In this expert Q&A, a fellowship-trained Mohs and reconstructive surgeon at Mass Eye and Ear answers key questions about what patients can expect after a high-risk skin cancer diagnosis and explains how Mohs surgery is used as a treatment option. Receiving a skin cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but understanding available treatment options is essential… Read More »Understanding Mohs Surgery The post Understanding Mohs Surgery appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
Mass Eye and Ear offers a unique service that provides psychotherapy support to patients with vision loss and eye trauma and diseases. The service’s director, Ethan Lester, PhD, a clinical psychologist at Mass General Brigham, explains. At Mass Eye and Ear, we take pride in providing comprehensive and compassionate care to our patients, not only… Read More »Bridging the Gap Between Eye Health and Mental Health The post Bridging the Gap Between Eye Health and Mental Health appeared first...| FOCUS
Doctors from Mass Eye and Ear’s Sleep Medicine and Surgery Division offer their advice on how to achieve a New Year’s resolution to improve sleep. Sleep is a critical component of physical and mental well-being, yet it is often overlooked due to life’s busy demands. While any time of year is a good time to… Read More »Experts Offer Top Tips to Improve Your Sleep Health in 2025 The post Experts Offer Top Tips to Improve Your Sleep Health in 2025 appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
With 2023 winding down and the new year fast approaching, Focus reached out to Mass Eye and Ear experts to get their predictions on scientific and research advances breakthroughs that might be expected in the coming year. Ophthalmology treatment advances There are many advances to the field of ophthalmology expected in the coming year. Some… Read More »Mass Eye and Ear Experts Predict 2024 Medical Breakthroughs The post Mass Eye and Ear Experts Predict 2024 Medical Breakthroughs appeared ...| FOCUS
In a recent article in The Lancet, David S. Friedman, MD, PhD, MPH, director of the Glaucoma Service at Mass Eye and Ear, and colleagues describe the current state of glaucoma care and what advances the future might bring to patients. In this Q+A, he discusses how far treatment has come and what can be… Read More »The Promising Future of Personalized Glaucoma Care The post The Promising Future of Personalized Glaucoma Care appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
Voice is a projection of one’s self-identity. Understanding how it ages can help individuals protect and cope with its changes later in life. A changing voice is a natural sign of growing up. Just ask any parent of a teenager, and they will tell you about the discomfort and confusion felt by their child growing… Read More »How To Confront an Aging Voice The post How To Confront an Aging Voice appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
As people’s eyesight begins to strain, they may turn towards reading glasses or “readers” for help with their vision. Mass Eye and Ear Optometrist Isabel Deakins, OD, breaks down the do’s and don’ts when it comes to choosing the right readers. As people age, it is common to develop presbyopia, the progressive loss of near-focusing… Read More »How to Pick the Perfect Pair of Reading Glasses The post How to Pick the Perfect Pair of Reading Glasses appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
Diabetes is a complex condition that can impact different parts of the body, including the eyes. Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes and is the leading cause of blindness in working-age adults. Focus spoke with Mass Eye and Ear retina specialist Leo Kim, MD, PhD, about diabetic retinopathy and how to prevent it.… Read More »Diabetic Retinopathy: What You Should Know About This Diabetes Complication The post Diabetic Retinopathy: What You Should Know About This Diabet...| FOCUS
Alopecia affects more than just a full head of hair; it can rob a person of their self-esteem and confidence. Linda N. Lee, MD, discusses the complexities of hair loss and available treatments. Hair loss, or alopecia, can take a heavy psychological toll. Many individuals are willing to pay exorbitant amounts of money to keep… Read More »Weighing the tolls and treatments of hair loss The post Weighing the tolls and treatments of hair loss appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
The Mass Eye and Ear Eaton-Peabody Laboratory Associate Professor Zheng-Yi Chen speaks about his efforts to develop gene therapies for hearing loss and his recent success in rescuing hearing loss in aging mice. Throughout his career, Zheng-Yi Chen, DPhil, has been at the forefront of hearing loss research. Since starting his lab at Mass Eye… Read More »Striving to Develop Treatment Options for Genetic Hearing Loss The post Striving to Develop Treatment Options for Genetic Hearing Loss app...| FOCUS
As people age, their hearing gradually fades. Naomi Fireman, AuD, CCC-A, explains how this occurs and how to mitigate its toll. Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, is one of the most common conditions adults experience as they age. In fact, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, more than half of… Read More »The Sound We Lose to Time The post The Sound We Lose to Time appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
Mass Eye and Ear’s Child Life Department plays an imperative role in providing comfort and support to children and their families who come to the hospital for surgical treatments. Seeing your child in the hospital about to undergo surgery can be stressful and emotionally exhausting, even for more minor procedures. Children can also be scared… Read More »Child Life Specialists: Pediatric Surgery’s Superheroes The post Child Life Specialists: Pediatric Surgery’s Superheroes appeared f...| FOCUS
