In reference to the new Dry Eye Wheel from the World Council of Optometry, Kyle Klute, OD, FAAO, sees value in the comprehensive visual aid but questions how it will translate into a consistent clinical protocol or framework. In a recent Optometry Simplified write-up, he suggests steps all ODs can take to implement dry eye protocol as non-specialists.

As you decide how to best incorporate dry eye management into your practice — which will no doubt evolve as new information and treatments come to light — don’t neglect the patient education component. The intricacies of DED aren’t common knowledge. Because of its chronic nature and potentially winding treatment path, it’s important your patients have buy-in.

More Than Just Discomfort

Many people think dry eye is just part of getting older or spending too much time on screens. Take a moment to explain that DED is a medical condition, and that they are not alone. Explain that it can be caused by inflammation, tear film instability, meibomian gland dysfunction — i.e., things they might not be able to fix with over-the-counter drops alone.

It’s also worth noting that if left untreated, DED can lead to more serious issues like corneal damage or vision impairment. Convey that, as with many health issues, early intervention is key.

Connect the Dots Between Symptoms and Triggers

Because of its name, patients might not realize that DED isn’t just about feeling “dry.” Excessive tearing is particularly confusing to patients — it’s important to explain that their dry eyes are trying to compensate for a lack of lubrication.

Triggers matter. You’ll want to help your patients identify potential triggers like prolonged screen time, contact lens wear, medications, or environmental factors.

Tailored Solutions

This is the big one. Each dry eye journey is unique, and it’s essential that patients understand this. (And make sure that you, as a practitioner, don’t get stuck taking a one-size-fits-all approach.) Evaluate symptoms through questionnaires and direct conversations. Remember, patients might not volunteer symptoms unless asked specific questions.

You might start small with OTC products, nutrition and supplements, and lifestyle changes. But for each step in the treatment process, whether it’s artificial tears, prescription medications, or in-office treatments like IPL, explain the “why” behind the pivot or the escalation.

And, of course, DED management doesn’t stop after the first visit. Explain the follow-up schedule to check progress and adjust treatment as needed. Frame DED management as a partnership between you and your patient.

You’ll want your patients to understand that while DED is often chronic, a combination of therapies — like artificial tears, prescription medications, and in-office procedures — can significantly improve their symptoms and quality of life.

Lean on Technology and Resources

From telemedicine check-ins to automated reminders about blink exercises, there are so many ways to stay connected with your patients. Share reputable articles or videos that reinforce what you’ve discussed in the exam room. It’s a simple way to show you’re invested in the journey.

Recommended reads:
DED Simplified: How to Efficiently Diagnose, Treat, and Track Dysfunction

Managing Dry Eye in 2025: Think Bigger Picture, Multisystem

The post Buy-in Matters: 4 Ways To Help Your Patients Better Understand DED appeared first on Optometry 411.

As ECPs, staying informed about viral phenomena is always a good idea. You have an important role to play in dispelling myths and educating patients about what constitutes effective eye care — and what doesn’t.

If you’ll remember, we started 2024 hearing about some truly bad ideas:

• Bleach/bright eye challenge (seems like this was originally meant to be parody, but then it went viral…)
• Mucus fishing challenge (forcing mucus out of an irritated eye using a finger or Q-tip)
• Sun gazing (staring at the sun on purpose for “health benefits”)
• Stye popping content

What’s been going on since then? Are there other viral trends or eye health misinformation you should know about? Oh, of course there are.

This year, social media has popularized questionable products, like eye drops that promise to change the color of the iris. These unproven, unregulated solutions come with significant risks, including severe inflammation, heightened light sensitivity, even vision loss.

Surgery or procedures that claim to lighten one’s eye color have also gone viral. From iris implants to corneal tattooing to keratopigmentation for vanity purposes, this type of content is attracting lots of attention. Risks include photophobia, glaucoma, cataracts, corneal disease, and vision loss or blindness.

Recommended read: Can You Change Your Eye Color? Procedures Carry Big Risk

Another trend promoted ballpoint pens as improvised eyeliner to achieve precise makeup looks in a pinch. This practice can lead to severe eye irritation, puncture wounds, and potential ink toxicity; the chemicals in pen ink are obviously not formulated for use near the eyes.

It’s important to understand that when damage to the eyes occurs as a result of these social media trends, the mental health effects can be just as devastating as the physical fallout. 

Misinformation about everyday eye care also continues to circulate online. Blue light-blocking glasses, for example, are often marketed as a must-have for preventing eye damage from screen exposure. While blue light contributes to digital eye strain, there’s no robust evidence that it causes long-term ocular harm or necessitates these glasses for disease prevention. Similarly, myths about eye exercises that can cure refractive errors like myopia or hyperopia remain pervasive, despite being debunked by experts time and again.

