The SPOG Family
For several months, we have seen patients each week with similar complaints of a swollen, irritated eyelid. The majority of these patients have an infected oil gland or hair follicle often referred to as an internal or external hordeolum. Sometimes there may be a head, almost like a pimple, whereas other times it’s a tender, swollen area on the eyelid. The most effective treatment is applying warm compresses to the area for 10-15 minutes three times a day followed by a gentle massage. It’s important that the warm compress stays warm the entire time. Beaded eye masks tend to hold in heat well for 15 minutes. You may purchase this in our office or at any drugstore. For some patients, supplementing with an antibiotic medication may be required. If you are uncertain or develop a fever, please call our office.
Lid Hygiene and Prevention
Some patients are more prone to lid infections than others. A simple daily regimen of cleaning the eyelid and eyelashes can help prevent them from occurring. Throughout the day our eyelid and eyelashes can accumulate bacteria and debris that deposit onto the base of our lashes. When cleaning, make sure to clean the base of the lashes, where the lid and lashes meet. You can do so with water or a face cleanser that is safe to use around the eyes. (For those that wear eye makeup, it’s important to use an eye makeup remover first to remove all makeup prior to cleaning the lid and lash area.) We recommend using Eye Eco’s gentle tea tree oil foam cleanser for its natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
In the early 1970s, 25% of Americans were nearsighted or myopic. Today, over 40% of Americans are myopic, and that is increasing at an alarming rate, especially among school-aged children. This is the result of less time spent outdoors, prolonged time spent reading or on electronic devices, and poor lighting conditions. Genetics also play a large role:
- If both parents are myopic – 50% chance child will become myopic
- If one parent is myopic – 33% chance
- If neither parent is myopic – 25% chance
As providers that examine patients of all ages, we have witnessed the risks of eye disease related to high amounts of myopia, such as retinal detachments, macular degeneration and glaucoma.
However, the great news is that we can now detect who is more likely to become myopic and have methods to prevent or slow down its progression. That will subsequently decrease the risk of more serious eye diseases later in life. If a child is myopic by the time they are 6 years old, studies show that they are much more likely to become highly nearsighted. We recommend that children be seen for their first eye exam before 3 years of age.
The treatment for decreasing myopia progression ranges from eye drops to contact lenses. Some parents of children who have a high risk of becoming myopic choose to start their child on eye drops before they become nearsighted. At your child’s appointment, your doctor will review with you the right choice for your child.
Dr. Lee Kim and Dr. Wang are one of the first practitioners in the country to be certified providers of the MiSight 1 day contact lenses, the first FDA approved contact lens for slowing myopia progression.
We will miss you, Kay!