New Insurance Guidance Benefits Patients

April 1, 2022 by ahaggard

Many patients getting screened for colorectal cancer (CRC) soon will not have to pay out of pocket for a follow-up colonoscopy to evaluate a positive, non-invasive CRC-screening test.

New federal guidance released in January will soon require health insurance plans to fully cover the cost of a follow-up colonoscopy to evaluate a positive result from an MTs-DNA stool-based test (Cologuard) as well as a fecal immunochemical test (FIT).

“Ensuring individuals have access to this lifesaving screening will significantly reduce suffering and death from this disease,” Lisa Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), told MedicalXpress.

It is important to understand that if your FIT or Cologuard test comes back positive for colon cancer, a follow-up colonoscopy is critical for your health. You are twice as likely to develop more advanced colon cancer if you skip this follow-up procedure.

In the past, cost has been a significant barrier to many people, making it a primary reason not to get the follow-up colonoscopy. This new follow-up screening coverage is for plan or policy years beginning on or after May 31, 2022. Patients need to check with their insurance provider about this coverage.

“This guidance will help ensure that patients can choose the test that is best for them without worrying about out-of-pocket costs,” Anjee Davis, MPPA, president of Fight Colorectal Cancer told MedicalXpress. “Ultimately, this will save lives and support early detection of colorectal cancer.”

45 Is the New 50 for Colon Cancer Screening

Leading health organizations now recommend CRC screening starting at age 45, not 50, for all average-risk individuals due to an increase in the disease in younger people.

In 2020, the American Cancer Society (ACS) reported about 12 percent of all cases of CRC occurred in individuals younger than 50. Patients diagnosed prior to age 50 were more likely to have advanced disease at diagnosis.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. and one of the most preventable through timely screenings. About 60 percent of all colon cancer fatalities in the United States could be prevented if every man and woman 45 or older chose to be screened for colon cancer, according to the ACS.

“This year alone, the American Cancer Society estimates more than 150,000 individuals will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer and more than 52,000 will die from the disease,” Lacasse told MedicalXpress. “But colorectal cancer is preventable when precancerous polyps are found and removed through a colonoscopy.”

Many screening methods are available for CRC, but a colonoscopy is the gold standard because it is the only screening that can both detect and prevent colon cancer.

According to a 2019 online survey, “colonoscopy was the most frequently preferred option for average-risk patients, favored by 96.9% of gastroenterologists and 75.7% of primary care clinicians.”

Prioritize Your Colon Cancer Screening

If you are 45 or older, prioritize your colon cancer screening. The five-year survival rate is about 90 percent when CRC is found at an early stage before it has spread.

Screenings save lives. Don’t delay your diagnosis. Don’t delay your colonoscopy. Call your gastroenterologist today.

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An Eye Scan Could Detect the Risk of Early Alzheimer’s

April 1, 2022 by ahaggard

Does the eye provide a window into early brain changes? A new study published in JAMA Ophthalmology suggests a simple eye test could help diagnose Alzheimer’s disease in earlier stages.

About 6.2 million Americans over age 65 live with Alzheimer’s dementia, a progressive disease that destroys memory and other critical mental functions.

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are usually diagnosed when people become forgetful or act out of the ordinary. Traditional MRI scans can help doctors detect Alzheimer’s disease but not in the early stages. More advanced MRI scans can help detect the disease in earlier stages; however, these are still investigational, and this type of imaging would be costly. Experts say retinal deterioration may reflect changes in the blood vessels in the brain, which could play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s.

Retinal Thinning Could Predict Early Alzheimer’s

Previous research suggests people with thinner retinas are at risk for memory and reasoning problems. Researchers from the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand, recently investigated the retina’s ability to indicate brain changes earlier in life.

The study team analyzed data from 865 Dunedin Study participants at age 45, looking specifically at the ganglion cell layer (GCL) and the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL).

Participants with thicker GCL and RNFL exhibited more robust cognitive performance in childhood and adulthood. However, thinner RNFL was associated with a more significant decline in mental processing speed in childhood and adulthood. According to the study, “RNFL could be an indicator of overall brain health.”

