Help for Dry Eyes with Omega 3 Supplements

Diet supplements with omega 3 oils have been reported to be helpful in reducing the risks and symptoms of many health problems.  Now, there is reason to believe that they may also provide help for dry eyes. According to researchers reporting in Clinical Ophthalmology taking dietary supplements that contain a combination of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants can be helpful in the treatment of dry eye symptoms. 

In this study, patients were evaluated to learn about the effectiveness and tolerability of dietary supplements containing a combination of Omega-3 essential fatty acids and antioxidants for help for dry eye symptoms and complaints. The researchers wanted to know if the dry eye diet supplements helped scratchy and stinging sensation in the eyes, eye redness, grittiness, painful eyes, tired eyes, grating sensation, and blurry vision. After 12 weeks of taking the supplements, all individual symptoms improved significantly from an average symptom rating of 11.9 to 6.8.  This improvement indicated that dietary supplementation with a combination of omega-3 essential fatty acids and antioxidants could be used as an effective treatment for dry eye symptoms.

If you or someone you know has questions about dry eye or needs help for dry eyes and would like to learn more about diet supplements or other dry eye treatment, please schedule an appointment, by calling us at 508-730-2020, visiting  Center for Sight or www.facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver.

Center for Sight is conveniently located at 1565 North Main Street, Suite 406, Fall River, Massachusetts 02720 for patients from Massachusetts or Rhode Island. 

How Will You Look after Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery

Cosmetic eyelid surgery-whether and upper eyelid blepharoplasty or lower eyelid blepharoplasty may be important elements of your facial rejuvenation plan. Generally after upper eyelid blepharoplasty more of the upper eyelid area becomes visible and patients tell me that they look “refreshed” and “more awake” and for patients who could not wear eye makeup because the eyelid was covered by the excess skin, they are now able to wear it once again. This provides a restoration of the once youthful eyelid contour. Typically after lower eyelid blepharoplasty, patient remark that the puffiness of the lower eyelid is reduced or eliminated and the skin appears smoother and tighter. I like to know what you looked like in your 20’s or early 30’s, so I will often ask you to bring some pictures of yourself to your consultation. By using this for guidance I can discuss your blepharoplasty eyelid surgery and review your individual expectations. This helps me get the best possible results for you. Patients who have cosmetic eyelid surgery can expect that their facial features look more youthful and rejuvenated and tell me that they now look as young as they feel!

If you or someone you know would like to learn more or schedule a consultation for cosmetic eyelid or blepharoplasty, please call Center for Sight at 508-730-2020 to schedule a consultation with Cosmetic Eye Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon Gregory Hofeldt, M.D.

Recovery after Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery

How Much Time Will I Need Off After Eyelid Surgery?
For patients considering eyelid surgery, knowing how long to be off work and what to expect in general, helps them plan. The recovery time following surgery varies from patient to patient depending on the type of surgery, their age and general health.  Even when undergoing the same procedure, patients may take different amount of time to heal. In general, for patients having upper eyelid blepharoplasty, 5 to 7 days off work is typical while for those having both and upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty, up to 10 to 14 days may be necessary. Patients with occupations requiring minimal physical activity may be able to get back to work sooner.

All patients having eyelid surgery will experience some swelling and bruising that will gradually improve over the first 1 to 3 weeks.  Ice packs, head elevation, and rest may help minimize swelling. The amount of swelling and bruising varies from patient to patient and even from the left and right sides in the same patient. Mild bruising may resolve in 2-4 days, whereas more significant bruising may last 10-14 days. Makeup can be applied to help hide residual bruising, usually starting two weeks after surgery.  If you or someone you know would like to know more about eyelid surgery, what to expect before, during and after eyelid surgery or schedule a consultation to find out if eyelid surgery might be helpful in looking their best, please call Center for Sight at 508-730-2020 to schedule a consultation with Cosmetic Eye Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon Gregory Hofeldt, M.D.

Southcoast LASIK & Cataract Surgery Patients Need UV Eye Protection

Center for Sight performs LASIK and cataract surgery for patients from throughout the Southcoast Massachusetts area.  For patients who have had eye surgery such as LASIK or cataract surgery, it is important to remember to wear UV protecting eyewear and sunglasses as you take advantage of the seacoast in the upcoming warmer weather. This time of year a lot of patients spend a great deal of time participating in outdoor activities-hiking, swimming, sailing, walking along the beach. This means you are going to be exposed to a good dose of UV from the sun.  For many patients who have had LASIK or cataract surgery, wearing glasses is not longer part of their daily routine and so they just don’t think about eyeglasses, sunglasses or UV eye protection anymore. But we want to remind them that as they spend more time involved in outdoor activities-especially near the seacoast or water, they tend to underestimate their risk of sun and UV damage to their eyes. It’s actually greater than most people realize. One of the things we want to avoid-especially for patients who have had any type of eye surgery-is the risk of “sun burnt eyes” or photokeratitis, which is also called ultraviolet keratitis. This is not only uncomfortable-it can be threatening to vision.

Sunglasses for UV eye protection should be considered more than simply a fashion accessory. Eye protection from UV needs to be complete but doesn’t have to be overly expensive. High quality sunglasses should block out 99-100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation.

If you or someone you know has questions about UV eye protection and sunglasses or needs to schedule an appointment, please feel free to call us at 508-730-2020, visit Center for Sight or www.facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver.

Center for Sight is conveniently located at 1565 North Main Street, Suite 406, Fall River, Massachusetts 02720 for patients from Massachusetts or Rhode Island.