In recent years, however, new forms of light therapy have picked up steam as promising tools to treat a variety of ocular conditions.

Speaking to these developments, Roya Attar, OD, MBA, DHA told Optometry Times, “The biggest thing I’m excited about [in 2025 and beyond] is light therapy for all kinds of conditions. We started out [using it] for dry eye disease. Now it’s being approved for macular degeneration and advanced forms of it. I am so excited about that, because that’s something that we can own. We can own that space, and I can take care of those patients instead of having to speak to them [before] they have to go to a retinal specialist, wait a long time in that clinic … And we already have that established relationship.”

As we move into 2025, taking time to understand the current applications and future potential of light therapy will help you make decisions about potentially expanding your practice offerings.

Current applications of light therapy in optometry

Low-level light therapy (LLLT) and intense pulsed light (IPL) have become staples in treating conditions like meibomian gland dysfunction and dry eye disease. For many practices, LLLT is a go-to for reducing inflammation and promoting glandular health, particularly for patients with moderate to severe symptoms. The ability to treat chalazia non-invasively has made LLLT an invaluable addition to the toolbox, reducing the need for surgical interventions and improving patient satisfaction across the board.

IPL, on the other hand, has carved out its niche by targeting telangiectasia and reducing ocular surface inflammation. It’s dual impact — enhancing meibomian gland function while improving tear film stability — has earned it widespread adoption among practices managing persistent MGD cases (and dry eye more broadly). We’ve heard reports of increased patient satisfaction due to IPL’s visible cosmetic benefits in addition to symptom relief.

Recommended read: Evolving eye care with light therapy – Part 1: Low-level light therapy, the skin, and ocular surface care

Emerging trends and future directions

As you may have surmised, the scope of light therapy in optometry is poised to expand. One of the most exciting new developments is low-level red light (LLRL) therapy for myopia control. It leverages red light wavelengths to increase choroidal thickness, which early studies suggest could mitigate myopia progression in pediatric patients. For optometrists specializing in pediatric care, this represents a promising adjunct to current myopia management strategies like orthokeratology and atropine drops.

Another frontier lies in photobiomodulation (PBM) for retinal diseases. As Dr. Attar made reference to, devices like the Valeda Light Delivery System are already FDA-authorized for managing dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). By stimulating mitochondrial activity and reducing oxidative stress, photobiomodulation holds the potential to slow the progression of retinal damage in AMD and potentially other retinal conditions. As it evolves, it may provide a less invasive alternative to current treatments like intravitreal injections.

Recommended video: LLLT and AMD: Your Questions Answered

Integrating light therapy into your practice

For practices already offering light therapy, now is a good time to explore its broader applications. Consider adding LLRL for myopia control to your pediatric treatment offerings or implementing PBM for early AMD patients. Collaborate with colleagues; look for light therapy vendors, panels, and workshops at conferences; seek out CE; and stay abreast of peer-reviewed studies to help guide your investment decisions.

(Note: That’s a lot to keep up with, but our Optometry 411 newsletter will continue to share information on all of the above. Stay connected!).

As reimbursement structures evolve, particularly for new applications like LLRL, be mindful of coding updates and insurance policies.

And finally, we love to talk about patient education: Educating patients about your innovative, non-invasive treatment options can position your practice as a leader in advanced optometric care and make you stand out, especially in more saturated markets where it’s necessary to distinguish yourself.

The post Light Therapy in Focus: Advancing Treatment Options for ODs appeared first on Optometry 411.

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.

It’s hard to keep up with the massive beauty industry, particularly if you aren’t into makeup and beauty trends yourself. Let’s run down current problematic beauty trends and techniques so you’ll know what to look for, and what to ask about when seeing patients.

Tightlining

You see it all the time, but you may not know the term: Tightlining is a makeup technique where eyeliner is applied directly to the waterline, the skin between the base of the lashline and the cornea. It is likely the most common/popular practice on this list. Potential problems include:

• Blocking meibomian glands, causing MGD
• Increasing the amount of cosmetic that enters the tear film and contacts the surface of the eyes
• Exposure to bacteria from unclean or shared products
• Product transfer onto contact lenses causing vision disruption, irritation, and infection

Many people don’t know to be cautious of tightlining because its complications aren’t common knowledge. Beauty magazines have promoted using eyeliner on the waterline for decades, and even if you do show the risks — as Dr. Brittani Carver did on TikTok in 2021, showing a longtime tightliner’s gnarly case of MGD — many viewers still replied that they would not be deterred. As I said, it’s an extremely popular technique.

Eyeliner Tattoos

This is a permanent makeup trend with an important caveat: None of the pigments used for eyelid tattoos are approved for use by the FDA. Eyeliner tattooing involves multiple application treatments, any one of which can cause an adverse reaction:

The process can cause physical damage to the meibomian glands due to dye obstructing the duct, chronic lid margin inflammation, allergic reactions, and potential severe reactions like full thickness lid margin penetration, infections, and eyelid scarring. Eyeliner tattoos may affect the eyes with individuals that have undergone the procedure showing increased corneal staining, shorter tear break up time, and greater amount of meibomian gland dropout.  (Source: Through the Lens of Beauty: Navigating Cosmetic Trends and Their Ocular Effects)

Glitter Eyeshadow

You’ve probably seen glitter in a tear duct or two under your slit lamp, no? Needless to say, anything stuck in a tear duct can cause problems. Glitter can also penetrate the tear film and create corneal abrasions. If people use craft glitter on their face, as opposed to a cosmetic glitter, the risks go up.

