated N. American ratio? |
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Definition
Recommended = 1 : 2.3
N. American = 1 : 10 |
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Term
| What amount per day of Omega-3s is said to be good for 1) heart health and 2) eye health? |
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Definition
Heart: 3-4000mg / day
Eye: 1000mg / day |
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Term
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Definition
PGE3 = good, anti-inflammatory prostaglandins that help the GI system.
EPA = a long-chain Omega-3 from fish that blocks pro-inflammatory cytokines
Both are from Omega-3s. |
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Term
| Dr. Y takes the Omega-3 supplement MegaRed. What's that made of? (Hint: It's not flax or fish.) |
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Definition
Arctic krill
(That is, Dr. Y consumes arctic krill in an average morning. How hardcore is that??) |
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Term
| Why do women tend to get more dry eye than men? |
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Definition
| Because they have fewer androgens. |
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Term
| Regarding dry eye, what is 'topical autologous serum'? |
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Definition
Eyedrops made from your own blood.
FROM YOUR OWN BLOOD. |
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Term
| What are the general therapeutic options for mild dry eye? (3) |
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Definition
Artificial tears
Punctal plugs
O-3 fatty acids
2 of these may be used concurrently |
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Term
| What are the general therapeutic options for moderate dry eye? (4) |
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Definition
Artificial tears
Gel formulation at bedtime
Punctal plugs
O-3 fatty acids
2 or 3 of these may be necessary to get control |
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Term
| What are the general therapeutic options for severe dry eye? (8) |
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Definition
More viscous artificial tears
Lotemax QID 1 week --> BID 1 month
Restasis (if relief with Lotemax)
Oral doxy
Omega-3s
Punctal plugs (if the above stuff is ineffective for 1-2 mo)
Moisture goggles
Surgical/experimental options |
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