MANAGING DED IN BABY BOOMERS MEANS MORE SCREENINGS

 

In her article, Janelle Davison, OD, examines how to treat DED patients from different generations. When it comes to Baby Boomers, “I recommend screening every patient who has diabetes, as well as menopausal/peri-menopausal patients (ages 45 to 55) for DED with an in-office questionnaire,” such as the OSDI or SPEED; in her clinical experience, both type 2 diabetes and menopause/peri-menopause are likely contributing factors to DED. – “Manage Dry Eye Disease."

 

CONSIDER INTENSE PULSED LIGHT FOR ROSACEA-RELATED OSD

 

In reviewing the in-office options for DED treatment, Drs. Hardeep Kataria and Mahnia Madan had this to say about intense pulsed light (IPL): “Patients who have rosacea-related ocular surface disease are ideal patients for IPL treatments. This is because IPL uses specific wavelengths of light to target the inflammatory telangiectatic blood vessels in rosacea and help diminish them over time, thereby reducing inflammation on the skin and around the meibomian glands. That said, treatments are limited to Fitzpatrick skin types I-V in all patients.” – “Consider In-Office Dry Eye Treatments."

 

START DED DIAGNOSIS WITH A QUESTIONNAIRE

 

In her article, Susan A. Resnick, OD, FAAO, FSLS, shares her preferred testing sequence for identifying and diagnosing DED. Her first step is to use a patient questionnaire: “These surveys alert the optometrist to the frequency, severity, and type of presenting symptoms. Additionally, these surveys establish a baseline score, which is helpful in the suspicion for diagnosis of DED and, should additional testing reveal clinical signs, the monitoring of the efficacy of treatment. – “Perform a Pre-Fit Ocular Surface Evaluation."

 

HAVE STAFF REVIEW VENDOR MATERIAL BEFORE INTRODUCING NEW DED TECH TO THE CLINIC

 

In our DED question and answer article, several ODs weigh in on questions such as the best way to introduce new DED technology to a practice. At the clinic of Glenn S. Corbin, OD, “If we have any written materials from the vendor that we might be giving to our patients, we request that the staff review the materials, so they can address any patient questions. Patients often ask questions based on what they read in brochures from the vendors.” – “Dry Eye Disease: OD Questions Answered."

 

BEING VULNERABLE CAN HELP BUILD TRUST WITH PATIENTS

 

In her new regular column, Dori M. Carlson, OD, MAL, FAAO, discusses how displaying vulnerability can build trust with patients: “Authentic leadership, a type of vulnerability, is necessary for creating that doctor/patient relationship to truly take care of another human being and build that patient rapport and loyalty. When I’ve said, ‘I don’t know, but I’ll find someone who does,’ to a patient, those words have created a better sense of trust. I’ve become that patient’s advocate.” – “Inspire. Lead. Succeed."