“In the near future, it’s hoped that artificial intelligence will be able to take an image of a person’s retina and determine whether that person is at risk for Alzheimer’s long before they begin showing symptoms, and when there is a possibility of treatment to mitigate the symptoms,” said Ashleigh Barrett-Young, PhD, Research Fellow at University of Otago (Medical Xpress).

Although further research is necessary to determine whether a thinning retina can indicate Alzheimer’s, this study provides hope that optical scans could assist in predicting cognitive decline.

Comprehensive Eye Exams Can Preserve Healthy Vision

The eye doesn’t just provide a window into early brain changes. It is an indicator of overall health. Yearly eye exams can diagnose many common eye diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration, which can cause irreversible eye damage. An eye exam can also help detect chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and high cholesterol.

When is the last time you scheduled a comprehensive eye exam with dilation? Getting annual eye checkups can also diagnose cataracts, a common vision problem. Most people over the age of 40 have a developing cataract. The good news is that cataract-related vision loss is treatable through cataract surgery, a safe, routine procedure.

Schedule a Comprehensive Eye Exam Today

Contact your ophthalmologist to schedule an appointment for an eye exam for you and your family members. There is no substitute for healthy vision, so call today.

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Young Athletes with ACL Injury are at Risk for Arthritis

April 1, 2022 by ahaggard

Many young athletes who undergo ACL reconstruction can develop knee arthritis, which puts them at risk of early knee replacement and a less-active lifestyle.

How Does an ACL Injury Occur?

An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is a tear in one of the knee ligaments that joins the bottom of the thighbone (femur) to the top of the shinbone (tibia). A ligament is a tough, flexible band of tissue that holds bones and cartilage together, and the ACL keeps the knee stable.

An ACL tear often happens when the foot is firmly placed on the ground and a force suddenly hits the knee while the leg is slightly bent or straight. For example, it can occur when landing from a jump, changing direction rapidly or slowing down when running. An ACL tear can accelerate arthritis development because the injury damages the knee’s cartilage and surrounding tissues.

Exercises that Build Knee Strength Can Prevent Arthritis

An ACL tear can accelerate arthritis development because the injury damages the knee’s cartilage and surrounding tissues. However, with good therapy, patients with ACL injuries can delay or even prevent knee arthritis.

A study at La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia, found that long-term physical therapy focused on strength and functional goals produced more favorable outcomes than therapy that adhered to a set timeline. Researchers discovered most patients stopped physical therapy about six months to one year after knee surgery, but this is too soon.

During therapy, building knee strength through jumping, heavy leg weights and agility training is essential. Utilizing exercises that support previous injuries and strengthen joints, the knee can continue to function well without the onset of arthritis.

“Exercise therapy and education is how we treat older people with arthritis, but researchers had never asked whether similar interventions could work for young people,” said Brooke Patterson, PhD, who led the study. “Almost every person who completed our new program said they had less pain and better quality of life” (Medical Xpress).

ACL Injuries Are Steadily Increasing

The incidence of ACL injury is on the rise as teen sports participation increases, and a new study by UCLA Health shows that girls are “more than twice as likely” to experience an ACL injury than boys.

There are many possible reasons that more young athletes are tearing their ACLs:

  1. Skeletal immaturity and reduced knee strength. Young athletes feel pressure to focus on one sport and play all year round. Because their bodies are not fully developed, the knees are not strong enough to withstand the impact.
  2. Improper stretching and preparation. Athletes must take time to prepare for high-intensity activity long before taking the field properly.
  3. Inadequate healing time after injury. An ACL tear is the most common knee injury, and many injuries happen because athletes return too quickly.
  4. Insufficient rest. Without enough rest, proper hydration and nutrition, young athletes increase their risk of injury or re-injury.

Call Your Orthopedist to Manage Joint Pain

April is National Youth Sports Safety Month. Are you or a family member experiencing chronic knee pain? It may be time to schedule an appointment with an orthopedist. Your orthopedist can create a customized treatment plan to strengthen your knee and prevent further injury. If your injury requires a surgical procedure, your doctor will thoroughly explain the details at your appointment.

