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cover of episode Knock Knock Eye: What Really Happens to Your Eyes in Space?

Knock Knock Eye: What Really Happens to Your Eyes in Space?

2025/2/13
logo of podcast Knock Knock, Hi! with the Glaucomfleckens

Knock Knock, Hi! with the Glaucomfleckens

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The podcast host, an ophthalmologist, describes the unique aspects of cataract surgery, where patients are often awake and sometimes under light sedation. This leads to humorous anecdotes, such as a patient proposing marriage during surgery. The host also discusses the importance of patient communication and the option for patients to request a quiet surgical environment.
  • Cataract surgery can be performed on awake patients under light sedation.
  • Sedation can lead to patients behaving unexpectedly.
  • Patients can hear and participate in conversations during surgery.
  • Patients can request a quiet surgical environment if desired.

Shownotes Transcript

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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If you want more information on models I use:

Anatomy Warehouse provides for the best, crafting custom anatomical products, medical simulation kits and presentation models that create a lasting educational impact.  For more information go to Anatomy Warehouse DOT com. Link:  Anatomy Warehouse) Plus for 15% off use code: Glaucomflecken15

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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