Pupillary Pathways

Recent studies have shown magnesium to be one of the molecules that has treatment potential in glaucoma.

Magnesium improves blood flow by modifying endothelial function through affecting the endothelin-1 and endothelial nitric oxide pathways.

Lutein and zeaxanthin have been found to be essential for eye health, especially for the retina.

This nutrient-packed salad contains brussels sprouts and broccoli, both great sources of nutrients for retinal health. The anchovies and almonds also add a great omega-3 component, making this salad a healthy and delicious side dish for any holiday meal!

Wild-caught salmon is one of the best sources of Omega-3’s which are essential for ocular surface health. Run out of ideas on how to prepare salmon?

Walnuts are another great source of omega-3’s among other nutrients, and these two superfoods together can make a delicious and healthy holiday meal!

Diabetes is a systemic condition that can affect the entire body, including the eyes. Most clinicians focus on diabetic retinopathy as the primary ocular manifestation of diabetes.

However, diabetes can increase the likelihood of so many other ocular conditions. Here’s a shortlist of other conditions to watch out for when examining a patient with diabetes who may or may not present with retinopathy. 

There is so much information and misinformation regarding digital eye strain across the internet, magazines and television. We previously discussed the relevance of blue light blocking lenses in digital eye strain and computer vision syndrome.

Though patients are constantly looking for resources to help them with the issues that they deal with every day, it’s sometimes tough to convince them that they don’t need to spend money on a tool, rather spend a little bit of time each day taking care of their eye muscles.

Comprehensive eye exams are the bread and butter for every optometrist, regardless of the setting. Though patient demographics and chief complaints may be different, the core of everything we do and the testing we perform remains the same. All of the testing we perform on a daily basis in clinic is essential, but sometimes it’s hard to prioritize what to do and when to do it when it comes to looking for something specific or finding evidence for a certain diagnosis.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a prevalent disease and concern worldwide. Along with its associated side effects, diabetes remains the seventh leading cause of mortality in the United States.

Given its heavy prevalence, the chances that you’ll encounter a diabetic patient in your exam chair are extremely high, regardless of the demographic or population of the area you practice in. Here is a summary of common drugs you will encounter with your diabetic patients.

If there’s anything that's buzzworthy in optometry and eye care right now, it’s myopia management! There is no doubt that the prevalence of myopia is increasing worldwide.

Over 40% of Americans are myopic right now, and this number is dramatically increasing globally. Given what we know about increased screen time, near work, and axial elongation, the global pandemic, and school closures did not help this already growing problem.

New graduates are usually thrown off guard with pediatric exams unless they’ve completed rotations or residencies in pediatrics. This is just the fear of the unknown.

The reality is that pediatric eye exams can be a lot easier than adult comprehensive eye exams. However, I have found there are ways I alter pediatric exams so they flow smoothly.

In the last blog post, Advice To My First-Year Self In Optometry School,  I outlined the things I would do differently in optometry school knowing what I know now. Though it’s easy to look back at things I would do differently, I would also like to share the things that I think I did that may help you with your journey as well!