Anti-LASIK TikTok content appears to be on the rise, too. And the old chestnut that smoking marijuana can prevent or treat glaucoma.

Viral for good

Sometimes a cautionary tale will find traction. Improper use of mascara — leaving mascara on overnight, to be specific — gained attention this year. One OD went viral sharing a story — with photos — that illustrates the dangers of failing to remove mascara (complications like conjunctivitis and the formation of concretions under the eyelids, which can cause scratches and follicular conjunctivitis).

Another story that went viral in a good way:

Rachel Prochnow, from Austin, Texas, was one of the 45 million people in the United States who wears contact lenses on a regular basis. Despite having worn them since she was 12 years old, no doctor ever gave her any reason to worry that they could harm her health. Sadly, in 2023, while 34 weeks pregnant, she “went blind” in one of her eyes after wearing her lenses in the shower. Prochnow, who recently underwent a cornea transplant to redeem her vision, now wants others to know about the rare condition that caused her blindness that optometrists never warned her about. (Source: Woman Who Lost Eyesight Due to Showering With Contact Lenses Issues Warning)

What ODs can do

Consider using your digital presence to spread accurate information. This type of content can be extremely popular! Address so-called eye health hacks head-on. Let patients know they can always reach out to you with questions about online content of this nature. And be sure to respond with trustworthy information and recommend legitimate resources like the AOA. Your expertise is a powerful antidote to the harmful myths circulating online.

Bonus recommended read: Ocular complications after eyelid tattoo removal.

The post Latest Eye Health Misinformation on Social Media: What ODs Should Know appeared first on Optometry 411.

Knowing what patients (and prospective patients) are worried about can only help you improve quality of care, guide marketing strategy, and inform your CE decisions, allowing you to shore up your knowledge base in relevant areas.

The post What Are Top Patient Concerns Regarding Eye Health Right Now? appeared first on Optometry 411.

This tech outperforms any other device.
Discover the unmatched specs of the human eye and the importance of protecting your vision and overall health with a doctor of optometry. (Source: aoa.org)

Mimicking a product launch for a high-tech device, The Eye website cleverly draws parallels between features of our beloved gadgets and the human eye, which is billed as the “world’s most sophisticated tech.”

It’s a great idea. You know the common lament of a camera being unable to capture a subject as well as the naked eye? This kind of tech comparison perfectly illustrates how powerful and vital one’s vision is, and how essential it is to protect our technological asset.

What is the AOA campaign all about?

The Eye is the third and most recent installment of the AOA’s “Eyes Deserve More” awareness campaign, the thrust of which is to promote eye care as an integral part of overall health and well-being. It launched this past weekend with a multi-day pop-up event in New York City, an immersive and interactive experience for the public complete with exhibits, educational activities, and a large sculpture illustrating each layer and function of the eye.

By making this simple yet profound link — between the power of the eye and the power of our favorite devices — the AOA hopes to encourage an awareness of and dedication to proper eye care.

“The one takeaway that I’d like everyone to have is that incorporating a comprehensive eye exam, just like you would want to update and maintain your technology, is so crucial,” Dr. [Belinda] Starkey said at the conclusion of the panel discussion. “And by doing so you can really enjoy the benefits of your technology but you’re not sacrificing your visual health and your overall health.” (Source: Vision Monday)

Where do you fit in?

Any specific participation in the AOA campaign is up to you, of course. For example, the #EyesDeserveMore hashtag is an easy way for you and your patients to share inspiriting stories and positive experiences with optometrists.

But ODs should all take cues from the impetus behind the AOA campaign: Give people the tools they need to use screens and still keep their eyes healthy.

9 ways to ramp up screen time education at your optometry practice:

When it comes to effective messaging, use tried-and-true techniques: Simplify your tips and include printed and digital resources (catchy infographics, for example). Educational information should be presented in a memorable and straightforward way.

1. Discuss the 20-20-20 rule

During consultations, explain the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away to reduce eye strain. But don’t stop there. Include visual reminders:

• Provide patients with printed and/or digital reminders about it to maximize success.
• Consider making (branded) stickers that your patients can place near screens at home or the office.
• Get conversational and help them figure out the best way to incorporate screen breaks, like setting recurring reminders or alarms.

2. Educate on digital eye strain symptoms

Make patients aware of the symptoms of digital eye strain/computer vision syndrome and factors that can cause or exacerbate these symptoms: lighting and glare, improper viewing distance, poor posture, etc. In addition to your examination, consider devising interactive tools or quizzes to help patients identify whether they might be experiencing digital eye strain.