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A Simple Colonoscopy Screening Can Be a Life-Saving Procedure

March 28, 2022 by ahaggard

We do a number of things daily to sustain our health, such as caring for our teeth, working out, and eating our vegetables. But there’s one thing that repeatedly gets neglected that could really save our lives — a colonoscopy. This important test can identify and inhibit colorectal cancer, inflammatory gut issues, and other ailments. At Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, we advise getting a colon and rectal cancer exam every decade unless suggested otherwise. Our board-certified gastrointestinal (GI) doctors frequently perform colonoscopies for New Orleans, LA individuals.

Why should I have a colonoscopy procedure?

A colonoscopy is an examination of the colon and rectum that is used to discover abnormalities and/or growths (polyps) that could be or turn malignant. Over the course of this 30 to 60-minute exam, a gastrointestinal doctor will insert a miniature camera into the bowels to look for any signs of colon and rectal cancer or other concerns. Colonoscopies are often recommended as a technique to:

  • Identify the cause of gut discomfort, blood in the stool, persistent obstruction or diarrhea, or different issues
  • Screen for colon and rectal cancer
  • Check for polyps (tissue growths that can become cancerous if ignored)

At Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, we typically suggest that you see a colonoscopy physician at about the age of 45 and again every decade for regular exams. However, contingent on your exam results or if you have a family history of colon and rectal cancer, we may suggest you get tested at an earlier age and more often.

Can I just use a home colon cancer screening?

Many individuals today wonder why a colonoscopy is recommended when there are innovations in home screenings. The simple response is our gastrointestinal doctors can obtain a more comprehensive understanding of any irregular or potentially cancerous concerns than with an at-home stool specimen kit. While some people choose to use these at-home tests, they cannot replace a colonoscopy exam.

A home-based kit, for instance, might not detect any polyps that have formed in the large intestine. They may show particular signs of cancer, but a colonoscopy can detect indicators of cancer much sooner and more precisely than a home screening. At-home screenings are also not capable of detecting inflammatory digestive diseases.

What makes colonoscopies important?

Though colonoscopies may seem intrusive, the lifesaving consequences of this procedure can significantly override the few minutes of awkwardness it may cause. It’s significant to emphasize how necessary these exams can be, especially for men and women who have colon cancer in their family history. A number of individuals with colon or rectal cancer have no signs in the initial stages and might not even know they have the illness.

Several simple reasons to have a colonoscopy are:

  • This is the most effective colorectal cancer exam.
  • Despite prevalent belief, the preparation for a colonoscopy is not that bad.
  • Colonoscopies are fast and generally comfortable.
  • Though you might feel somewhat embarrassed, your GI physician is not.
  • Plainly put, a colonoscopy can protect your life.

Further, a colonoscopy can identify much more than cancer. It can also verify inflammatory intestinal diseases, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s, in addition to diverticulosis. Like colon and rectal cancer, when identified early, these conditions can be treated and further harm can be prevented.

Schedule a colonoscopy in New Orleans, LA as soon as possible

Even if you might feel like there’s no need for a colonoscopy, this exam can preserve your life. A colonoscopy can discover initial signals of colorectal cancer, and it can also identify diverticulosis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and more. This standard exam may be the critical factor between life and death, as our New Orleans, LA gastrointestinal doctors are well-trained to check for early indicators of cancer and other factors that could hinder cancer in the coming years. For more details on colonoscopies at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, please contact our GI office today.

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Five Fundamental Things to Know About Colon and Rectal Cancer

March 21, 2022 by ahaggard

Comprising the longest portion of the large intestine, the colon plays a critical function in your digestion and your overall health. As the leftovers of nourishment move through the body by way of the colon, the last remaining nutrients and liquids are absorbed, and the waste is then excreted through the rectum as stool. Cancer that develops in the colon or rectum is frequently classed jointly as colorectal cancer.

The American Cancer Society calculates that approximately 150,000 new incidences of colon and rectal cancer are diagnosed each year. Thankfully, colorectal cancer is easily discoverable through a colonoscopy and, when identified early, the chances of surviving it are extremely good. To partner with a colonoscopy doctor near you and arrange for a colorectal cancer screening, contact Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates in New Orleans, LA.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates endeavors to bring you the essential things you should know concerning colorectal cancer to help keep you and your family well. Keep reading to find out five important facts about colorectal cancer.