March 3rd is World Hearing Day, an international observance dedicated to raising awareness of ear and hearing care established by the World Health Organization. This year’s theme, “Ear and hearing care for all!” emphasizes the importance of hearing health education and access to care for the millions of people with hearing loss worldwide. To commemorate… Read More »What To Know Before Buying Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids The post <strong>What To Know Before Buying Over-the-Counter H...| FOCUS
Rather than waiting several years for a surgery to correct a child’s abnormally shaped ear, families can have their newborn’s ears repaired with a customized, painless treatment at Mass Eye and Ear. Welcoming home a healthy newborn is a joyous occasion for any family. Yet, amid all the excitement and celebration, it can be easy… Read More »Ear Molding: Sculpted Benefits That Can Last a Lifetime The post Ear Molding: Sculpted Benefits That Can Last a Lifetime appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
Floaters are incredibly common, but in some cases might represent a serious concern that needs immediate medical attention. Frances Wu MD, a member of the Retina Service at Mass Eye and Ear, explains. The appearance of eye floaters out of the blue can understandably cause concern. These small dark spots or squiggly lines that “float”… Read More »Eye Floaters Explained The post Eye Floaters Explained appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
Halloween can be one of the most fun days of the year. What’s not to love between the costumes, candy and parties? A trip to the emergency department, however, can put a damper on the celebration. Some of the things that make Halloween so enjoyable unfortunately pose unique risks to the eyes, face, ears, nose… Read More »Tips to Avoid the Emergency Room this Halloween for an Eye or ENT Problem The post Tips to Avoid the Emergency Room this Halloween for an Eye or ENT Problem appeared fi...| FOCUS
Adjusting to unexpected vision loss can be immensely difficult. At Mass Eye and Ear, patients and families are offered short-term psychotherapy to receive guidance and learn coping skills while adapting to a new reality. It’s critical to recognize the significant effects that vision loss, whether from a traumatic eye injury or a progressive or sudden… Read More »Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Vision Patients The post Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Vision Patients appeared ...| FOCUS
When a bump on the eyelid is cancerous, a patient usually requires surgery to have it removed, which leaves behind a hole. Oculoplastic surgeons like Natalie Wolkow, MD, PhD, rely on specialized surgical techniques to reconstruct the eyelid to ensure the health of the eye and to leave it looking as cosmetically normal as possible. … Read More »Explaining Eyelid Reconstruction Following Skin Cancer Removal The post Explaining Eyelid Reconstruction Following Skin Cancer Removal appeared ...| FOCUS
People considering laser vision correction have several options to choose from: PRK, LASIK and SMILE. How can you decide what’s best for you? Specialist Nandini Venkateswaran, MD, weighs in. When people want better vision without having to rely on glasses or contact lenses, they might seek out laser vision correction surgery, also known as corneal… Read More »Choosing the Best Laser Vision Correction for You The post Choosing the Best Laser Vision Correction for You appeared first on FO...| FOCUS
A bump on the eyelid that pops out of nowhere can be concerning. Sometimes these growths, which might be a stye or a chalazion, can go away on their own, but other times they require medical attention. Focus spoke with Prashant Yadav, MD, director of the Chalazion Clinic at Mass Eye and Ear, to learn… Read More »What is a Chalazion, and When To Seek Medical Attention The post What is a Chalazion, and When To Seek Medical Attention appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
The arrival of spring brings warmer weather and longer days. But the change in season also brings tree, grass and ragweed pollen—widespread allergens that can cause itchy, watery eyes. Focus spoke with Austin Meeker, MD, a cornea specialist and comprehensive ophthalmologist about allergic conjunctivitis—the most common eye allergy issue—and how to treat it at home.… Read More »Eye Care and Seasonal Allergies The post Eye Care and Seasonal Allergies appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
Congestion, sneezing and a runny nose can be signs of allergies or illness. With allergy season here, Focus spoke with ear, nose and throat expert Stacey T. Gray, MD, to learn how to determine the difference between viral infections and allergies—and how best to treat symptoms. As seasons begin to change and spring is upon… Read More »Is it Allergies or a Sinus Infection? The post Is it Allergies or a Sinus Infection? appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
Neuroscientist Daniel Polley, PhD, offers a unique perspective on ways scientists could approach therapies for untreatable sensory disorders like tinnitus or hyperacusis. Neuroscience research is in a golden age, with scientists making never-before seen discoveries in animal studies and basic science. Advances in gene therapy and transcranial stimulation have captured headlines touting the next best… Read More »Rethinking the Therapeutic Approach for Disorders Like Tinnitus The post Rethi...| FOCUS
Growing evidence is supporting the belief that “hidden hearing loss”, a type of inner ear nerve damage, may contribute to tinnitus, a potentially debilitating hearing condition. The discovery of hidden hearing loss, a type of cochlear nerve degeneration, at Mass Eye and Ear forever changed the way medical professionals think about the inner workings of… Read More »Uncovering What’s Behind Tinnitus The post Uncovering What’s Behind Tinnitus appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
