November 9, 2004 in Features

Surgeon can open blocked tear ducts

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Dear Dr. Gott: I need your help or advice. I’ve been to four doctors, none of whom has given me any satisfaction. My doctor recommended cortisone for a redness around my eyes. When that didn’t work, he sent me to a dermatologist who recommended cortisone. That did not help, so I went to an ophthalmologist, who recommended cortisone. The medication helps each time, but my eyes water constantly and no one is able to help with the watering.

One physician recommended a specialist in tear ducts. He’s a surgeon, and I’m not too happy about having my eyes cut. Do I remain on cortisone indefinitely for the redness and suffer forever with the tearing, or is there a solution?

Dear Reader: Far be it from me to diagnose a condition that has puzzled your cadre of physicians. However, I suggest that you follow your doctor’s advice. Just because you see an eye surgeon doesn’t mean that you automatically have to consider an operation for relief.

If, for example, your symptoms are caused by blocked tear ducts, the surgeon may be able to open the ducts using a technique performed in his office. In my view, this option would be preferable to the continued expense and nuisance of applying cortisone cream.

If, on the other hand, you do need more extensive surgery, it seems logical to me to pursue this option and get cured. Let me know what the surgeon says.

Dear Dr. Gott: I suffer from reactive hypoglycemia. Is it normal to feel lifeless and as though I might pass out when my sugar level is between 76 and 84? Is diet the only way to control my situation?

Dear Reader: Most people will not experience symptoms of lightheadedness, weakness and hunger until the blood sugar level falls below 45 milligrams per deciliter. In fact, a doctor should not diagnose hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) unless the patient experiences symptoms when the sugar is below 45 mg/dL.

Therefore, based on the limited data you supply, I am not at all sure that you have hypoglycemia. You should return to your doctor for clarification – or seek medical advice from an endocrinologist.

In the main, true hypoglycemia can successfully be prevented by diet: several small meals a day, fruit or fruit juice for symptoms, and no sugar or alcohol.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Living With Diabetes Mellitus.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

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