The Doc Replies
Our expert answers your medical questions
I am experiencing a very dry eye. What could be causing it?
This is a very common problem in surgeries, affecting around one in three older people. Your eye is covered by a very thin film of tears which has three layers – the outer oily layer, the main middle watery layer, and the inner mucus layer. Often what happens with dry eyes is the balance is upset. It can lead to an uncomfortable, gritty feeling in the eye. A dry eye is identified most often by optometrist when you go for your regular eye check. They can use their fancy lamps to see on to the surface of the eyeball, and note if any tell-tale tiny ulcers have shown up. It can be treated in various ways – avoiding things which make it worse helps to begin with. Hot, dry, dusty conditions can aggravate it, so consider wearing sunglasses if you’re going on holiday to a warm place. Central heating can also make it more uncomfortable, not that you should need it at this time of year...
I am a male aged 76 and suffer severe pain in my legs. My doc says it’s bad circulation and I have to learn to live with it. Is there anything I can take for the pain?
I think it is likely from your description that you have peripheral vascular disease or, as it is sometimes known, claudication. This is where the circulation to the legs through the arteries isn’t as it should be. If you are a smoker it is important you stop, and you manage your cholesterol. The pain itself does not respond well to painkillers, unfortunately.
I’m a 35-year-old woman and can’t make out speech above loud noises. I’ve looked up my symptoms and it appears to be called cocktail party syndrome.
What you are describing basically is a little bit of hearing loss. Your doctor will be able to assess the likely cause and have a look at your ears to see if there is anything simple to be done. If necessary they will then refer you for a formal hearing test.
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