ASK THE DOC
Surgeon and lecturer Dr Sarah Rayne on managing high cholesterol, finding a reputable aesthetic doctor and what could be behind watery eyes.
Q: My eyes are constantly watering. In fact, it’s got to the point where people ask if I’m crying. I’m not really allergic to anything, so I can’t understand why this is happening.
A: The most common cause of watery eyes is irritation due to an allergy, a smokey environment or an infection. If none of these sound like the problem, dry eyes may be the cause – even though it sounds crazy that a watering eye can be too dry!
Your tears are made up of water to lubricate, oil to make sure the water doesn’t evaporate too quickly and mucus to stick the tears to the eyeball. Each part of the fluid is made in a different gland around the eye, and a dysfunction of one of these glands can cause poor tear quality. When this occurs, dry patches develop on the eye and the body tries to help by producing more tears. You may have noticed that your eyes feel dry, gritty or slightly sensitive to light. If so, you’re not alone: up to a third of older people have dry eyes.
Try artificial tears (preservative-free eye drops) and cut your screen time. Also, go for an eye test to check for any damage, to have your tear quality assessed and to get more advice.
Q: I was recently diagnosed with high cholesterol, and can consume only 200mg of dietary cholesterol. But I really love eggs – can I keep having them for breakfast?
A: Foods that are high in cholesterol (like eggs, liver and red meat) should be eaten sparingly. But certainly one egg a day is fine for you to eat.
We need cholesterol in order to have healthy cells, but too much clogs the arteries, thereby increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes and dementia. Molecules known as lipoproteins carry cholesterol around. Some are good; some are not – it’s the ratio of these numbers that helps doctors know how and when to treat your cholesterol.
You can reduce your levels by eating healthier, high-fibre foods, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and taking exercise. If your cholesterol needs to come down even more, your doctor can calculate your risk of heart disease and start you on medication if necessary. The Heart Foundation (heartfoundation. co.za) is a good place to get more information.
Q: I recently had my lips injected to make them look fuller. I was hesitant to let the woman inject me, but she convinced me that she was licensed to perform the procedure. Within hours, my lips were extremely swollen and painful. I could have an infection, but I’m embarrassed to see a doctor. Are there home remedies I can try?
A: Most dermal fillers are safe and last for six to nine months. The procedure involves a course of small injections to gradually increase the size of the lips (or other areas), and while it might hurt during the procedure, it shouldn’t be too painful afterwards. It’s common to experience swelling for the first three to seven days, so the immediate effect might not be the final result.
But using unlicensed practitioners puts you at risk of complications and infections if the proper procedures aren’t followed. In SA, this procedure can be done only by trained medical practitioners. Beauticians, as well as nurses, don’t necessarily have this training. If you’re in doubt, ask the practitioner about their registration, indemnity and insurance. Legitimate doctors will have this, for your protection and theirs. The Aesthetic and Anti-aging Medicine Society of South Africa (aestheticdoctors.co.za) is a good place to find a reputable practitioner.
If you’re worried about your lips, see a doctor or registered aesthetic doctor immediately rather than trying home remedies. Don’t be embarrassed: your health and looks are worth it.