The Worst Thing You Can Do for Your Eyes This Allergy Season. Here’s What to Do Instead 

Spring flowers are beautiful, but they can wreak havoc on your eyes. If you’re dealing with itchy, red, watery eyes during allergy season, you might be tempted to grab an over-the-counter antihistamine like Zyrtec, Allegra, Claritin, or Xyzal. But if dry, irritated eyes are also part of the problem, these over-the-counter remedies may make things worse. 

Let’s explore a few ways to have eyes that feel great, see great, and look great, even when allergy season is in full swing. 

The Antihistamine Mistake 

While oral antihistamines are great for sneezing and nasal congestion, they come with a hidden downside: they dry out your eyes. 

These medications work by reducing histamine, the chemical your bo...

In today's fast-paced digital world, most full-time professionals might not realize that their eyes are under constant assault. With screens becoming an integral part of both work and leisure, our eyes rarely catch a break, leading to a surge in symptoms associated with digital eye strain.

If you've experienced blurry or fluctuating vision, dry and irritated eyes, or constant squinting, you might have attributed these issues to aging or stress. However, the truth is that these symptoms are often avoidable if you know the right steps to take. I've developed the 3P Framework: Prepare, Perform, and Preserve. If you haven't seen the TEDx video that explains it, watch it here.

**Prepare**

Start by creating an environment that minimizes eye strain. This includes adjusting the lighting in your...

When it comes to mascara, people with dry or sensitive eyes have to be extra cautious about what they put near their delicate eye area. While waterproof mascaras are known to be problematic, tubing mascaras are often marketed as a gentler alternative. But are they really the best choice for sensitive eyes?

As a dry eye specialist, I want to help you find makeup that not only enhances your lashes but also protects your eye health. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of tubing mascara and what might be an even better option for sensitive eyes.

What is Tubing Mascara?

Tubing mascara is a unique formula that wraps each individual lash in flexible "tubes" rather than coating them with traditional wax-based pigment. This creates a smudge-proof, long-lasting effect that resists fl...

Valentine’s Day is all about love. Let's show our eyes some love too. Our vision allows us to experience life’s most beautiful moments, yet we often overlook the daily care our eyes need to stay healthy and clear. This year, instead of just focusing on chocolates and roses, let’s give our eyes a gift that will keep them working well for a lifetime.

I always remind my patients that a few simple habits can make a world of difference in maintaining eye health. I call these Eye Care Essentials, a four-step routine that takes just minutes a day but offers lasting benefits.

1. Hydrate: Refresh with Preservative-Free Artificial Tears

Just like our skin needs moisture, our eyes need hydration too. Using a preservative-free artificial tear helps refresh the front surface of the eye without expos...

Have you been thinking about refractive surgery, but you've been told that your eyes are too dry?  There are some newer procedures on the market that may be a better fit for your dry eyes. In this article, we will cover ICL surgery for vision correction. And, SMILE surgery will be covered in a future article.

EVO ICL: A Vision Correction Option

Refractive or Vision Correcting surgery is for patients who want better vision without the aid of contact lenses or glasses. The EVO Implantable Collamer Lens (EVO ICL) is an option for vision correction. This lens is implanted inside the eye and is designed to correct nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism.

What is the EVO ICL?

The EVO ICL is a small, implantable lens that works inside the eye. It stays in the eye permanently but can be su...

Check out the recent Rent. article we were featured in: 

Creating a serene environment for your sleep sanctuary can make a world of difference when it comes to optimizing your sleep. With the right elements in place, you can foster an environment that promotes restful nights and happy days. 

In this Rent. guide, we’ll take a look at some tips to set up the perfect sleep sanctuary, whether you’re buying a home in Annapolis, or renting an idyllic San Diego apartment. 

Read the full article here: Creating a Sleep Sanctuary  | Rent.   

Here are a few Highlights:

Getting the right amount of sleep is important for our bodies to be able to maintain proper function and heal from the day's activities. When we do not get enough rest the systems in our body's that maintain our health start to br...

Removing eye makeup at the end of each day is crucial, especially for those of us with sensitive eyes. Leaving makeup remnants on our lids and lashes overnight gives bacteria a cozy place to settle and multiply. This overgrowth can lead to issues like blepharitis, inflammation, redness, swelling, and even wrinkles. None of us want that, so let's ensure we remove our eye makeup properly every day.

So, what makes a good eye makeup remover for sensitive eyes? There are three key factors to consider, and I’ll use one of my favorite products, Optase Life Sensitive Eye Makeup Remover, to illustrate them.

1. Gentle Removal

A great eye makeup remover must gently remove all traces of makeup. The Optase Life Sensitive Eye Makeup Remover features patented ionized water technology that gently and e...

Today, I want to share why using soap and water isn't efficient for cleaning your lids and lashes. If you've been following me for a while, you know that I always talk about four simple steps to take care of your eyes daily because when you learn to take care of your eyes today, your vision will last a lifetime. Taking care of our eyes is as essential as taking care of our hair, skin, and teeth. Our eyes are irreplaceable, and we need to ensure they serve us well for life.

Many of my patients say, "Yeah, I wash my eyes in the shower," or "I clean them when I wash my face." But why isn't soap and water enough? There are bacteria and mites that live on our lids and lashes—everyone has them, and it's completely normal. However, for those of us who suffer from dry eye disease, our lids and la...

Today, I'm diving into the world of dry eye relief and exploring a brand-new solution that's making waves in the eyecare world. Say hello to Miebo, the recently FDA-approved medication from Bausch + Lomb, designed to treat dry eye symptoms. But before we delve into this exciting development, let's take a moment to understand the intricate layers of our tear film. 

The Three Layers of Tear Film 

Your tears are more than just salty droplets that express your emotions; they're a complex blend of three crucial components: 

• Watery Layer: This layer coats the front surface of your eye, providing moisture and nourishment. 
• Mucus Layer: The mucus layer serves as a foundation, holding the watery layer in place. 
• Oily Layer: The final layer, produced by your meibomian glands in the eyelids, a...