EyeConnect

Episode 4: Time to Sparkle with Alison Ng

Are you finding it challenging to discuss cosmetic use with your dry eye or contact lens patients without causing upset? In the fourth episode of Scope Connect, "Time to Sparkle," Dr. Byki Huntjens speaks with Dr Alison Ng, an Independent Optometric Consultant and clinical scientist formerly at the Centre for Ocular Research and Education, about the potential impact of cosmetics on eye health and practical strategies for promoting ocular surface well-being. Discover how to guide your patients toward eye-friendly choices that help them manage their ocular surface health while still enjoying their favourite cosmetic routines.
In this episode, you'll learn:
What constitutes opto-cosmetics, including colour cosmetics and personal care products.
Specific ingredients and formulations known to pose risks to the ocular surface, such as glitter, retinoids, and prostaglandin analogues found in lash growth serums, and their potential effects like impacts on meibomian glands or irritation and hyperpigmentation.
A valuable resource – the TFOS Lifestyle series cosmetics report, specifically Table 10 – that lists key ingredients practitioners should be aware of.
Recognisable signs of ocular reactions to cosmetics, including foreign bodies from glitter or the appearance of eyeliner floating in the tear film.
Effective approaches to educate patients, using tools like anterior eye imaging to show them the impact of cosmetic use and removal habits.
How to provide practical advice on removing makeup, including specific techniques for different product types (like biphasic cleansers for waterproof formulations).
A useful clinical pearl for makeup removal: washing the face first with a gentle cleanser to rehydrate cosmetics before using an eye makeup remover.
The importance of advocating for good cosmetic hygiene, such as regular product replacement, cleaning application tools, washing hands, and the crucial rule of not sharing cosmetics.
Insights into concerning trends like DIY eye cosmetic recipes and how to address patient misconceptions.
Gain valuable insights to support your dry eye and contact lens patients in making informed choices about their cosmetic use, enhancing their ocular surface health without dimming their sparkle. Listen to "Time to Sparkle" now and discover how to confidently integrate cosmetic guidance into your patient care.

Episode 3: Nutritional Boost with Iain Johnson

Are you wondering how nutrition fits into dry eye management? In the third episode of EyeConnect, "Nutritional Boost," Dr. Byki Huntjens speaks with Iain Johnson, an optometrist who specialises in advanced contact lens fitting and dry eye management, about integrating nutritional guidance and supplements into dry eye care strategies. Discover the value of nutritional education for your dry eye patients and learn how diet and supplementation can support ocular surface health.
In this episode, you'll learn:
How inflammation and oxidative stress, influenced by diet (particularly the typical Western diet), play a significant role in dry eye.
Why omega-3 fatty acids, and maintaining the balance with omega-6, are key nutrients to emphasise for dry eye patients.
Specific guidance on omega-3 supplementation, including aiming for over 1000mg total of EPA and DHA.
Crucial factors to consider when advising on or stocking supplements, such as the quality and form (like the triglyceride or re-esterified triglyceride forms, avoiding ethyl esters) for better absorption, and the value of third-party testing.
Practical advice for patients who prefer not to take supplementation, including increasing oily fish intake (e.g., 2 portions a week) and reducing consumption of processed foods high in pro-inflammatory omega-6.
The potential benefits of a broader healthy diet, like the Mediterranean diet, for overall eye health and potentially dry eye, including the concept of using a Mediterranean diet scoring system (Medi score).
Insights into emerging research linking the gut microbiome to dry eye.
Gain valuable knowledge to provide a nutritional boost to your dry eye management strategies and help your patients improve their ocular surface health.

Episode 2: Home or Away with Sarah Farrant

Do your patient's surroundings impact their dry eye symptoms? In the second episode of EyeConnect Dr. Byki Huntjens speaks with Sarah Farrant, an Optometrist, practice owner, BCLA President, and TFOS ambassador for the UK, about how practitioners can help patients manage dry eye symptoms that are influenced by their surroundings, from the workspace to seasonal allergies.
Discover practical advice to help your patients understand and mitigate the environmental factors affecting their dry eyes.
In this episode, you'll learn:
The significance of taking a thorough patient history to understand a patient’s lifestyle and potential triggers, including hobbies and typical daily activities.
How to assess the impact of digital device use by understanding if screen time is a solid chunk or deliberately broken up with regular screen breaks.
The importance of explaining the effect of reduced blinking while using screens and empowering patients to take ownership of their condition.
Why dedicated dry eye appointments are essential for spending adequate time listening to patients, gathering data, and explaining management strategies.
Tips for recognising subtle signs that environmental factors are at play, such as inferior staining, while avoiding over-categorisation.
Strategies for optimising workspaces, including advice on temperature, humidity, and airborne pollutants.
Ways to support patients with seasonal allergies, such as washing hair and bedding regularly, and understanding when to recommend cold or hot compresses.
Don't miss out on these valuable insights that can transform your approach to dry eye management by considering the impact of your patient's environment. Listen to "Home or Away" now and discover how to better support your patients in achieving lasting relief.

Episode 1: Home Therapies with Stephanie Doherty

Are your dry eye patients struggling with their at-home treatments? In the first episode of Scope Connect, "Home Therapies," Dr. Byki Huntjens speaks with Stephanie Doherty, an Optometrist with a keen interest in healthcare tech, about improving patient compliance with artificial tears, heat masks, and lid cleaning.
Discover practical strategies to help your patients overcome the challenges of integrating these essential routines into their daily lives.
In this episode, you'll learn:
How to identify non-compliance early by asking specific questions about your patient’s home treatment schedule and having them demonstrate their techniques.
The importance of educating patients about the anatomy of the eye and the purpose of each treatment.
Tips for simplifying treatment regimes and personalising plans to suit individual patient needs and lifestyles.
Ways to manage patient expectations and instil confidence in their ability to manage their condition.
The value of setting short-term goals and celebrating small wins to encourage long-term adherence.
Don't miss out on these valuable insights that can transform your approach to dry eye management and improve your patients' quality of life. Listen to "Home Therapies" now and discover how to better support your patients in achieving lasting relief.