Has anyone heard of this or experienced themselves?

Q. It is called Corneal map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy(it is of the eye).
Was just wondering if anyone else has had this or experienced it and what have you had done for it. My eye doctor says that they cannot do surgery like he was thinking at first because I am diabetic. So if anyone could be of help I'd appreciate it. Thanks
I also have a tear on both of my eyes and have lost 30 % of sight in my left eye because of this.

A. Map-Dot-Fingerprint Dystrophy. This dystrophy occurs when the epithelium's basement membrane develops abnormally (the basement membrane serves as the foundation on which the epithelial cells, which absorb nutrients from tears, anchor and organize themselves). When the basement membrane develops abnormally, the epithelial cells cannot properly adhere to it. This, in turn, causes recurrent epithelial erosions, in which the epithelium's outermost layer rises slightly, exposing a small gap between the outermost layer and the rest of the cornea.

Epithelial erosions can be a chronic problem. They may alter the cornea's normal curvature, causing periodic blurred vision. They may also expose the nerve endings that line the tissue, resulting in moderate to severe pain lasting as long as several days. Generally, the pain will be worse on awakening in the morning. Other symptoms include sensitivity to light, excessive tearing, and foreign body sensation in the eye.

Map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy, which tends to occur in both eyes, usually affects adults between the ages of 40 and 70, although it can develop earlier in life. Also known as epithelial basement membrane dystrophy, map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy gets its name from the unusual appearance of the cornea during an eye examination. Most often, the affected epithelium will have a map-like appearance, i.e., large, slightly gray outlines that look like a continent on a map. There may also be clusters of opaque dots underneath or close to the map-like patches. Less frequently, the irregular basement membrane will form concentric lines in the central cornea that resemble small fingerprints.

Typically, map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy will flare up occasionally for a few years and then go away on its own, with no lasting loss of vision. Most people never know that they have map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy, since they do not have any pain or vision loss. However, if treatment is needed, doctors will try to control the pain associated with the epithelial erosions. They may patch the eye to immobilize it, or prescribe lubricating eye drops and ointments. With treatment, these erosions usually heal within three days, although periodic flashes of pain may occur for several weeks thereafter. Other treatments include anterior corneal punctures to allow better adherence of cells; corneal scraping to remove eroded areas of the cornea and allow regeneration of healthy epithelial tissue; and use of the excimer laser to remove surface irregularities.

Original Question

My cat has a clogged tear duct, is there anything that will help it?

Q. I took my cat to the vet and they said that it didn't seem to bother him except for watering, so we should just leave it alone. They said that there is a surgery they can perform but you have to use anestetics and it is very difficult due to the fact that a cats tear duct is very small. Is there an alternative such as an eye drop or something that can help?

A. I use this product it is great!

Eye Envy is the most effective product for curing runny, ugly tear stains on your dog or cat. Our solution removes tearstains effectively, safely and gently. Eye Envy is an eye treatment solution that is non-irritating and proven to prevent eye leakage and discharge, quickly and through an easy to use method that your pet will thank you for. Eye Envy also comes in an herbal version. It is guaranteed to be effective, endorsed by veterinarians, catteries, and groomers the world over. If your pet is prone to tearstains, Eye Envy is for you. It is also effective in treating urine stains, red yeast infections, food stains, helping droolers, and of course for that unsightly brown goop around the eyes that affects dogs and cats everywhere.





Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What causes excessive tearing and staining:
A: Staining can be caused by a variety of things:

Clogged or Shallow Tear Ducts: Studies indicate that 20-25% of small dogs and cats are born with closed of shallow tear ducts. Tears overflow because there the eyelid space is not deep enough to contain them.
Excessive Tearing: When the face hair is wet from excessive tearing, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast infections (AKA: Red Yeast, which causes deep reddish-brown stains); Low grade bacteria infections may also cause excessive tearing.
Cutting Teeth: Cutting teeth may cause changes in the head & mouth structure of your pet, placing pressure on the tear ducts.
Irritation & Allergies: Some animals get hair or eyelashes into their eyes causing irritation. Many breeds are susceptible to allergies. Shampoos and other chemicals can also irritate their eyesSome foods cause allergic reactions; animals may also build an allergic reaction over time to a type of food.
Water: Water with high mineral levels causes staining
Food & Treats: Diet can play a significant role in tearing. Many commercial foods contain additives, preservatives and food coloring. This could lead to staining.
Fleas: Fleas survive in moisture, which they get from the eye or moth area. This could cause irritation and in addition red stains left behind may be from flea feces. These are just a few reasons. There are MANY more!!
Q: What is Eye Envy so different that all the other products that I've bought and don't work?
A: Eye Envy works at the true problem, a bacteria infection. Eye Envy contains a cleanser, an astringent (to dry the area) and herbal flower extract (acts as a natural antibiotic) and an antibacterial.

