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Doctor shares her holy grail tips for overcoming eye sensitivity

As the chill of winter sets in, many people find that their eyes become more sensitive and prone to dryness. This can be particularly challenging for those who already suffer from dry eye syndrome. Dr. Jacqueline Beltz is a leading Australian Ophthalmologist and the founder of <a href="https://www.okkiyo.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">OKKIYO</a>, a beauty brand that makes PRIORITEYES mascara for people with sensitive eyes. Dr Beltz has shared her insights into dry eye syndrome and how winter can exacerbate symptoms, also sharing her top tips for managing eye sensitivity during the colder months. Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome The surface of the eye is covered by a delicate layer of tears, essential for comfort, vision, protection, and nutrition. The tear film comprises two main layers: an outer lipid (oily) layer and an inner aqueous (watery) layer. The lipid layer, produced by oil glands in the eyelids, prevents tears from evaporating too quickly, while the aqueous layer, consisting of water, electrolytes, and proteins, spreads tears evenly across the eye and helps them adhere to the surface. When the balance of tear production, evaporation, absorption, and drainage is disrupted, it can lead to dry eye syndrome. Symptoms may include redness, irritation, a gritty sensation, tired eyes, itching, excessive watering, and fluctuating vision. In severe cases, dry eye can be painful and significantly impact daily life. How common is dry eye syndrome? Dry eye syndrome is a widespread issue, particularly among older adults. According to the Blue Mountains Eye Study, 57% of adults over the age of 50 experience some degree of dry eye. This condition is notably more prevalent in women, with higher rates observed compared to their male counterparts. The increased prevalence in women is often attributed to hormonal changes, particularly during and after menopause. A more recent study, Optometry Australia’s 2022 Vision index found that over 85% of Australians are estimated to have experienced dry eyes at some point in their lives. Of those affected, 55% say they only developed the condition following the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. They reported that almost 1 in 5 (18%) of people experience dry eye symptoms frequently. These statistics highlight the importance of understanding and managing dry eye, especially as we age. DEWS II Study and Treatment Approaches The DEWS II (Dry Eye Workshop II) study provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and treating dry eye syndrome. According to the study, dry eye is a multifactorial disease characterised by a loss of homeostasis (or balance) in the tear film, accompanied by eye symptoms. Factors such as tear film instability, hyperosmolarity (increased saltiness), inflammation, and neurosensory (altered feelings or sensations) abnormalities play significant roles. There are two primary types of dry eye: aqueous deficient and evaporative. Most individuals have a combination of both. Aqueous deficient dry eye occurs when there is insufficient production of the watery layer of tears, often due to aging, hormonal changes, or certain medications. Evaporative dry eye is typically caused by environmental factors or conditions affecting the lipid layer, such as meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Winter's Impact on Dry Eyes Winter poses unique challenges for dry eye sufferers. Cold, dry air, indoor heating, and wind can all exacerbate symptoms. Here's how to combat these winter-specific issues: 1. Humidify Your Environment Indoor heating reduces humidity levels, leading to increased tear evaporation. Consider using a humidifier to maintain moisture in the air, especially in bedrooms and living spaces. This helps keep your eyes hydrated. 2. Protect Your Eyes Outdoors Cold winds can strip away the tear film. When outside, wear wraparound sunglasses to shield your eyes from the elements. This not only protects your eyes from the wind but also from UV rays, which can be strong even in winter. 3. Stay Hydrated Dehydration can worsen dry eye symptoms. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to maintain overall hydration, which supports healthy tear production. 4. Optimise Your Diet Certain foods can promote eye health. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish like salmon and flaxseeds, have anti-inflammatory properties that can help manage dry eye symptoms. Incorporate these into your diet for added benefits. 5. Use a Warm Compress A warm compress can help improve the function of the meibomian glands, which produce the oily layer of the tear film. This is particularly helpful for those with meibomian gland dysfunction, or MGD. Gently apply a warm, damp cloth to your closed eyelids for 10-15 minutes, followed by a gentle massage of the eyelids to encourage oil secretion. It is important to avoid rubbing or compressing the eyeballs. 6. Use Over-the-Counter Lubricant Eye Drops Artificial tears can provide temporary relief by supplementing the natural tear film. Choose preservative-free options to avoid further irritation, and use them frequently. 7. Remember to have regular eye checks In Australia, Optometrists provide our primary eye health check ups. Dr Beltz recommends adults over the age of 40 see their optometrist once a year, but if you’re struggling with symptoms of dry eye in winter, an extra check up might help and your optometrist will be able to help you to come up with an individualised treatment plan. 8. Invest in Quality Eye Products For those who wear makeup, using products designed for sensitive eyes is crucial. <a href="https://www.okkiyo.com/products/protect-and-preserve-mascara" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PRIORITEYES</a> mascara by OKKIYO has been specifically formulated to be gentle on sensitive eyes, avoiding common irritants while providing excellent performance. Managing Dry Eye in Winter: A Recap Winter can be tough on our eyes, but with the right strategies, you can manage dry eye symptoms effectively. Maintain a humid environment, protect your eyes from cold winds, stay hydrated, and incorporate eye-healthy foods into your diet. Regularly use warm compresses and opt for gentle, high-quality eye products like PRIORITEYES mascara. Dry eye syndrome may be a common condition, but it doesn't have to dominate your life, especially during the harsh winter months. With these tips, you can keep your eyes comfortable and healthy all season long. For personalised advice and treatment, always consult with your eye care professional. Stay warm, stay hydrated and take care of your eyes this winter! Image credits: Shutterstock