In the interest of providing safer solutions to harmful products, you could recommend a cream shadow instead of a glitter powder — it’s less likely to get … everywhere. As with tightlining, having glittery eyelids is a beauty trend that’s not going anywhere, so it’s best to properly advise patients and provide safer alternatives when possible.

Lash Serum

Problems with lash serums are well documented at this point. Serums can cause burning and irritation, iris darkening, conjunctival hyperemia, periorbitopathy due to orbital fat loss, upper eyelid ptosis, and chronic dry eye. Safety information on the packaging is often insufficient and serums are categorized as cosmetics when many actually contain prostaglandin analogues. The good news is that most of these side effects are dose-dependent and may be reversible with treatment discontinuation. (Source: Real Talk About Eyelash Enhancements)

Key lash serum takeaways:

• There is still only one lash serum currently approved by the FDA: bimatoprost 0.3% (Latisse).
• Lash growth serums should not be used while wearing contact lenses.
• Providing visual evidence of potential complications makes patients more likely to consider alternatives.
• Nonprostaglandin analog products like castor oil-based conditioners are not scientifically proven to help lashes grow, but can be a generally safer option for many. Still, there is insufficient research evaluating many of these serums and their safety and efficacy.

Lash Extensions

Lash extensions have exploded in popularity in recent years, despite their regular maintenance requiring two-hour-plus appointments every two to four weeks. Potential complications are numerous:

• Lagophthalmos
• Short-term increases in tear meniscus height and corneal staining
• Risk of chalazia/hordeola
• Keratoconjunctivitis, allergic blepharitis, and conjunctival erosion from the glue used in the application process
• Itching, redness, pain, watery eyes, heavy eyelids, foreign body sensation, and burning
• Hygiene issues from extensions being worn for weeks at a time

Safer practices for extensions include using glues that do not contain cyanoacrylate, latex, or ammonia and removers that are oil-based. You could recommend OTC hypochlorous acid as a cleaning option that will not dissolve the glues. (Source: Lashing Out: Dangerous Beauty Trends)

The DED Factor

We’ve gotten through all this with only one dry eye mention. Let’s remedy that. Current research shows that eye makeup in general is having an impact. In this month’s issue of Contact Lens Update, the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) highlighted a study that indicates a link between frequent use of eye cosmetics and dry eye symptoms. CORE lists several recommendations you can share with patients:

• Remove contact lenses and all traces of makeup, especially before going to sleep.
• Patients prone to symptoms of DED should consider the following options to mitigate exacerbation of their dry eye symptoms:
  • Applying cosmetics further away from the ocular surface
  • Limiting eyeliner to the external lids only
  • Avoiding eyeshadows that may contain larger shimmery particles
  • Avoiding false eyelashes (and lash extensions)
• All cosmetic users should be reminded to discard and replace their eye cosmetics on a regular basis and to ensure applicators are regularly cleaned. (Source: Article Review: Prevalence of Dry Eye Disease and Its Association with the Frequent Usage of Eye Cosmetics Among Women)

I recommend visiting all the sources linked in this article for deeper dives on the treatment of complications resulting from cosmetics and eye-related beauty trends, plus additional ways to educate patients about healthier practices and alternatives. Through the Lens of Beauty: Navigating Cosmetic Trends and Their Ocular Effects is particularly informative.

Keep in mind that you are the trusted authority in a sea of beauty influencers and positive product reviews that do not take eye health into account.

The post Problematic Cosmetic Trends: Latest Insights and Recommendations 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.

Prevent Blindness Resources 

• Free downloadable materials like fact sheets, social media graphics (available in English and Spanish), and a dedicated webpage provide patient education tools. 

• New! A one-sheet infographic, an informative video featuring Dr. Yara Catoira-Boyle, and a dedicated webpage offer valuable guidance for patients on proper eye drop application. 

• Two Focus on Eye Health Expert Series episodes delve deeper into dry eye and MGD, featuring insights from leading specialists. 

These resources are just the tip of the iceberg. Here’s how optometrists can do their part: 

• Consider partnering with local organizations to raise awareness about dry eye during July and throughout the year. 

• Equip staff with the latest dry eye knowledge to effectively answer patient questions and concerns. 

• Proactively discuss dry eye management strategies with patients at risk factors, such as those with extensive screen time or experiencing hormonal changes. 

By leveraging Prevent Blindness’ resources and incorporating these tips, you can significantly enhance your patients’ dry eye experience and outcomes throughout Dry Eye Awareness Month and beyond. 

SOURCE: Prevent Blindness 

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