Eye Envy is a topical tear stain remover. Other products are often masked as palatable supplements, taking months to work and requiring your pet to ingest antibiotics (e.g. tylan, tylosin as tartrate, collidal silver).

Q: What if I've used bleach or peroxide to clean the area around the eyes?
A: Bleach/Peroxide make the hair shaft very pourous, causing the stain to set into the hair. Eye Envy will only lighten the areas previously damaged by bleach or peroxide, but all regrowth will be clean.

PLEASE do not use peroxide, bleach or woolite on your animals.

Q: Is Eye Envy safe to use on my pregnant dog or cat?
A: Yes. Since Eye Envy is applied externally, it is 100% safe to use on pregnant, lactating and even small kittens (over the age of 7 weeks).

Q: Should Eye Envy be refrigerated? If so, how long is it's shelf life?
A: NO WE NOW CARRY THE NEW FORMULA THAT REQUIRES NO REFRIGERATION. Shelf life is 3-4 months.

Q: Is Eye Envy applied inside the eyes?
A: No. Eye Envy is to be applied externally only.

Q: What happens if a small amount gets into my pets eyes?
A: There is nothing to worry about is some solution gets into your pets eyes. The ingredients are safe and have been tested.

Q: How many pads come in a jar?
A: There are approximately 28-30 pads per jar. Our pads are made of special material to avoid any "fuzz" from getting into your pets eyes.

Q: Can I use Eye Envy on my dog/cats legs, tail, mouth area? Is it safe?
A: Yes. The ingredients will not harm your animal. Also, EE can be used for chin acne and urine stains.

Q: Should I refrigerate my product when it arrives?
A: NO WE HAVE A NEW FORMULA THAT DOES NOT REQIRE REFIGERATION.

Q: I have a white dog, do you recommend the powder?
A: Yes! With any white animals it is recommended to use both the solution and the powder.

Q: Does Eye Envy fade/bleach colored animals?
A: No. The produt does not contain any peroxides or bleaching agents. Your pets hair will not discolor.

Here's the link to the store I order from.

Original Question

Could this be an early sign of parkinsons?

Q. I just recently noticed. My right eye lid is droopy and i''m only 20. when i was going through some old pictures i noticed my Grandma had the same thing when she was my age and now she has parkinsons, and if i'm right i think Micheal J. Fox has the same thing.

A. Well, there is a difference between droopy eyelid and baggy eyelid. But a droopy lid( Ptosis) means a low lid while a baggy lid (dermatochalasis) means excess fat. Both begin to appear at about the same adulthood age so it would not be surprising if you are the same age as your grandmother when this condition appeared.

The other thing about Ptosis (the P is silent so it is pronounced "toe sis") is that it can be inherited but in that case it is usually present at birth. So could the tendency to have fatty tissue in the eyelid. But it is also possible that neither condition is related to PD.

Do you get headaches or have a difficult time reading because of it? Do you have excessive tearing? If so, you may have Ptosis. If not, you may actually have a baggy eyelid.

Ptosis is often caused by a separation of the levator muscle which prevents the raising or elevation of the lid. Surgery can correct this condition. Blepharoplasty is surgery for baggy lids.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/blepharoplasty/MY00298

If this condition is recent and is not baggy lids but droopy lid, it could also be connected to another medical condition such as Myasthenia gravis in which muscle weakness or fatigue of muscles occurs in muscles which you should be able to control.

Myasthenia gravis does share some common symptoms with Parkinson's disease such as double vision, weakness of limbs, difficulties with speech, chewing and swallowing as well as breathing. Facial masking and weakness in the neck muscles are other symptoms. The walk may alter and posture may change due to weakness of the neck. Could your Grandma have been misdiagnosed?

Yes, you are correct, Michael J Fox does have Early or Young Onset Parkinson's disease.

And none of the named conditions are infectious diseases.

Original Question

Why do we cry when we cut onions?

Q. Can anyone tell me how to reduce the crying stuff when I cut onions? I tried wearing swimming goggles, but yet...I still cry. Even when my mom was cutting onions in the same kitchen as I am in; while I was using my laptop. yet my eyes felt spicy then i had to go to another room.Pls help!!!

A. As onions are sliced, cells are broken, allowing enzymes called alliinases to break down sulfides and generate sulfenic acids (amino acid sulfoxides). Sulphenic acids are unstable and decompose into a volatile gas called syn-propanethial-S-oxide. The gas diffuses through the air and eventually reaches the eye, where it reacts with the water to form a dilute solution of sulfuric acid. This acid irritates the nerve endings in the eye, making them sting. Tear glands produce tears to dilute and flush out the irritant.