Body

Martin Scorsese exposes Leo DiCaprio’s irritating on-set habit

Martin Scorsese has exposed Leo DiCaprio’s irritating on-set habit that came to light while the pair were filming the new movie Killers of the Flower Moon. The award-winning director called out the A-list actor in a conversation with the <a href="https://www.wsj.com/style/martin-scorsese-killers-flower-moon-b4989f0c" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wall Street Journal</a>, saying that the Titanic star tends to flesh details out and improv while filming, describing his technique as “endless, endless, endless!” Although Scorsese and DiCaprio have worked together on six other films, there was one more actor on the set of the new film that could not stand the ad libbing: Robert de Niro. “Then Bob didn’t want to talk,” Scorsese explained. “Every now and then, Bob and I would look at each other and roll our eyes a little bit. And we’d tell him, ‘You don’t need that dialogue.’” While de Niro wasn’t able to deal with DiCaprio’s improv, director Quentin Tarantino said the actor’s famous freakout scene as Rick Dalton in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood “wasn’t in the script,” but was brought to the table by DiCaprio himself, and took the film to another level. Despite the “endless” technique of DiCaprio’s acting, Scorsese said the actor was instrumental in the film’s success, after he helped determine that the film needed a rewrite in order to avoid being a “movie about all the white guys.” “It just didn’t get to the heart of the Osage,” DiCaprio told <a href="https://deadline.com/2023/05/martin-scorsese-interview-killers-of-the-flower-moon-leonardo-dicaprio-robert-de-niro-1235359006/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Deadline</a> in May, with reference to the original script. “It felt too much like an investigation into detective work, rather than understanding from a forensic perspective the culture and the dynamics of this very tumultuous, dangerous time in Oklahoma.” Killers of the Flower Moon is in cinemas now. Image credits: Getty Images

Movies

ALDI employee reveals shoppers’ most irritating Special Buys habit

An ALDI employee has revealed the erratic customer behaviour during major Special Buy sales that irritate staff members around ther globe. While speaking to Insider, the worker slammed customers for the things they do when they are shopping at the German supermarket. The staff member sad one of their biggest contentions is when customers fail to realise Special Buys items are available for a limited amount of time. "It's irritating when customers come in searching for a popular Aldi Finds item weeks after it was advertised," the employee called JK said. "These items aren't restocked, but some customers still throw a fit or try to guilt-trip employees for not ordering enough." JK went on to say customers frustrate employees when they allow their children to run around unsupervised. "ALDI is a great place for all ages, but employees will get annoyed if you allow your kids to make a mess in the store and don't clean up after them," an employee called Bronson said. In May, ALDI revealed they would be testing its popular Special Buys sale by moving it online for a “limited trial” that will “test a range of products” across several months. "We are constantly looking for ways to improve the experience for our customers and are very excited to be taking our first steps into e-commerce," ALDI Australia group director of customer interactions Simon Padovani said. "Our limited initial online offer allows us to set the foundations for our future program."

