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Feb 2025
42m 43s

Knock Knock Eye: What Really Happens to ...

Human Content
About this episode

In this episode I explore the science behind eye dilation and whether there’s a way to reverse it (spoiler: there isn’t). I also discuss space blindness, a phenomenon astronauts experience due to fluid shifts in microgravity, and what NASA is doing to combat it.


Takeaways:

You Can’t Reverse Eye Dilation (Safely): Dr. Flannery explains why pilocarpine, a medication that constricts pupils, isn’t an effective solution for reversing dilation and can even increase the risk of retinal detachment in nearsighted individuals​.


Space Blindness Is a Real Condition: Long-term space travel can cause swelling of the optic nerves and changes in vision due to fluid shifts, leading NASA to study ways to mitigate these effects​.


Cataract Surgery Patients Say the Darndest Things: Light sedation during cataract surgery makes patients extra chatty, leading to some hilarious surgery-day stories, including unexpected marriage proposals from patients​.


What Causes Ocular Rosacea? This chronic eye condition is linked to facial rosacea, causing redness, irritation, and even corneal inflammation in severe cases​.


Amniotic Membrane Transplants Are a Game Changer: Donated placental tissue is being used to heal severe eye injuries and neurotrophic keratopathy, proving that amniotic tissue has powerful regenerative properties​.

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Today’s episode is brought to you by DAX Copilot from Microsoft. DAX Copilot is your AI assistant for automating clinical documentation and workflows helping you be more efficient and reduce the administrative burdens that cause us to feel overwhelmed and burnt out.


A friendly reminder from the G’s and Tarsus: If you want to learn more about Demodex Blepharitis, making an appointment with your eye doctor for an eyelid exam can help you know for sure. Visit http://www.EyelidCheck.com for more information. 



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