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Paul S. Jensen, O.D. Appointments Paul S. Jensen O.D. 112 Pelly Ave N. Renton WA 98057 Tel. 425-255-2020 Fax 425-255-2028
4317 Factoria Blvd. SE, Suite A Bellevue WA 98006 Tel. 425-641-2020 Fax 425-641-7899
Biographical information College of Optometry: University of California - Berkeley (graduated 1986)
Approx. percentage of practice dry-eye related: 20%
Opinion What is the most frequent cause of dry eye amongst patients you have treated? The most frequent cause of dry eye that I see is related to meibomian gland dysfunction, including rosacea and blepharitis (both staph and sebaceous). These may or may not be easy to treat in the short term, but they are generally more difficult to treat in the long term. It is often useful to team up with a dermatologist and take an organized, stepwise approach to this multifactorial condition. What advice do you most frequently find yourself giving to dry eye patients? Let me change this question a bit. What advice regarding dry eye do I most often find myself giving? I frequently advise presymptomatic patients about their meibomian gland dysfunction. This is a difficult management approach because these patients are happy, and don't really see a need to undergo any treatment, no matter how simple it is. Do you have a dry eye "hot button"? Hot button issues: excellent question. Yes, the issue that I have been fighting for is a new category of dry eye in addition to the National Eye Institute's very good definitions. While production and quality of tears have been described in detail, not enough emphasis has been placed on the excess drainage of tears. Many dry eye patients also complain of sinus congestion, but they don't relate the two symptoms. When the drainage is controlled (usually, but not always through lacrimal occlusion), the sinus symptoms improve as well. Although I like and prescribe Restasis, I also see it inappropriately prescribed and I'm afraid that it will begin to develop a bad name. What makes you exceptionally well qualified to help dry eye patients? I learned dry eye diagnosis and treatment from one of the giants in the field: Dr. Robert Herrick, the inventor of lacrimal occlusion. He personally taught me the fine details of dry eye practice. I have also learned from one of the US's top oculoplastic surgeons, Dr. Steven LauKaitis. He taught me the dermatology of dry eye. I am a lecturer at the University of California Berkeley on dry eye and glaucoma and have written on the subject of dry eye (Review of Optometry May, 2006 edition). Since, I have been a consultant for several dry eye med-surg companies. What are some of your favorite products for dry eye (Rx, OTC, consumer)? Although FreshKote has been available for about one year in the US, I am still learning how to prescribe it. I think that it has the potential to change the way we think about dry eye.
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