Retirement Life

Feeling irritable and angry? This could be the surprising reason why

Whether you have a naturally short temper or not, we all go through the occasional bout of irritability from time to time. Usually, it can be blamed on a stressful day at work, hormones, or some other external issue. But when it comes out of the blue and begins happening constantly with no real reason, it’s time to ask yourself – what’s REALLY going on? Well, among the usual suspects like depression and anxiety, the cause could actually be something completely different – diabetes. Yes, you read that right. Although the more common symptoms of type 2 diabetes are excessive thirst, increased urge to urinate, tiredness and constant hunger, one of the often-ignored signs is anger. Mood swings are common in diabetics, as hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) can cause an imbalance of chemicals in the brain, including the so-called “happy hormone”, serotonin. As a result, this can lead to aggression, confusion and even panic attacks. The anger was so powerful for one married couple, it almost drove them apart. Writing for <a href="http://www.scarymommy.com/anger-sign-of-medical-condition-diabetes/" target="_blank">Scary Mommy</a>, US author Kristen Mae described how she found out about her husband’s diabetes diagnosis just before she was about to issue him an ultimatum – admit you have an anger problem and get help, or the relationship is over. Mae’s husband, who was just 39 and “physically fit” when he received the diagnosis, had been uncharacteristically angry over the past few months before a routine blood test confirmed the news. “He began taking meds, eating better, and exercising more, and after a few weeks, something wild happened,” Mae writes. “The man I married began to reappear. I hadn’t even noticed he’d been taken from me, because diabetes had stolen him so gradually. “My husband, my true husband, is not short-tempered … Diabetes had changed him from a calm, rational person into someone who was tired, irritable, and angry.” So, what should you do if you or your loved one are experiencing sudden, constant anger, irritability or some other mood change? “If your spouse is acting in a way that causes you to question how you could ever have married them, send them to the doctor,” Mae urges. “They might just be sick, and you might just be about to get your loved one back.”

Body

Could this be the cause of your irritability?

I often get a text from a stressed, overworked and overfull hospital Emergency Department seeking urgent assistance to work. Most of the time I am busy on my wellbeing mission – being the ambulance at the top of the cliff – so I can't oblige. This week, however, I had a few hours free so answered the call to help on a crazy busy weekday afternoon. My first patient was very difficult, unusual and downright cantankerous. I am well used to that in the wee hours of Saturday or Sunday mornings but at 1pm on a Tuesday, it was a little more challenging and difficult to diagnose. It would be easy to blame the behaviour on a number of things and a relatively minor presentation with an awkward personality. Given the patient's age, I ran a set of blood tests which weren't indicated for the pain presentation but more to check if there were other issues I was missing. Sure enough, the sodium level in the blood came back at 119 mmol/litre, which indicated a level far below the recommended 135mmol/litre. This man's recent blood tests were 139 mmol/litre so a drop of 20 was clinically significant and explained many things. This condition is called hyponatraemia and symptoms include weakness, fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, confusion and irritability. It can be caused by many things such as medication, low thyroid, drugs like ecstasy, and drinking way too much water. The red flag for me in this patient was his extreme irritability. So as much as too much sodium and salt in our system can cause problems such as high blood pressure, so can low sodium cause issues. Before you go sprinkling salt on the food every cranky relative or workmate, you may want to get your own levels checked! There are a number of factors that determine symptoms such as how long it has taken the levels to drop. The shorter the time, normally the worse the symptoms and signs. As I often point out in this column, unless you measure it you can't manage it. There are many other what we call electrolyte disorders, infection and medications that can cause delirium, confusion and irritability. That's our job as health professionals to try and find a cause and prescribe a cure. That's why we have machines, scanners and probes to do tests and get results. Often, we rule things out rather than find things. That's a job for your GP as well and they have access to many tests to try and solve problems using diagnostics. A simple urinary infection can cause all sorts of cognitive challenges. Our bodies and brains are complex systems that are finely regulated and managed. Too much potassium and magnesium can cause problems such as dangerous heart rhythms, confusion and coma. When we are fit and healthy we can autoregulate and manage challenges like taking too many supplements or drinking too much water. For example, if you want to take a supplement, check that you are deficient in the first place. I don't want to cause irritability in my overworked colleagues or confusion in the community but if someone has a change in personality or behaviour it may be due to a metabolic problem, not necessarily a social one. It may not be an emergency but it could become one if not diagnosed and treated to help you become well and good. Written by Dr Tom Mulholland. Republished with permission of <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz</a>.

