We all appreciate the impact of meibomian gland disease (MGD) on the ocular surface and eyelids. Treatment should be initiated as early as possible to… Read More »Randall Fuerst OD Discusses EyeGiene Value to Optometry Practice
Dry Eye has multiple causes, but a cause that has grown considerably during the pandemic has been the dramatic increase in screen time due to work-at-home and home-schooling situations.
In short, we are getting way more screen time than is good for our eyes, and we are not taking the precautions to avoid triggering Dry Eye Disease.
We already knew that an over-abundance of staring at screens has been negatively impacting our eye health, so when COVID-19 confined us inside, we ended up diverting ourselves much more by staring at computer monitors, for both work and pleasure. And business meetings that used to get us out from behind screens now had us parked at our computers all day for virtual business meetings!Read More »Pandemic Screen Time Drives Up Incidence of Dry Eye Disease
The use of face masks has been determined over the months of the pandemic to be essential to slow down the spread of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. As with any change in behavior, though, there are unanticipated impacts. In this case, when a loosely worn mask redirects your breath upwards past your eyes, it can cause tears to evaporate more quickly. This leads to a new phenomenon: Increased reports of “dry eyes” to eye care professionals (ECPs).
The Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) at the University of Waterloo in Canada are advising ECPs and dry eye sufferers on how to recognize what is now called “mask-associated dry eye” or MADE. And CORE is sharing methods to mitigate the causes and symptoms.
“Face masks are crucial in the fight against COVID-19, and ECPs are well-positioned to provide patients with advice on appropriate wear in order to maximize eye comfort,” said Dr. Lyndon Jones, director of CORE. “Asking patients about their mask-wearing experiences and providing a few helpful tips takes little time and can make a substantial difference.”
MADE: What is it and who may get it?Read More »Face Masks Can Cause Mask-Assisted Dry Eye Symptoms – How to Treat?
