Patients With Certain Lipids May Be at High Risk of Devel

HOT TOPIC

A study by researchers at Mount Sinai Health System and Harvard University found that higher levels of two types of lipids—diglycerides (DGs) and triglycerides (TGs)—were associated with an increased risk of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). The study looked at data from four different study groups and included more than 2,000 people with POAG and more than 4,000 people without the disease.

The researchers found that for every 10 mg/dL increase in DG levels, the risk of POAG increased by 11%, and for every 10 mg/dL increase in TG levels, the risk of POAG increased by 8%. These findings suggest that dysregulated lipid metabolism may be a risk factor for POAG.

This study is the first to show a link between specific types of lipids and POAG. The findings could help eye doctors identify people who are at higher risk of developing the disease and better enable them to develop therapies to prevent or delay its progression.

OUTSIDE THE LANE

Can Castor Oil Help the Eyes? What to Know About Social Media Claims

For years, people have been using castor oil, a type of vegetable oil, for a variety of home remedies, including use as a laxative and moisturizer. A viral TikTok trend has been promoting castor oil use as a way to treat eye problems, despite there being little to no scientific evidence to support the claim that its use can improve vision or treat any eye condition.

Many videos on the social media app show individuals rubbing castor oil in and around the eyes, claiming that it has provided substantial dry eye relief or other ocular benefits. In reality, rubbing castor oil on the ocular surface can be harmful. It can cause irritation, inflammation, infections, and/or potentially permanent corneal damage.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) warns against using castor oil for eye health and states that there is "very little evidence" to support the claims that castor oil can help with dry eye or blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelids. The AAO also states that castor oil is "not a cure-all" for eye problems.

Castor oil is a thick, oily substance that can be difficult to remove from the eyes. If it does get in the eyes, it can cause blurry vision, pain, and redness. (Read more here.)

CAN YOU RELATE

With the rising popularity of social media and various viral trends, it’s become increasingly apparent that many patients are willing to listen to anyone with a voice or influence about ways to improve their health and everyday lives. Their ocular health and eye care are no different. For that reason, I want to highlight a few of our own who are doing an absolutely incredible job getting in front of the general public, sharing the eye doctor story, and acting as the face of our profession to so many patients (and potential new patients) on social media, specifically on Instagram.

Joseph Allen, OD, FAAO, Dipl ABO (@doctoreyehealth)

Dr. Allen may look familiar, and that may be because he has a popular YouTube channel with the same name as his Instagram handle (DoctorEyeHealth), which he uses to educate patients about disease states and differences between products. He also reviews new products, addresses recent eye-related news stories, offers tips, answers questions, and more. Additionally, Dr. Allen hosts the video series Eye Care Insiders, in which he tackles topics relevant to today’s medically minded optometrists who are practicing full scope patient care.

Inna Lazar, OD (@dr.innalazar)

This Connecticut-based optometrist gives followers a glimpse into her life as a primary care eye doctor specializing in dry eye. Her regular posts on eye care, eye myths, and primary eye principles, which many of us in the profession take for granted, have made her a superstar. We’re fortunate to have her representing our profession. Side note: Dr. Lazar recently posted about the dangers of using castor oil and had a few people comment that they use it to grow their lashes and hydrate their eyes.

Harbir Sian, OD (@harbirsian.od)

An OG OD of Instagram, Dr. Sian is one of my favorite follows. When you listen to the man talk, either on social media or on his podcast, The 20/20 Podcast, you immediately understand that he has put himself out there to be a patient-facing representative of our profession. Much like Dr. Lazar, Dr. Sian’s posts regularly deal with basic eye care questions that our patients ask each day in the clinic.

Jen Wademan, OD (@drjenwademan)

Visit Dr. Wademan’s Instagram account and you get her personality right away. Quirky and fun, her posts are full of useful information, answers to common questions, uplifting experiences from her clinic, and more.

Others you may be interested in following, if you don’t already:

Hardeep Kataria, OD, FAAO — @dr.hardeep.kataria
Sathi Maiti, OD — @dr.maitiseyeballsandstuff
Jessilin Quint, OD, MBA, MS, FAAO — @jessilinquint
Emilie Seitz, OD — @eyeseitz
Sherene Vazhappilly, OD — @drserenehappy

It’s obviously not possible to list everyone with follow-worthy Instagram accounts here, so if I didn’t mention you, it’s nothing personal. I just wanted to offer up some examples of our colleagues making an extra effort to educate the masses in a more fun and creative format.