#1: Colon and rectal cancer is the second leading reason for cancer deaths.

Colorectal cancer is the second most common reason for cancer fatalities among women and men combine. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 52,000 patients will die from colorectal cancer in 2022. Due to routine colorectal cancer screenings and colorectal cancer awareness nationwide, colon and rectal cancer deaths are diminishing. Sadly, it is calculated that about one-third of Americans are not current on their routine colonoscopy screenings.

#2: Colorectal cancer rates impact men and women similarly.

The American Cancer Society theorizes that around 1 in 23 men and 1 in 25 women will be diagnosed with colon and rectal cancer at some point in the course of their lifespan. Both genders have about an equal chance of being diagnosed with the disease, meaning that gender is not a colon and rectal cancer factor of risk. The risk factors for colorectal cancer are:

  • Being obese
  • Being older than 45
  • Having an inflammatory bowel disease
  • Having a family history of colorectal cancer
  • Excessive alcohol intake
  • Smoking

#3: There may be no symptoms of colorectal cancer.

According to the Colon Cancer Coalition, about 60% of individuals identified with colon cancer are diagnosed with late-stage disease, possibly because they did not get an exam until there were signs of an issue. Individuals in the first stages of colorectal cancer will possibly show no indications of the disease, and when colon cancer does exhibit signs, it is generally late-stage. If you experience symptoms of colorectal cancer, they will likely be:

  • A new change in bathroom habits, like ongoing diarrhea or chronic constipation
  • Abdominal distress or discomfort
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Tiredness
  • Inexplicable weight reduction

If you or a loved one is experiencing these concerning colon and rectal cancer symptoms, get in touch with a gastroenterologist in New Orleans, LA to schedule a colonoscopy as early as possible. You can find a local GI physician by getting in touch with Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates.

#4: When detected early, colon and rectal cancer is extremely treatable.

Colorectal growths can take as long as 10 – 15 years to become cancerous. Precancerous tumors can be excised long before they begin to cause trouble, which makes colorectal cancer exceedingly avoidable compared with other various cancers. People diagnosed with localized, early colon and rectal cancer have a considerably superior survival rate than individuals whose colon or rectal cancer has metastasized. The five-year survival rate for limited colon and rectal cancer is about 90%. When detected late, the five-year odds of survival decrease to smaller than 10%. Please do not wait for signs to be examined.

#5: You should start standard colon cancer screenings by age 45.

If you are at average risk for colorectal cancer, then the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends you have your initial colonoscopy when you are 45 years old and then once every decade if no irregularities are found. Individuals with a higher chance of colon and rectal cancer should schedule regular colonoscopies around every 3 – 5 years or as advised by a gastroenterologist. Several home test choices for colorectal cancer screening have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, but colonoscopies remain the preferred standard for the discovery and avoidance of colon cancer.

Find a GI doctor in New Orleans, LA

If you are due for a routine colon cancer exam, please reach out to Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates as soon as possible. We can schedule you with a GI specialist who will place your treatment needs and comfort first. Patients facing colon and rectal cancer and other gastrointestinal issues can rely on our physician-led system of GI doctors in New Orleans, LA. If you want to learn more about the fight against colorectal cancer and how to get a colonoscopy, please contact Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates today.

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Join us for the GASTROINTESTINAL FESTIVAL

March 15, 2022 by ahaggard

We invite you to join us at the GASTROINTESTINAL FESTIVAL in Knoxville on Wednesday March 30 from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.  We will be partnering with Gastrointestinal Associates to educate our Knoxville neighbors to drive awareness of colorectal cancer. All are welcome!

At this family-friendly event, GI gurus, local businesses and demonstrations with a digestive twist all will be on hand to help you better understand your gut. Enjoy free snacks and giveaways, talk to a doctor or even book a screening appointment while you’re there.  Learn more and register to attend here. 

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How Do Home Colorectal Cancer Tests and Colonoscopies Differ?

March 14, 2022 by ahaggard

As we become older, it’s critical to maintain our well-being by getting standard health screenings, including a colonoscopy. This simple test can detect colon or rectal cancer as well as help thwart colorectal cancer development. Bu with new changes in technology, people can test themselves at home for colorectal cancer. At Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates in New Orleans, LA, our GI specialists counsel our patients to help identify colorectal cancer warning signs, as well as undergo routine screenings to preserve their total wellness. However, with the prevalence of at-home screenings growing, it’s crucial to understand the distinction between a home exam and a colonoscopy conducted by a gastroenterologist.