3. Incorporate the topic into routine check-ups

You may already be doing so, but if not, make screen time a routine topic during eye exams. Ask patients about their daily screen use and discuss its potential impact on their vision. Include questions about screen time in patient history forms to initiate conversations about eye health and screen use.

4. Screen time recommendations

People are concerned about the impacts of screen time, and you are the authority figure to whom they can turn. Offer recommendations based on age. Take the time to find out your patient’s screen usage background (work, gaming, social media, etc.). Personalize your advice based on their lifestyle and suggest appropriate adjustments.

5. Promote proper workspace setup

There’s nothing like a visual demonstration to illustrate a point. Use in-office demos to show the ideal setup for a patient’s computer, phone, or tablet to minimize eye strain. Give your patients all the ergonomic tips for setting up a workspace properly.

6. Blue light mitigation

People are more hip to the concept of blue light and its impacts these days, but in terms of mitigating those effects, we don’t always get to hear from a pro. Suggest specific blue light filters and blue light-blocking glasses. Tell patients which ones are ineffective. Show them how to enable night mode settings on their phones and educate them on brightness settings for screens in general.

7. Provide educational materials

Remembering spoken advice from a healthcare professional can be a challenge in the best of circumstances, as we know. Be sure to offer handouts that explain the connection between screen time and eye health and that reiterate the tips you’ve shared in person. Make digital versions for sharing, too. Hint: It’s never been easier for a novice to create an infographic using free, online graphic design tools.

8. Workshops and seminars

To get your name out there and improve eye health beyond your immediate practice, think about offering workshops or webinars on digital eye strain. You might target those who are particularly vulnerable to it, like students, remote workers, or gamers. Another approach is to partner with local schools, libraries, or workplaces to educate the community on managing screen time and protecting eye health.

9. Social media and online platforms

Reach a broader audience by sharing tips, infographics, and articles about screen time and eye health on your social platforms. It’s a good idea to dedicate a section of your practice’s website to screen time education — include articles, videos, and interactive tools that you can link back to in your social posts.

Through it all, a consistent part of your messaging should be emphasizing the importance of regular eye exams to monitor changes in vision that may be related to increased screen time. Keep it positive and educate people on the benefits of early intervention in preventing or managing conditions like myopia.

The post AOA’s “The Eye” Campaign Ushers in a New Era of Eye Health. Here’s Where You Fit In. appeared first on Optometry 411.

Some Key Takeaways from the Study 

• Patients from disadvantaged areas (high ADI quartile) are more likely to miss follow-up appointments, regardless of race or ethnicity. This emphasizes the need for outreach programs and community partnerships to address barriers to care in these areas. 

• While all groups experience increased lapses in disadvantaged neighborhoods, Black and Hispanic patients face an even greater risk compared to White patients in better neighborhoods. This suggests a compounding effect of racial disparities and SDOH. 

• Interestingly, Black patients in the most advantaged areas had similar lapse rates to White patients. This highlights the importance of looking beyond race and ethnicity to understand individual patient needs. 

The Big Picture 

This study underscores the complex interplay of social factors influencing DR care. Optometrists can play a vital role in reducing disparities in this vital care by: 

• Consider social determinants of health when assessing risk. 

• Develop culturally sensitive communication strategies to address patient concerns. 

• Support policies that promote equitable access to healthcare in underserved communities. 

By acknowledging the combined effects of race and SDOH, optometrists can better serve their patients and work towards eliminating these vision health disparities. 

SOURCE: American Journal of Public Heath 

The post Socioeconomic Disadvantage and Race Compound Lapses in Diabetic Retinopathy Care  appeared first on Optometry 411.

The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, reviewed 18 prior studies and found that vaping can disrupt the tear film, leading to dryness and irritation. The culprit?  Potentially damaging chemicals in e-liquids, like aldehydes, may damage the tear film’s lipid layer. This could explain why long-term vapers report symptoms like gritty eyes, burning, and blurred vision. 

The study also highlights a critical patient safety issue: accidental eye exposure to e-liquid. Mistaken for eyedrops, e-liquids can cause everything from mild irritation to chemical burns. The authors call for clearer labeling and distinct container designs to prevent these accidents. 

Key Takeaways 

• Chronic vaping may be a significant contributor to dry eye disease. 

• Be aware of the potential ocular risks associated with vaping and inquire about vaping habits during patient consultations. 

• Educate patients about the dangers of accidental e-liquid exposure. 

Looking ahead, the authors emphasize the need for long-term studies to fully understand the impact of vaping on eye health. This is an area ripe for further investigation. 

By staying informed about and contributing to the latest research, eye care professionals can play a vital role in protecting their patients’ vision and overall health. 

