COA Member Authors Article for Women in Optometry

COA Member and chair of the COA Communications Committee, Melissa Barnett, OD, FAAO, FSLS, wrote an article for Women in Optometry about eyelid hygiene. The following is an excerpt from the article. 

“Melissa Barnett, OD, FAAO, FSLS, principal optometrist at UC Davis Eye Center in Sacramento, California, says that she has observed increasing awareness of eyelid hygiene, along with a greater interest in dry eye, tear film and the ocular surface. There is a connection among these components, and ODs can help remind patients of basic eyelid hygiene practices that can benefit them. “I describe eyelid hygiene by explaining the importance of having a clean and healthy ocular surface. The result is a clean tear film in order to obtain optimal vision and comfort. The story is similar for dry eye patients,” Dr. Barnett explains. “Informing patients about eyelid hygiene is something I do with almost every patient.

“Patients appreciate the advice, and many comment on the difference it has made. Patients with styes often comment on the improvement of the ache in their eyes, and others have noticed increased ocular comfort. Usually, a short and simple explanation is all that is required. When she senses a patient is more keenly interested in the details, such as ocular anatomy and the mechanism of action, Dr. Barnett is certainly willing to provide additional detailed information.”

Read the full article here.