Well-being Q&A: Myokymia and POCD
Dr V.L. Shyam, MD (Ay) offers advice to readers of Friday .
I am 30-year-old man. I have been experiencing bouts of eye twitching for several days. I have been wearing contact lenses for 12 years and I also use a laptop almost every day.
AM, by email
Eye twitching, or myokymia, is an involuntary eyelid muscle contraction that usually affects the lower eyelid. Almost all eyelid twitching is not serious. Common causes are corneal irritation or injury, stress, tiredness, eye strain, caffeine, dry eyes, nutritional imbalances, allergies, etc. More serious forms of eyelid twitching are caused by nerve involvement and should be investigated by a doctor.
As you wear contact lenses, have an eye exam to see if any vision correction is required. Dry eyes also are very common among people who use computers and among those who wear contact lenses. Eye twitching is usually a sign that you need to take a break and relax, which often resolves most minor cases of eye twitching. Try applying warm compresses to the twitching eye and gently massage the eyelid with your fingers. Please ensure your hands are clean before touching the affected area.
I am 21 years old and weigh 68kg. I have lost around 27-28 kg in the past four years. I have been suffering from PCOD (polycystic ovarian disease) for the past two years and I am on medication. Despite going to the gym regularly and having a proper diet, I am not losing weight. I also have gastric problems.
KK, by email
It is true that there are some rare conditions that will cause someone to be unable to lose weight despite diet and exercise, such as an underactive thyroid and other hormonal imbalances. But a vast majority of people underestimate their calorie intake and overestimate the number of calories burned during exercise. The human body will burn roughly 1,200 calories a day, just by carrying on the routine activities of daily living. It is not hard to achieve a 2,000-calorie burn a day by adding activities such as walking, running up the stairs, catching a bus, doing the laundry, etc. Also note that two chocolate cookies and a glass of milk can cost you around 350 calories. Some tips:
- Have your PCOD problem treated effectively; Ayurvedic medicines like *Sapthasaram Kashayam, *Sukumaram Kashayam would be of help.
- Get your thyroid checked.
- Reduce carbohydrates; eat plenty of vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower.
- Keep a balance between aerobic training and weight training when you work out.
- Ensure you get sufficient sleep and try to stay stress-free.*Varanadi Kashayam and *Thriphala Choornam can help you lose weight.
- Take a teaspoonful of *Kalyanagulam at bedtime for the gastric problem. *Available at shops selling herbal products.
Ask me a question…
Well-being,
Friday, Gulf News,
PO Box 6519,
Dubai, UAE
Fax: 04 3421039
friday@gulfnews.com