SOURCE: Journal of Clinical Medicine

The post New Study Links Vaping to Dry Eye and Calls for Labeling Changes  appeared first on Optometry 411.

The post Digital Eye Strain: A Holistic Approach appeared first on Optometry 411.

• Look beyond the device: Look beyond the screen and consider how hydration, stress, sleep, posture, nutrition, and medications might be affecting patients’ eyes.
• Ask about lifestyle habits: Incorporate questions about these factors into your patient intake process.
• Recommend preventative measures: In addition to traditional treatments, advise patients on how to improve their overall health habits to reduce eye strain.

The article details how each lifestyle factor can influence eye health:

• Hydration: Dehydration can lead to dry eyes, blurred vision, and fatigue.
• Stress: Chronic stress increases cortisol levels, contributing to dry eyes, inflammation, and poor visual function.
• Sleep: Insufficient sleep can impair attention, visual function, and the body’s ability to repair itself.
• Workplace environment: Poor lighting, glare, and screen positioning can all contribute to eye strain.
• Posture: Slouching and poor posture can strain the neck and back, mimicking or causing eye issues.
• Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids can promote eye health.
• Medications: Certain medications can have side effects that impact vision.

By considering these factors in addition to screen time, eye care professionals can provide more comprehensive treatment plans and preventative advice for patients experiencing digital eye strain.

SOURCES: The Vision Council, Optometry Times

The post Beyond the Screen: A Holistic Approach to Digital Eye Strain appeared first on Optometry 411.

Evidence shows that certain nutrients can significantly influence visual acuity, reduce the risk of eye diseases, and even slow the progression of conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Let’s shine a light on some key nutrients and their vision-boosting benefits: 

• Antioxidant All-Stars: Lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamins C and E are nature’s defense system against free radicals, unstable molecules that damage eye cells. Ample intake of these nutrients, found in leafy greens, colorful fruits, and nuts, may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or cataracts, the leading causes of vision loss in older adults, and protect against blue light damage. 
• The Omega-3 Advantage: These essential fatty acids, abundant in fatty fish like salmon and tuna, play a crucial role in retinal function and may help prevent dry eye, a common complaint among patients. 
• Zinc for the Win: This mineral plays a part in healthy vision and night vision. Deficiency can contribute to dry eye and cataracts.  Encourage patients to incorporate zinc-rich foods like oysters, lean meats, and beans into their diet. 

A critical finding in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) demonstrated that combining specific nutrients could slow AMD progression. This landmark study found that a combination of vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, copper, and beta-carotene reduced AMD progression risk by about 25%. These results have reshaped how optometrists view preventive eye care, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach. 

Putting It Into Practice 

Given this information, how can you, as an optometrist, incorporate nutrition into your practice? Here are a few practical tips: 

• Nutritional Screening: A brief questionnaire can identify potential dietary deficiencies. Ask patients about their typical daily intake of fruits, vegetables, and fish. 
• Educate Patients: Inform patients about the link between nutrition and eye health. Offer brochures or educational materials highlighting essential nutrients and their sources. 
• Partner with Professionals: Collaborate with registered dietitians to provide personalized dietary advice for your patients with specific eye conditions. 
• Become a Resource: Provide educational handouts or curate a list of reputable online resources on eye-healthy foods. Encourage patients to include nutrient-rich foods like spinach, kale, oranges, and fish in their diets. Suggest simple recipes or meal ideas to make the transition easier. 

By incorporating these tips into your practice and staying current on the latest research on nutrition and eye health, you can empower your patients to take charge of their vision through a healthy diet and holistic treatment plan. Remember, a healthy eye starts on the plate! 

SOURCES: CDC, JAMA Ophthalmology, Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science 

The post See What They’re Missing: The Power of Nutrition for Eye Health appeared first on Optometry 411.

The study, conducted in Japan, evaluated balance and fall risk in patients with AMD and glaucoma. Only 7% of participants reported falls in the previous six months. This number is significantly lower than the national average – according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-quarter of adults aged 65 and over fall each year. 

Interestingly, most participants showed normal balance function and a lower risk of falls compared to individuals with inner ear problems. While some patients did report falls, overall results suggest vision loss from AMD and glaucoma may not significantly impact balance. However, the study authors recommend that healthcare professionals consider evaluating balance in visually impaired patients with additional fall risk factors. 

The takeaway? This study provides encouraging data on the balance function of patients with AMD and glaucoma. While a comprehensive eye exam remains crucial for these patients, the findings suggest vision loss from these conditions may not directly translate to a heightened fall risk. However, it’s important to remain vigilant, particularly for patients with additional risk factors. 

SOURCE: PLoS One 

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