Prevent crying:

There are several ways to prevent or mitigate the causes of tearing. One, you could have brain surgery that would block any sensory information sent from the ciliary nerve. However, that may be a tad impractical.

Water is the best route. Cutting onions under water, or soaking the onions prior to slicing will work. Choosing onions with higher water content can also lessen the tearing. This means purchasing onions that haven't been dry cured. Any "named" onions, such as "Vidalia" or "Walla Walla", will do. Dry cured onions inlcude the generic white, yellow, and red onions.

If the only options available to you are the generic whites, yellows, and reds, it would be the white onions which should have higher water content, and red onions having the least amount.

Another way to prevent or lessen tearing is to preventing an excessive amount of allinases from being released. The best way to do that is to cut the onion in such a way that minimally damages the tissue. In other words - the sharper the knife the better.

Finally, cut the onions in a well ventilated area. The vapors released from the onion can be dispersed quickly with a fan in the area.

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My right eye is very dry during the night?

Q. I have been diagnose with conjunctivitis and my doctor gave me antibiotic but after I used it all up my eyes is dry again but not itching and my eyes have mild rednees do you think my conjuntivitis is healing up help!! me!!

A. Dry eye syndrome is a chronic lack of sufficient lubrication and moisture on the surface of the eye.
Its consequences range from subtle but constant irritation to ocular inflammation of the anterior (front) tissues of the eye.
Dry eyes also are described by the medical term, keratitis sicca, which generally means decreased quality or quantity of tears. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca refers to eye dryness affecting the cornea and conjunctiva.
Dry Eye Syndrome Symptoms
Persistent dryness, scratching and burning in your eyes are signs of dry eye syndrome. These symptoms alone may prompt your eye doctor to diagnose dry eye syndrome.
But sometimes your eye doctor may want to measure the amount of tears in your eyes. A thin strip of filter paper placed under the lower eyelid, called a Schirmer test, is one way to measure tear production.
Another symptom of dry eyes is a "foreign body sensation," the feeling that something is in the eye.
And it may seem odd, but sometimes watery eyes can result from dry eye syndrome, because the excessive dryness works to overstimulate production of the watery component of your eye's tears.
What Causes Dry Eyes?
Tears bathe the eye, washing out dust and debris and keeping the eye moist. They also contain enzymes that neutralize the microorganisms that colonize the eye. Tears are essential for good eye health.
In dry eye syndrome, the lacrimal gland or associated glands near the eye don't produce enough tears, or the tears have a chemical composition that causes them to evaporate too quickly.
Dry eye syndrome has several causes. It occurs as a part of the natural aging process, especially during menopause; as a side effect of many medications, such as antihistamines, antidepressants, certain blood pressure medicines, Parkinson's medications and birth control pills; or because you live in a dry, dusty or windy climate.
If your home or office has air conditioning or a dry heating system, that too can dry out your eyes. Another cause is insufficient blinking, such as when you're staring at a computer screen all day.
Dry eyes also are a symptom of systemic diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, ocular rosacea or Sjogren's syndrome (a triad of dry eyes, dry mouth and rheumatoid arthritis or lupus).
Long-term contact lens wear is another cause; in fact, dry eyes are the most common complaint among contact lens wearers.
Recent research indicates that contact lens wear and dry eyes can be a vicious cycle. Dry eye syndrome makes contact lenses feel uncomfortable, and the rubbing of the lenses against the conjunctiva seems to be a cause of dry eyes.
Incomplete closure of the eyelids, eyelid disease and a deficiency of the tear-producing glands are other causes.
Each layer is produced by different glands near the eye. The lacrimal gland located above the outer corner of the eye produces the lacrimal layer, for example. So a problem with any of those sources can result in dry eyes.
Dry eye syndrome is more common in women, possibly due to hormone fluctuations. A recent study also indicates that that risk of dry eyes among men increases with age.
Recent research suggests that smoking, too, can increase your risk of dry eye syndrome.
With increased popularity of cosmetic eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) for improved appearance, dry eye complaints now occasionally are associated with incomplete closure of eyelids following such a procedure.
Treatment for Dry Eyes
Dry eye syndrome is an ongoing condition that may not be completely curable (depending on the cause), but the accompanying dryness, scratchiness and burning can be managed. Your eye care practitioner may prescribe artificial tears, which are lubricating eye drops that may alleviate the dry, scratching feeling.
Restasis eye drops (cyclosporine in a castor oil base) go one step further: by helping your body produce more tears. Restasis treatment is the first of its kind.
Another option for dry eye treatment is called Lacrisert, a tiny insert filled with a lubricating ingredient (hydroxypropyl cellulose). The insert is placed just inside the lower eyelid, where it continuously releases lubrication for the eye throughout the day.
Sometimes people use the eye drops that "get the red out" to treat their dry eyes. This won't work unless the eye drops also contain artificial tears, and the original "get-the-red-out" formulation doesn't. These drops can reduce or eliminate the redness temporarily, but they don't treat the cause of the redness, whether it's dryness, environmental irritation or some other problem.
Not only that, but the vasoconstrictors in those formulas that reduce redness by contracting the eye's blood vessels are addictive, in the sense that over time, more and more is needed to achieve the same effect. With frequent use, the effect diminishes after a while � the blood vessels simply won't constrict as much as they did when you first used the drops.
If you wear contact lenses, be aware that many eye

