Dear Dr. Roach: How often does a healthy person with perfect vision and no eye concerns need to see an eye doctor? D.S.
Answer: A periodic eye exam in someone with no symptoms involves a screening test for vision changes related to aging and other eye diseases, including glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. There are several commonsense reasons for screening, but there has not been good evidence to support its use. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force does not make a recommendation for or against screening. The Canadian Task Force recommends against it.
By contrast, the American Academy of Ophthalmologists recommends a baseline exam at age 40; visits every two to four years from age 40-54; every year to three years from age 55-64; and annual exams for people over 65.
Dear Dr. Roach: I suffered from constipation for years, and after consulting with a gastrointestinal specialist, I was prescribed MiraLAX. I take it every morning and have added fiber to my diet. The program has been successful. How wise is it to continue MiraLAX indefinitely? Should I worry about side effects? It has been quite pleasant to be free of constipation worries. Anon.
Answer: MiraLAX is a non-absorbable chemical called polyethylene glycol. It passes through your system, bringing water with it, which makes stool less hard and easier to pass. It is very safe for short-term use. If used excessively, it can pull sodium and potassium out of a persons system.
If you are taking in enough fiber, it should be possible to decrease the MiraLAX without worrying about constipation again, but its OK to use MiraLAX as needed.