Do I have to check for colorectal cancer?

It’s crucial to take your well-being seriously, and we commend you for being proactive by developing your colon cancer awareness. Colorectal cancer exams are important for all people as they age; however, they’re exceptionally important for persons who have certain risk factors, such as a family history of colon or rectal cancer. Some people decide to obtain an at-home colorectal cancer kit, as they are less invasive and confidential. However, regular colonoscopy screenings at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates are more accurate than home exams and highly critical to discover and treat colorectal cancer as soon as possible.

Should you have family members who have had colon cancer, be at least 45 or older, or experience any of the indications below, we ask you to reach out to Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates to schedule a consultation with a colonoscopy doctor in New Orleans, LA.

Indications of colon cancer commonly include:

  • Long-term cramps, gas, or abdominal pain
  • The sensation that your colon will not totally empty
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Rectal bleeding or bloody stool
  • Variation in bowel habits

Colonoscopy vs. at-home exams for colon and rectal cancer

It’s important in your health quest to understand the distinction between a colonoscopy and an at-home test, as both offer various degrees of information. At Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates, we urge all patients 45 and older to obtain a colonoscopy approximately every decade to screen for colorectal cancer and other issues. Because of your history or your family’s history, we might implore you to get examined earlier or more often. During a colonoscopy, our GI doctors will look for abnormalities or growths (polyps) in the large intestine (colon) and rectum utilizing a small video camera. If any polyps are identified, we can remove them during the course of your colonoscopy and carry out a biopsy. The complete screening process takes roughly 30 – 60 minutes.

An at-home exam grants an accessible way for people to test for early markers of cancer from the comfort of their private homes. This action is less intrusive and normally only entails sending in a stool sample for review. It can seem like an easy method to keep checking your health and wellness, particularly if colon cancer is prevalent in your family history. Although home colorectal cancer exams may give a particular degree of convenience, it’s crucial to know their limitations with respect to your physical health.

Can I do only home colon cancer exams?

The development of at-home colorectal cancer exams has left some wondering if there’s a need to continue having routine colonoscopies when it’s possible to perform these easy tests in the comfort of their homes. Although a home exam seems like a convenient method to screen for early signs of colon cancer, it should not replace a colonoscopy. Colonoscopies are a more thorough examination of the colon and rectum executed by one of our New Orleans, LA gastroenterologists who is trained to identify any indicators of a problem that might not be detected with a home stool testing kit.

Obtain a colon and rectal cancer screening in New Orleans, LA

As you get older, we encourage you to take the lead on your health by maintaining routine colon and rectal cancer exams. These cancer tests are vitally essential to maintaining your digestive and general wellness and identifying signs of colon and rectal cancer early. The GI specialists at Metropolitan Gastroenterology Associates are highly skilled at discovering and helping to hinder colon and rectal cancer development. For additional details on colon and rectal cancer, colonoscopies, or home exams, get in touch with our GI office in New Orleans, LA today.

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March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

March 7, 2022 by ahaggard

The good news is that colon cancer is preventable. Due to an increase in colon cancer among younger Americans, the recommended age for your first colon cancer screening is now 45. Anyone with a family history or symptoms may need screening even earlier. Consult your primary care physician.

Learn more by clicking the link here.

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Avoid Foot Pain by Wearing Supportive Footwear at Home

March 1, 2022 by ahaggard

Do you enjoy walking around your house in bare feet or just socks? Unfortunately, you may be putting strain on the tendons in your feet and increasing the risk of injury.

More Americans work from home than ever before, but proper footwear is still essential. Selecting appropriate at-home footwear is just as important as choosing supportive shoes for outdoor walking and other activities. In addition, caring for your feet can help prevent chronic foot pain and conditions like tendonitis and plantar fasciitis.

