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| Dr. Gold's Message
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In this issue, I'd like to share with you some warnings that could save you from some pretty serious eye problems. Let's call it "WHO KNEW?"
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Greetings!
Well, winter is in full force. I hope you were helped by previous articles about artificial tears, Omega3's and dry eye problems. This time, let's look into some information about general vision and eye news..
Jeffrey D. Gold, MD
Medical Director
Liberty Vision
203-281-5745
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| FDA Warns Public About "Age Inter-vention" Eyelash Product |
 Glaucoma Drop Lengthens Eyelashes, but...
During 2007 a product was released which caused the lengthening of eyelashes. Age Intervention Eyelash has however been found to contain a glaucoma medication which when used for the wrong reason can cause blindness.
The FDA recently ordered U.S. marshalls to seize millions of dollars worth of the product in order to remove it from the market.
The FDA discovered that the product, being sold as a way to increase eyelash growth, contains bimatoprost, a glaucoma medication used to lower eye pressure, which, if used by a person already taking glaucoma medications, can make the glaucoma meds less effective, thereby allowing damage to the optic nerve which can cause blindness. It has also been found to cause inflammation inside the eye and swelling of the macula, both of which conditions can seriously harm the vision
Eyelash lengthening was an accidental discovery to begin with, a side effect of bimatoprost.
The takehome message here is that if you are using Age Intervention Eyelash to lengthen your eyelashes, STOP! |
| Eye Protection Prevents Sports Eye Injuries |
 Safety Glasses
I have known for many years just how dangerous sports eye injuries can be, simply from my practice of ophthalmology. The point was driven home to me around 25 years ago when my wife had one of her eyes injured by a racquet ball blow directly to the eye. She had been wearing eye protectors at the time, but they were the kind that had an open frame with no lens. The mis-hit shot caused the ball to mold right through the eye protector, striking her eye and causing a severe hemorrhage within the eye. After her complete recovery, I crusaded to eliminate the sale of that kind of eye protector and became one of the state Directors of the United States Eye Injury Registry.
The USEIR still tracks and compiles statistics on eye injuries throughout the country. The single largest contributor of sports eye injuries is racquet sports.
The take home message here is that whenever you play any sport, consider the potential of that specific sport in causing eye injuries and wear the appropriate eye protection. The right kind of protection for every sport can be found at local sporting goods stores and pro-shops. |
| Tap Water Can Cause Eye Infections |
 Amoeba in Tap Water
An amoeba called Acanthamoeba can be found in tap water and may be responsible for recent outbreaks of Acanthamoeba Keratitis, an infection of the cornea found in contact lens wearers with poor hygeine and who use tap water to clean their contact lenses.
Last year, AMO company withdrew its Complete MoisturePlus Multi-Purpose contact lens solutions because it did not kill Acanthamoeba. There had been an earlier withdrawal of Bausch & Lomb's ReNu with MoistureLoc contact lens solution.
The take home message here is to not use tap-water on any contact lenses and to be sure that your supplier for contact lens solutions is providing you with proven safe solutions. Pay attention to any internet warnings about recalled solutions. | |
Please feel free to call or email me directly with any questions or concerns about your eyes.
For your information, the recommended frequency of routine Ophthalmologist eye exams for you and your family is as follows:
First exam prior to age 5
Next exam prior to age 10
Every 2-3 years during the teens
Every 2 years from age 20 to 35
Every 1 year thereafter
(School and/or pediatrician eye chart reading does not count!)
If at any time, of course, you suspect any problems, or if an emergency arises, you should call me right away .
Sincerely,
Jeffrey D. Gold, MD
Medical Director
Liberty Vision
203-281-5745
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