Mind

Everything you need to know about Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome isn’t the most glamourous health condition out there, nor is it something people necessarily like to discuss outside their GP’s office, but the fact is around 10-15 per cent of the world’s population are likely to experience it. It’s one of those disorders that you could live with for years and not recognise what it really is. In fact, even those who recognise they have symptoms don’t always seek treatment. We spoke to Sydney nutritionist <a href="https://www.instagram.com/eatlovebelieve/" target="_blank">Lisa El-Behnaihy</a> to learn more about the condition. “It is characterised by abdominal cramping and altered bowel movements, although not all symptoms are gastrointestinal, with fatigue being a very common symptom,” she explains. “Signs and symptoms must be present for at least 12 weeks and the patient must have at least 2 of the 3 following features – a change in stool, a change in frequency of a bowel movement (i.e. diarrhoea or constipation) or abdominal pain/bloating.” Sufferers can develop IBS at any age, but some experts believe stress may be a factor. Women are also at a slightly higher risk of the condition, with around just one third of sufferers reported to men. While medication is available, IBS is best treated by changes to the sufferer’s diet. <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/health/body/2016/03/low-carb-diet-for-irritable-bowel/" target="_blank">The Low-FODMAPs diet</a> is particularly popular among those affected as it cuts out fermentable carbohydrates – a food group particularly triggering for sufferers. However, there are other small changes you can make to help alleviate symptoms. Here are Lisa’s top tips. <ol> <li>Avoid trigger foods.</li> <li>Supplement your diet with a probiotic to repair and maintain healthy gut flora.</li> <li>Increase intake of water and fibre to encourage healthy bowel movements.</li> <li>Exercise more to maintain GI function and reduce stress, thus improving symptoms.</li> </ol> In addition to the above, Lisa recommends a few nutrients to help reduce inflammation. <ol> <li>Glutamine – also improves gut barrier function. Aim for between 500 and 3,000 mg per day.</li> <li>DHA/EPA – also regulates mood. Try for 1–3 grams per day.</li> <li>Curcumin – also provides antioxidant benefits. It is found in turmeric but also comes in tablet form.</li> </ol> Any advice in this article is for information purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment in any manner.

Body

Simple tip to prevent earrings irritating

You may have had your ears pierced for decades, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re impervious to that dreaded irritated feeling many people experience when wearing earrings – particularly inexpensive pairs. Thankfully, there’s a super simple and super cheap way to stop it ever happening again – and it’s probably sitting in your pantry right now. The solution? Coconut oil. That’s right, not only can it <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/beauty-style/2017/02/10-homemade-dandruff-cures/">prevent dandruff</a> and <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/beauty-style/2017/01/ways-to-use-coconut-oil-for-healthy-skin/">improve dry, dull skin</a>, but hundreds of women are singing the praises online about the power of coconut oil in easing irritation caused by earrings. All you need to do to make those cheap (yet undeniably glamorous) earrings feel just as good as their silver and gold counterparts is dip the part which penetrates the earlobe in coconut oil. Leave it to rest for a few seconds, then put it on as usual. However, because the oil does make the earrings a little bit slippery, make sure you fasten them extra tightly tight and even perhaps pop on a few silicon backers. Have you tried this trick before? Or do you have another tip to avoid pain irritation from earrings? Let us know in the comment section below. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/beauty-style/2017/02/diy-anti-ageing-foot-care/">DIY anti ageing foot-care</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/beauty-style/2017/01/remove-product-build-up-in-your-hair/">3 ways to remove product build-up in your hair</a> <a href="/%20http:/www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/beauty-style/2017/01/tips-for-fuller-lips/">5 tips for fuller lips</a>

