Understanding the Cornea: A Marvel of the Human Eye

Today, I want to share something fascinating about one of my favorite parts of the eye. The cornea is the transparent, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye, and it's the very first place where light enters our eye, allowing us to see clearly. But beyond its role in vision, the cornea is an extraordinary part of our anatomy for a few other reasons.

The Cornea's Unique Sensitivity

The cornea is the most highly innervated tissue in the entire human body. Meaning it has more nerve endings than any other part of us. It's an incredible generator of pain, something we’re acutely aware of whenever we get anything in our eyes.

To give you a sense of just how sensitive it is, the cornea's nerve endings are 40 times more...

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...

Tips to Get Dry Eye Relief This Fall 

As the temperatures cool down this fall, it’s easy to forget that your eyes need a little extra care. When the chill sets in, many of us reach for the heater to keep cozy indoors. But while that heat keeps us warm, it can also dry out the air in your home, which in turn dries out your eyes. If you find yourself spending a lot of time in a heated room, here are some tips to help keep your eyes comfortable: 

1. Redirect Warm Air 

Whether you're using a space heater or central heating, make sure the vent isn't blowing warm air directly onto your face. The constant airflow can evaporate your eye’s natural moisture, leaving them irritated. Instead, aim the vent downwards. Blowing the are toward your feet or stomach...

Today we're diving into an important topic: sunscreen. As a dry eye specialist, you might wonder why I'm discussing sunscreen. The reason lies in a condition called ocular rosacea, which involves irregular blood vessels around the eyelids, leading to eye dryness. This condition is closely associated with facial rosacea, making patients more sensitive to the sun. Treatments for facial rosacea, such as intense pulsed light (IPL), require careful post-treatment sun protection.

To help us understand the importance of sunscreen and the differences between types, I've invited Rachel Downey, a health and wellness advocate with Crunchi. When browsing the sunscreen aisle, Rachel understand how overwhelming it can be to choose the right product. Here's what you need to know:

What's the...

Today, I am thrilled to welcome Rachel Downey, a health and wellness advocate, to discuss how to avoid toxins in personal care products. Rachel, a mom of three, began her journey eight years ago, driven by her desire to make safer choices for her children. 

Rachel shares that her journey started when her daughter experienced reactions to certain products, prompting her to explore and switch to safer alternatives. She emphasizes the importance of making "swaps," or replacing commonly used products with safer options. For example, when shopping for baby shampoo, instead of grabbing a familiar brand, she advises turning the product over and examining the ingredients. 

Many of us are aware that toxic ingredients in beauty products can cause issues like dry eyes. Rachel...

Today, I am thrilled to welcome Rachel Downey, a health and wellness advocate, to discuss how to avoid toxins in personal care products. Rachel, a mom of three, began her journey eight years ago, driven by her desire to make safer choices for her children. 

Rachel shares that her journey started when her daughter experienced reactions to certain products, prompting her to explore and switch to safer alternatives.

 What's a "Swap"?

Rachel emphasizes the importance of making "swaps," or replacing commonly used products with safer options. This is the simple act of swapping out one of your regular personal care items for another that contains less toxins. Overtime, using one product that is better for your health after another, you can notice significant changes to the way your...

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...

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...

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...