The Connections Bridgewater Somerville Edition November 2020

HEALTH & WELLNESS PAGE 30 theconnectionsnj.com Visit us! www.HillsboroRX.com NOWOPEN Free Prescription Medication Delivery Medication Synchronization MTM (Medication Therapy Management) CBD Products Dispill Multi-Dose Pill Packaging Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Vitamins First Aid / Home Health Care Gifts Next to Tractor supply store 908-520-6400 Hillsboropharm@gmail.com 256 Us Hwy 206, Ste. 12 Hillsborough, NJ 08844 Contact Information We are always excited to help others. For inquiries, you may reach us through these details. WE’VE GOT YOUR MEDICINE COVERED SERVICES ABESSI EYE CARE 3322 Rt 22 West, Suite 503 Branchburg, NJ 08876 Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is no doubt our country has been through some extremely troubling and uncertain times. Schools, restaurants, tness gyms, athletics, social and family gatherings, and much more had come to a screeching halt to help protect ourselves and one another from propagating the spread of the virus. As organizations and businesses start to reopen, wearing facial masks in public has become the “new normal” to tam- per down on the incidence of COVID-19 cases and ultimately mitigate the contagion. As much of the exhaled air ow from our mouths is being redirected upwards towards our eyes while wearing a mask, which is evident when your eyeglasses become fogged, the already common problem of dry eye has be- come an even bigger issue lately. In fact, this mask-associated dry eye phenomenon has re- sulted in a recent surge in patients in the of ce complaining of dry eye symptoms, including blurry vision, foreign body sensation, grittiness, tearing, light sensitivity, and more. Recently, of ce visits to the ophthalmologist, like myself, seem to be dominated with discussion and treatment plans on how to improve the struggle against dry eye. Similar to having a fan or wind blow air into your face, the exhaled breath that gets directed towards your eyes can cause a signi cant evapo- rative effect on your tear lm. As the tear lm evaporates prematurely, the surface of your cornea begins to develop in ammation, which is the ba- sis of why most people suffer from dry eye syndrome. This issue is further exacerbated by other pandemic-related lifestyle changes, such as pro- longed screen time, which causes incomplete blinking leading to worsen- ing dry eye. The treatment strategy for dry eye is multi- factorial and should be tailored to the individ- ual patient. The underlying cause of dry eye, whether it be related to a systemic condition, medications, prior eye surgeries, and/or eye- lid-related issues, should be addressed and prioritized. In the case of mask-associated dry eye, patients can try to wear masks with a nose- wire to better conform the mask to their nose and cheeks or by using medical tape to provide a better seal around the nose. In addition, it is important to take frequent breaks away from the comput- er screen and avoid eye strain. There are several eye drops to help temporarily alleviate dry eye symptoms, preferably preservative-free arti cial tears which can be found over-the- counter. Prescription eye drops, such as Restasis and Xiidra, can be bene cial to some by treat- ing the in ammation associated with a dry ocular surface. Inser- tion of a silicone plug in the tear duct, placed by an ophthalmol- ogist in the of ce, can also be an option to increase the natu- ral lubrication of the eyes. If you are experiencing any of the mentioned ocular symp- toms, it is strongly suggested to have your eyes examined by an ophthalmologist. Call for a new patient consultation at 908-952-0444 or visit https://www.abessieye.com/contactus. BryanAbessi,M.D., F.A.A.O. is aboard-cer- ti ed ophthalmologist, a fellowship-trained cor- nea specialist at Abessi Eye Care & Surgery in Branchburg, NJ. Dr. Abessi provides com- prehensive eye care in addition to medical and surgical management of corneal diseases. 20/20 SEEMS A LITTLE FOGGY Mask Associated Dry Eye Phenomenon Similar to having a fan or wind blow air into your face, the exhaled breath that gets directed towards your eyes can cause a signi cant evaporative effect on your tear lm. As the tear lm evaporates prematurely, the surface of your cornea begins to develop in ammation, which is the basis of why most people suffer from dry eye syndrome. The treatment strategy for dry eye is multifactorial and should be tailored to the individual patient. The underlying cause of dry eye, whether it be related to a systemic condition, medications, prior eye surgeries, and/ or eyelid-related issues, should be addressed and prioritized. Bryan Abessi, M.D., F.A.A.O