Eye Doctor Junior: Daily eyelid hygiene

Introducing a first in the eye care industry; a dry eye range for children. The Eye Doctor Junior has been designed by experts for 3–12-year-olds, because even the littlest eyes need expert care.

We always stress the importance of daily eye care for adults, be it at home or on-the-go, but Dry Eye specialists are reporting that Dry Eye Disease in children is on the rise due to increased use of digital screens like tablets, phones and TVs, and if left untreated the condition can cause irreversible damage to some of the tear-producing glands in the eyelids. *

Over recent years, the increase in children who have accessibility to digital screens has grown exponentially and with this we have seen Dry Eye become more prevalent in young children. * A clinical trial carried out in 2021 shows that Smartphone use duration has been found to be greater in school-age children with Dry Eye Disease than in those without. A commonly accepted hypothesis for the relationship between digital screen use and Dry Eye Disease is that digital screen use changes blinking dynamics, leading to ocular dryness. This review describes evidence that digital screen use is associated with dry eye disease and that digital device use alters blinking dynamics. *

Prolonged exposure to electronic screens dramatically decreases the blink rate, which can cause the Meibomian Glands in the eyelids to become blocked overtime and onset Dry Eye Disease. A lower blink rate increases the Ocular surfaces exposure and evaporation, which can cause instability of the tear layer, leading to Dry Eye.

The Body Doctor Ltd prides itself in innovation and forward-thinking within the world of eye care which fuelled the ideation and creation of The Eye Doctor Junior®. Both products in this range can be used as either a preventative measure or a treatment pack for symptoms that are already present. Featuring an Antibacterial Warm Eye Compress and soothing biodegradable Eyelid Wipes, these products have been designed for young children, aged 3-12 who suffer with dry, sore, gritty eyes or experience high screen-time at home or in school.

To help prevent early symptoms of Dry Eye Disease in children, it is important their eyes are looked after with a simple, effective 3-step daily eye care regime.

Step 1. Heat the eyelids with The Eye Doctor Junior® Antibacterial Warm Eye Compress to open blocked Meibomian Glands. This will allow the buttery oil that is causing the blockages to melt and become liquid again.

Step 2. Express the melted oils from the glands using the eyelid massage procedure detailed in the instructions.

Step 3. Clean the base of the eyelashes using The Eye Doctor Junior® Biodegradable Eyelid Wipes. This will remove the expressed oil as well as dirt and debris from the lids and lashes that can be responsible for some of the dry, sore, gritty eye symptoms.

Recommended by Dr Hilary Jones, he states “The Eye Doctor Junior, featuring antibacterial protection, Sterileyes®, and the biodegradable Eyelid Wipes are recommended as a remedial solution for looking after your children’s eyes.”

*References available on request.