Original Question

In an elderly person who excessively tears, is dacryocystorhinostomy necessary before cataract removal?

Q. My 81 year old grandmother went to see a doctor to have her cataracts remove. The doctor noticed she had excessive tearing of the eyes and said he won't operate to remove her cataracts unless she has dacryocystorhinostomy done with another doctor. Is this totally necessary? Can anybody with a medical background or expertise please help me with this. Thank you.

A. It is a matter of opinion.

If your mother has severe / complete obstruction of her lacrimal ducts, this makes her lacrimal duct prone to infections. Pooled tears in the lacrimal sac make for a very good culture media for all sorts of bacteria.

And if she's having cataract surgery THE LAST THING you want near the operative site (specially if its the sutureless type) is an infection. So it is actually safer to have the DCR (dacryocystorhinostomy) first.

BUT if your mother only has minimal/partial obstruction, it may be possible to do the cataract procedure with a longer preparation of topical anti-biotics. A bit risky, but if you really really want the cataract surgery, it can be done. But she may eventually need a DCR anyway.

If it were my mother, I would have the DCR done first.

Original Question

I noticied yesterday that my 8 month old puppy had a red mark under her eye?

Q. Today the mark has become larger looks like a rash, but she is not scratching around the area, It maybe be spreading to the other eye. Could some tell me what it maybe and if i could treat it at home. I have some antibiotic liquid from left over from the vet. and i purchased some antibiotic ointment should i used what i have

A. It sounds like your dog either have:
1.trichiasis:
is a medical term for ingrown eyelashes. This can be caused by infection, inflammation, autoimmune conditions, and trauma such as burns or eyelid injury.

Standard treatment involves destruction of the affected eyelashes with electrology, specialized laser, or surgery.

Trichiasis in dogs is hair from the eyelid growing in the wrong direction and rubbing on the eye, causing irritation. It usually occurs at the lateral upper eyelid, especially in the English Cocker Spaniel. Trichiasis also refers to hair from a nasal fold rubbing on the eye. This type of trichiasis can be flattened by rubbing petroleum jelly onto it, but surgery is sometimes necessary for permanent correction.

2.Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS):
Typical symptoms of keratoconjunctivitis are dryness, burning and a sandy-gritty eye irritation that gets worse as the day goes on. Symptoms may also be described as itchy, scratchy, stingy or tired eyes. Other symptoms are pain,redness,a pulling sensation, and pressure behind the eye. There may be a feeling that something, such as a speck of dirt, is in the eye. The resultant damage to the eye surface increases discomfort and sensitivity to bright light. Both eyes usually are affected.

There may also be a stringy discharge from the eyes.Although it may seem strange, dry eye can cause the eyes to water. This can happen because the eyes are irritated. One may experience excessive tearing in the same way as one would if something got into the eye. These reflex tears will not necessarily make the eyes feel better.This is because they are the watery type that are produced in response to injury, irritation, or emotion. They do not have the lubricating qualities necessary to prevent dry eye.

Original Question

Can I use human eye drops for my Shih tzu?

Q. I have a 8 month old shih tzu and she has eye mucus and her fur around her eyes are always wet.I took her to the groomer to get the fur around her eye trimmed.I heard that I can use human eye drops on her

A. Yes you can, as directed by my vet for My English Bulldog that had no tear ducts not shure why he was adopted guess from my vet was that he may have had chery eye surgery.. Now because of this his eyes did not naturally tear so I had to use a warm cloth to wipe his eyes and was told by my vet that yes it would be safe to use the Murine Artificial Tears a drop in each eye twice a day.. Now some vets may have there own opinion you may want to ask your vet what would be best for your dog, keeping the hair trimmed away from the eyes will help..

If her eyes are over watering or excessive mucus you may want to have her eyes looked at she may have an in-grown eyelash or hair. Or have a tear test done on her..

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