The Optometric Minute

Learning from the Dental Model

August 5, 2015

When the widespread adoption of fluoride in water supplies led to a decline in cavities, dentists responded by curtailing their numbers and refocusing their emphasis from filling cavities to maintaining oral health, notes Arthur B. Epstein, OD, FAAO, of Phoenix Eyecare and the Dry Eye Center of Arizona.

In the process, dentists changed the way most of us think about our teeth.

“Today, we are accustomed to returning to our dentist every six months for a periodic cleaning,” he says.   

In his own practice, which includes a dry eye clinic, he applies the same periodic cleaning approach. His dry eye patients return every half-year to have a thorough lid cleaning, and they are shown how to clean their lids nightly. In addition, the practice sells nutraceuticals to maintain good ocular health. Imaging is done on a yearly basis.

Dr. Epstein underscores that the need for regular eye health treatments is increasing. Added strains are placed on our eyes due to our growing dependence on reading screens and harsh environmental conditions. “Our average dry eye patient is in their 40s, when a few years ago they were in their 60s,” he says.

Emphasizing regular ocular health checkups, in the manner that dentists emphasize oral health, is the way of the future for optometry, says Dr. Epstein: “It good for the patient, and it’s good for the practice.”

 

OTHER ROB VIDEOS ON DRY EYE

How-To: Create a Dry Eye Specialty

Practice-Builder: Treat Ocular Surface Disease

Six Strategies to Grow a Dry Eye Specialty

Arthur B. Epstein, OD, FAAO, is co-owner of Phoenix Eyecare and the Dry Eye Center of Arizona in Phoenix, Ariz. To contact him: artepstein@artepstein.com

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