Beauty & Style

The low carb diet for irritable bowel

The "Low-FODMAPs" diet is a confusing but scientifically proven to help with irritable bowel problems. Low-FODMAPs is perplexing because it requires you to avoid a long list of fermentable carbohydrates that are high in oligosaccharides (e.g. simple sugars), disaccharides (e.g. lactose), monosaccharides (e.g. high-fructose fruit and vegetables), and polyols (e.g. artificial sweeteners). Proven to be very useful in managing irritable bowel syndrome, if you want to try this diet, it is best done in consultation with their doctor or nutritionist. However, there's a need to differentiate between irritable/intolerant bowels and bowel inflammation diseases. Indeed, Low-FODMAPs isn't a cure-all. The science behind it is specific to hypersensitivity and intolerance, which results in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), rather than Inflammatory Bowel Diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (to which Low-FODMAPs has not been proven advantageous). When you have an intolerant bowel, your system is not inflamed but hypersensitive to some of those fermentable carbohydrates. Low-FODMAPs works by cutting all of the most likely culprits out of your diet completely, and then slowly adding them back in (after about six weeks on the diet) to see how your bowels react to individual foods. This is what we call an "elimination diet"; you're trying to eliminate what doesn't upset your bowels so you can find out exactly where your problem(s) lie. In recent years, the trends of gluten-, dairy-, and now sugar-free diets have surged in popularity. Those who are hypersensitive to any of these likely have a "carbohydrate intolerance". No, this isn't just another fad that gives you an excuse to say no to bread: It's a scientific term that means you're unable to digest certain carbs because you lack the appropriate intestinal enzymes to do so. If you're one of these people, the result of eating carbohydrates your body doesn't like often leads to IBS. This means you need to do "number twos" more than three times per day, or you get regularly constipated and can't go at all. Your stool quality may also be abnormal (it may be watery like diarrhoea). IBS affects the microflora in your stomach – you may have heard the term "leaky gut" online or in health magazines – which means the control that lines the small intestines "leaks" and doesn't work properly. The good news is, IBS is manageable. The Low-FODMAPs diet, although proven effective in three out of four people who try it (as reported in Gastroenterology journal), is not a palatable for everyone. Many will find it easier to eliminate one type of irritable carb at a time. This is the reason the gluten-free industry has become so popular: While only about 1 per cent of people have celiac disease, surveys have reported around 30 per cent of people get upset stomach/bowels after eating gluten. Reducing or cutting it out allows many people to control their IBS symptoms. If gluten doesn't seem to be your greatest evil, do try omitting all dairy – e.g. milk, cheese, ice cream, yoghurt – from your diet for several weeks or a few months. If it has little-to-no effect (or you'd prefer to try it the other way around), omit all sugars that are processed, and those that naturally occur in high volumes, i.e. more than five grams of sugar per 100g. Carbohydrate intolerances are not the sole cause of IBS, though. Sufferers are also likely hypersensitive to caffeine because of its diuretic effect, and sometimes alcohol, smoking, high amounts of fat (like in fried foods). You should play the same elimination game with these to gauge your body's reactions. Foods that shouldn't upset the bowels, on the contrary, include all meat, low-fructose vegetables like leafy greens, capsicum, and tomatoes, potatoes and kumara, rice and quinoa, and dairy if it hasn't proved problematic in the past. Importantly, one of the major factors in upset bowels is stress. Medical journals such as Gut have been publishing studies finding very strong correlations between it and IBS. Alongside your diet, it is advisable to address your mental health, too, in any quests to manage upset bowels. If your bowel health is compromised beyond the realm of IBS and you've been diagnosed with an Inflammatory Bowel Disease like Crohn's or ulcerative colitis, you will need medication and possibly surgery. Any diet changes should be discussed with your doctor, not addressed on your own. Written by Lee Suckling, who has a master's degree specialising in personal-health reporting. First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/well-good/teach-me/76295007/understanding-diets-for-irritable-bowels" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz</a> Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2015/12/poop-tells-you-about-body/">What your poop tells you about your body</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/body/2015/10/how-to-lose-weight-after-60/">How to lose weight after 60</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/body/2015/11/healthy-foods-that-make-you-hungrier/">5 healthy foods that can make you hungrier</a>

Body

The low carb diet for irritable bowel

Body

9 photos guaranteed to irritate the perfectionist in you

There’s a perfectionist in all of us that craves a sense of order. Don’t believe us? Well, have a look at these photos and tell us if they don’t cause an irrational (or not so) anger at whoever made it so. <img width="498" height="664" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/8604/1_498x664.jpg" alt="1 (48)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> <img width="500" height="360" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/8605/2_500x360.jpg" alt="2 (51)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> <img width="499" height="400" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/8606/3_499x400.jpg" alt="3 (47)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> <img width="500" height="375" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/8607/4_500x375.jpg" alt="4 (44)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> <img width="500" height="375" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/8608/5_500x375.jpg" alt="5 (42)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> <img width="500" height="540" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/8609/6_500x540.jpg" alt="6 (41)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> <img width="499" height="595" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/8610/8_499x595.jpg" alt="8 (36)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> <img width="500" height="669" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/8611/7_500x669.jpg" alt="7 (36)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> <img width="500" height="375" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/8612/9_500x375.jpg" alt="9 (29)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/pets/2015/07/camouflaged-cats/">Can you spot the cats playing hide-and-seek?</a> <a href="/lifestyle/pets/2015/06/animals-smiling/">12 animals who can’t stop smiling (and will make you smile too)</a> <a href="/travel/travel-club/2015/07/worlds-beautiful-winter-landscapes/">8 of the world’s most beautiful winter landscapes</a>

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Doctor shares her holy grail tips for overcoming eye sensitivity

Martin Scorsese exposes Leo DiCaprio’s irritating on-set habit

ALDI employee reveals shoppers’ most irritating Special Buys habit

Feeling irritable and angry? This could be the surprising reason why

Could this be the cause of your irritability?

Everything you need to know about Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Simple tip to prevent earrings irritating

The low carb diet for irritable bowel

The low carb diet for irritable bowel

9 photos guaranteed to irritate the perfectionist in you

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