Q I get pain in my jaw, and my wife tells me that I constantly grind my teeth in my sleep. What can be done?

Richard, 52

A What you are describing sounds like bruxism; the medical term for teeth grinding. This may or may not be a sign or stress.

For some people it can be a habit which has stuck. It becomes a problem if it cause damages to your teeth or facial pain, which can sometimes become quite disabling and last throughout the day. Your dentist may offer you a mouth guard or mouth splint to aid with your symptoms, but if this does not work you may be referred to the maxillofacial surgeon for a full assessment.

If stress is a cause, this should also be addressed.

Q I’ve had my eyes lasered. Do I still need to have eye checks?

Lauren, 27

A It sounds like you have had a procedure to correct short sightedness and hence you no longer need glasses for distance. While the results with laser eye surgery are improving all the time, your vision will still gradually deteriorate after this procedure, although it may not be obvious.

Regular eye checks would be advised to assess your vision formally, but can also be the first test to pick up diabetes, high blood pressure and glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye that may lead to blindness).

I would therefore advise that you attend for regular sight checks which should be no more than two years apart, or every 12 months if you have a family history of glaucoma.

If you have a question for Dr Zak, you can email him at askdoctorzak@gmail.com, see the website doctorzak.co.uk or find him on Twitter @AskDoctorZak.

Dr Uddin’s advice is provided in good faith and in accordance with currently accepted evidence.

However, this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

You should always seek the advice of a GP, or other qualified health provider, regarding a medical condition.