Importance of Supportive, Indoor Footwear

Going barefoot or wearing slippers may sound comfortable, but these footwear practices have increased the number of patients experiencing foot pain and making appointments with orthopedists. Hardwood and tiled floors tend to cause more foot problems because these surfaces have very little give. Carpeting is better, but the feet still experience impact.

It is not necessary to wear athletic shoes around the house, but even a pair of house shoes can make a significant difference by providing support and structure to the feet.

“All kinds of footwear protect your feet. Over the course of weeks or months, the strain of walking barefoot can add significant stress to your arches, tendons, plantar fascia and joints,” explains Sean Peden, MD, a Yale Medicine orthopedic foot and ankle specialist. “This can lead to a range of complications, from minor conditions such as calluses to major issues such as arch collapse” (Medical Xpress).

Dr. Peden encourages wearing a hard-soled slipper without laces or a hard-soled clog. A rigid sole acts as a shock absorber and minimizes stress on tendons and joints in the foot. A fluffy slipper is an unwise choice for home footwear because it does not provide any support.

Indoor Footwear Can Help Prevent Common Foot Conditions

Choosing a hard-soled house shoe with a wide forefront can help prevent common foot conditions like the following:

Hammertoes and bunions — The feet naturally pronate during walking, making the foot arch collapse. Walking barefoot on hard surfaces can cause prolonged pronation and cause foot deformities like bunions and hammertoes.

Posterior tibial tendonitis, or shin splints — Prolonged periods of collapsed foot arch can make the posterior tibial tendon stretch excessively, and this can cause pain, swelling and instability in the tendon.

Plantar fasciitis — The plantar fascia absorbs stress and supports the foot arch. Standing for extended periods or wearing non-supportive shoes can create small tears in the band of tissue and cause inflammation and irritation on the bottom of the foot.

Time to Make an Appointment With an Orthopedist?

If you have had persistent foot pain, it’s time to make an appointment with your orthopedist. There may be a simple solution to your foot pain, or you may need a surgical procedure to get relief. Call today and get permanent relief from your foot pain.

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10 Tips to Prevent Mask-associated Dry Eye (MADE)

March 1, 2022 by ahaggard

Face masks have become a part of everyday life in the past two years because of the pandemic. While face masks help prevent the spread of COVID-19, they can cause unwanted side effects, including dry, irritated eyes or even a condition called Dry Eye.

What Is Mask-associated Dry Eye (MADE)?

Face coverings are causing millions of Americans to experience eye irritation. Mask-associated Dry Eye has affected most of the United States population since the onset of COVID-19. This condition occurs when exhaled air channels up out of the face mask and over the eye’s surface. Increased air over the eye evaporates tears more quickly and makes the eyes irritated, gritty, itchy and watery. One study found that three groups were more susceptible to MADE:

  • Females
  • People who have a history of Dry Eye disease
  • Anyone wearing a mask longer than three hours per day

Wearing contact lenses can also increase the risk for MADE. Other risk factors include prolonged face mask usage in air conditioning and increased use of digital devices.

Ten Tips for Preventing MADE

Face masks are not going away soon, but you can take several steps to alleviate MADE.

  1. Ensure your mask fits snugly around your nose to prevent air from being channeled up toward the eyes. Wearing a mask with a pliable nose wire can be helpful.
  2. Tape the top of your mask to direct airflow downward instead of upward.
  3. Limit your time in air conditioning or windy weather.
  4. Turn off overhead fans or desk fans.
  5. Try not to rub or touch irritated eyes. Use warm, moist compresses to alleviate eye irritation.
  6. Blink more often. Blinking is essential for maintaining eye moisture.
  7. If you wear contact lenses, consider switching to a daily disposable lens.
  8. Take regular breaks from digital devices. Remember the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something at least 20 feet away.
  9. Try lubricating drops if your eyes feel itchy, gritty or uncomfortable. Ask your eye doctor before beginning use of any new product.
  10. Schedule regular comprehensive eye exams with your eye doctor.

Comprehensive Eye Exams Can Diagnose Dry Eye Disease

When was the last time you scheduled a comprehensive eye exam with your ophthalmologist? A complete eye exam with dilation can detect and diagnose common eye conditions like dry eye, cataracts, glaucoma or macular degeneration. Call today to make an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam for you and your family members.

Filed Under: News Tagged With: eye

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