Just Scratching the Surface

Kaleb Abbott and Andrew Pucker are joined by Jeff Banas, an OD from Wisconsin specializing in glaucoma and dry eye, to discuss neurotrophic keratitis (NK).

The trio begin by trying to clarify what, specifically, NK is and how it develops. While classically associated with herpetic infections (HSV/HZV), the panel emphasizes that other significant causes include diabetes, ocular or neuro surgery, chronic glaucoma medication use, and s...

Mucins play an integral role in ocular surface health. They are the secret ingredient that gives the aqueous its viscosity and moisturizing properties. They entrap pathogens in the tear film to protect the eye. And they provide the glycocalyx anchor that keeps the tear film residing on the ocular surface. In this episode, Anna Tichenor, OD, PhD, of Indiana University explains all this and more in the no-nonsense terms you’d e...

You know the story; it might even be your story. Graduate optometry school with a lot of enthusiasm—and a lot of debt. Pick up all the extra days you can just to stay afloat financially. Now you’re in the high-volume, low-reward daily grind of refraction, primary eye care and the same old conversations with patients about what astigmatism is. Hello, burnout.

What to do? For Ada Noh, OD, the answer was to commit to a spe...

With renowned dry eye expert Milton Hom, OD, as this episode’s guest, hosts Kaleb Abbott, OD, and Andrew Pucker, OD, PhD, lead a spirited discussion of so-called “artificial tears” and contact lens rewetting drops as distinct product categories. They begin by exploring whether or not FDA definitions align with the perception of clinicians and their recommendations to patients, noting that much of the terminology a...

Dry eye specialist Cory Lappin, OD, of Cincinnati shares insights on IPL that he’s developed from many years of performing the procedure. Dr. Lappin begins with a clear and concise explanation of how light interacts with pigment at the cellular level to “kick-start” meibocyte activity and target telangiectatic blood vessels. He addresses common misconceptions about IPL, taking care to explain that it is a non-lase...