I have found that savvy, health-oriented patients want options in health care, and they want to be part of the decision-making process. Additionally, I have discovered that these patients are often knowledgeable about using lifestyle to maintain their health. With this in mind, optometrists should consider taking a whole person, or “wholistic” approach, to patient care. The eyes are always attached to a whole person, and we know they are the windows to a person’s health. Therefore, O.D.s should contemplate incorporating health recommendations into their practices.

Here, I explain how I’ve accomplished this.

1 PROMOTING STRESS MANAGEMENT

Over my 30 years in practice, I have found that vision problems can have an underlying physical or emotional health connection. Also, I have learned that the mind-body connection is strong — chronic stress suppresses the immune system, leading to health and vision problems:

• Hypertension
• Obesity
• Autoimmune disorders
• Digestive disorders
• Sleep problems
• Dry eye disease (DED)

As a result, stress management is a big part of my recommendations for patients. Examples of what I discuss with patients to incorporate stress management in their lives include yoga, meditation, acupuncture, a change in sleep routines and attitude adjustment (gratitude, realistic expectations), among other stress-relieving activities.

This has been an extremely stressful two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so stress is at an all-time high. Also, people can overeat and under exercise, which adds to poor health and stress.

It is rewarding to have patients report to me that they lost weight, that their blood pressure went down or that they are sleeping better because of my guidance.

Additionally, I often find that just taking a minute to thank patients for their efforts helps to keep their anti-stress activities going. I’ve discovered that connecting as human beings, instead of just being clinical with patients, makes a beneficial impact.

2 DISCUSSING DAILY HABITS

If a patient has a general health problem, such as obesity, chances are that problem is also affecting their eyes. Because daily habits affect general health problems, optometrists should inquire about a patient’s diet, exercise regimen (if any) and whether they are using any daily vitamins.

I have often found that patients do not know that many chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, are preventable by making changes in their daily habits. When beneficial, I discuss using lifestyle as medicine, which will benefit both their vision and general health.

For example, if I discover hypertension during a patient’s blood pressure screening, I discuss with them ways to decrease blood pressure through lifestyle choices, such as diet, exercise, weight management and stress management.

If I see signs of diabetes in their retinal exam, I first let the patient know that diabetes is a serious condition that they need to manage with their physician. Then, I discuss with the patient the potential effects on the eyes, such as diabetic retinopathy, as well as beneficial lifestyle changes, including ways to decrease blood sugar through diet and exercise. (See “Topline Benefits to Communicate With Patients,” below.)

3 ASSIGNING HEALTH HOMEWORK

O.D.s can give patients “homework” related to managing/overcoming their current general health and related ocular issues.

At my practice, for example, I assign a home eye spa (e.g., lid hygiene, warm compresses, etc.), meditation, acupuncture, homeopathic remedies — there are over 2,500 — nutritional supplements, yoga and referrals to other health care practitioners. Specifically, I hand patients a business card or refer them to the practitioner’s website, when needed.

For example, if a patient has meibomian gland dysfunction, their homework would be to use a device that is analogous to an electric toothbrush, though it’s designed to remove the crusting from blepharitis and Demodex folliculorum. (I find it is particularly beneficial with an eyelid gel that offers an anti-inflammatory benefit.) Additionally, I recommend this device to patients who wear heavy eye makeup or glue-on lashes, including myself when I compete in pageants (see https://bit.ly/3FQ0t10 ).

4 OFFERING RELATED PRODUCTS

Patients often leave my practice with products for lid hygiene and whole-person health that I recommended after examining them. Some of the products that I suggest, include DED treatment products, nutraceuticals, various homeopathic medicines based on need and ocular nutritional supplements.

I have had many patients return to me saying that their eyes feel “so much better” and have decreased crusting after using a home eye spa mask and lid hygiene products.

I find it increases compliance when I provide the products in the office because it saves patients time and avoids confusion on which products patients should get.

5 INVESTING IN RELATED TECHNOLOGY

Another way I have put wellness into my practice is by investing in related technology. For example, in recognizing that several of my patients who have general health problems also have DED, I invested in an intense pulsed light (IPL) device. (Patients also love the aesthetic benefits of IPL, as it rejuvenates the skin by increasing collagen production to decrease fine lines and wrinkles.) Additionally, IPL treats ocular rosacea and the adjacent areas that have telangiectasia, sun and aging spots. Incorporating beauty with health care is an important part of wellness because patients feel and look better, which boosts their self-confidence.

A WEALTH OF HEALTH

There are so many ways optometrists can help their patients by putting wellness into their practices. I find that patients love it when I provide steps they can take themselves between visits. Think about it: Does it grab your attention when you see a healthy recipe, a new workout or a new skin care routine? I’m always looking for health, beauty and aging hacks. OM

DR. BRISCO is an integrative optometrist, a certified clinical homeopath and a fellow of both the American Academy of Optometry and the College of Optometrists in Vision Development. She is writing a book, she invented and patented a device to replace reading glasses, and she is a health and wellness content creator. Check out her Instagram page @HollywoodEyes and on Facebook and YouTube at Hollywood Eyes – Dr. Elise Brisco.