Podcast 46: Community Q&A

This episode answers questions related to dry eyes, glaucoma, improving nearsightedness, UV lights, and blurry vision. Question 1 0:39 - 8:53 I have some questions for you regarding my mom’s eye issues.  She has had a cornea transplant in her left eye and is having issues with it. She is on two medications:  Simbrinza 1% and Systane (both eye drops are taken twice per day).  Her right eye is getting very dry. I bought her the MSM drops you offer on your website.  She is using them several times per day in her right eye but says they don’t seem to be relieving the dryness. I tried to speak to her doctor about using them in both eyes but did not get a nice response. I now have my mom taking the oral MSM along with the eye drops but she keeps having issues. Question 2 8:54 - 12:59 What would you suggest if I'm already on medication for the beginnings of glaucoma? Should I use with or taper over to MSM? Please advise because I fear this medicine I'm using may be harmful. Thank you. Question 3 13:00 - 18:17 Many health gurus are adamant that sunglasses should never be worn especially ones with polarized lenses. I do sun exposure without sunglasses early and late in the day but find I am more comfortable with sunglasses in the middle of the day and when I drive. Is there a particular problem with polarized lenses? Question 4 18:18 - 25:51 Hey Dr. Berne! I'll get right to the point: my vision is terrible (6.5 in the left eye and 7.5 in the right eye) and I'm only 23.  I want to improve my vision, maybe even get it to 20/20 if that's possible. I want to downgrade the prescription of my glasses a bit, as you've advised, to get my eyes working more, but I'm currently dealing with posterior blepharitis in my left eye, so my vision's blurry in that eye. I know I can reduce the prescription for my right eye and be okay, but I am not sure what to do for the left eye since the vision's blurry regardless. I've been doing your dry eye exercises at least 1-2 times per day. Any tips on what I can do? Question 5 25:51 - 30:21 I had cataract surgery on both eyes in June. Apparently, both of the implanted lenses were cloudy on the back. I have to wait until November to have a laser treatment to clear that up. However, I have what appears to be “blinders” on the outside edge of my vision. I was told there is nothing that can be done about it and that is from the incision. I am told it should go away in time but no one knows how long. Is there anything I can do to help this heal/go away? Question 6 30:21 - 36:27 Have you heard of Microsporidia Fungus growth causing blurry vision and dry eyes? My recent GI Mapping results show significant Microsporidia. (I have no idea why, unless it is because I have well water. None of the other causes are relevant.) I have asked several doctors about the intermittent blurry vision I have been experiencing for 7 years or so, and my recent Optometrist said I have severe dry-eye which is not improving with the use of Restasis for the past year. Thank you!