Did you know Mass Eye and Ear has an emergency department available 24/7 for any eye, ear, nose and throat (ENT) emergencies? Focus spoke with three members of the emergency department, Elise Lippmann, MD, Grayson Armstrong, MD, MPH and Margot Weinert, MD to decipher when to utilize this unique resource. Mass Eye and Ear provides… Read More »When to Visit the Mass Eye and Ear Emergency Department The post When to Visit the Mass Eye and Ear Emergency Department appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
The Tinnitus Management Program at Mass Eye and Ear aims to help people live with the debilitating effects of tinnitus. Tinnitus is one of the most common hearing-related conditions in the United States affecting upwards of 50 million Americans. A unique new program developed at Mass Eye and Ear is aimed at helping those whose… Read More »New Mass Eye and Ear Program Offers Tinnitus Management Skills The post New Mass Eye and Ear Program Offers Tinnitus Management Skills appeared first on...| FOCUS
People commonly make mistakes with contact lens hygiene. Amy Watts, OD, weighed in on the best practices and safety tips for contact lens wearers. Are you practicing proper contact lens hygiene? An estimated 45 million people in the United States wear contact lenses to improve their vision, but some may not be using best practices… Read More »Keeping Contact Lenses Clean Can Prevent Serious Eye Infections The post Keeping Contact Lenses Clean Can Prevent Serious Eye Infections appeared fi...| FOCUS
If you’ve ever wished your eyelashes were longer, fuller or darker, you’re not alone. Eyelash enhancements continue to grow in popularity—particularly in the last couple of years when the need for face masks has put an increased focus on the eyes. Focus spoke with Nandini Venkateswaran, MD, a cornea specialist, to learn about the safety… Read More »Are Eyelash Extensions and Serums Safe for Your Eyes? The post Are Eyelash Extensions and Serums Safe for Your Eyes? appeared first on F...| FOCUS
Cosmetic eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is the second-most common cosmetic surgery procedure in the United States. In 2020, more than 325,000 patients underwent the surgery, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Michael K. Yoon, MD, a member of the Mass Eye and Ear Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery Service, explained cosmetic eyelid surgery, and who… Read More »Everything You Need to Know About Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery The post Everything You Need to Know About Cosmetic Eyeli...| FOCUS
Patients are buzzing about a new eye drop, Vuity, that aims to help people who have trouble seeing close-up objects clearly. Focus spoke with vision expert Kathryn Hatch, MD, to weigh in on the new medication, who might benefit most, and whether users can throw away their reading glasses for good. A recently approved medication… Read More »Reading Glasses in a Bottle? The post Reading Glasses in a Bottle? appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
Karen Lee, MD, a member of the Sleep Medicine and Surgery Division at Mass Eye and Ear, Longwood, explains the science behind unwanted sleep behaviors. Sleepwalking and sleep talking are often regarded as punch lines pulled straight from a sitcom. A person caught stumbling around their kitchen or talking in their sleep might wake up… Read More »Sleepwalking? Sleep Talking? It’s No Laughing Matter The post Sleepwalking? Sleep Talking? It’s No Laughing Matter appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
Comprehensive ophthalmologist Laurel Tainsh, MD, and glaucoma specialist Michael Lin, MD, help clear up the confusion around this common yet poorly understood diagnosis. You’re at your routine eye exam. After getting a standard workup, including vision and eye pressure checks, the ophthalmologist says: “you’re a glaucoma suspect.” You might not know what that means, but… Read More »What It Means to Be a “Glaucoma Suspect” The post What It Means to Be a “Glaucoma Suspect” a...| FOCUS
Sleep seven to nine hours a night and still wake up exhausted? If so, there may be something that’s disrupting your sleep. Mass Eye and Ear sleep specialist, Noah Siegel, MD, offers guidance on how to avoid a poor night’s rest. Sleep is crucial to help our bodies recover. While sleeping, we restore multiple parts… Read More »Which Factors Are Disrupting Our Sleep? The post Which Factors Are Disrupting Our Sleep? appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
Retinal detachments and tears can lead to the loss of sight and should be treated as emergencies. Focus spoke with retina surgeon Mohammad Dahrouj, MD, PhD, about the causes of retinal detachments and why it’s important to immediately seek medical attention if certain symptoms arise. What is a retinal detachment and how does it occur?… Read More »Knowing the Warning Signs of a Retinal Detachment Could Save Your Vision The post Knowing the Warning Signs of a Retinal Detachment Could Save...| FOCUS
Matthew Crowson, MD, a member of the Vestibular Division at Mass Eye and Ear, explained how too much alcohol can lead to an acute case of vertigo. Drinking too much alcohol too quickly is a serious public health issue in the United States. Often referred to as “binge drinking,” this behavior has been labeled the… Read More »Why Do We “Spin” After a Few Too Many Drinks? The post Why Do We “Spin” After a Few Too Many Drinks? appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
Don’t ruin your holiday season with an eye injury. Mass Eye and Ear trauma expert Margot Weinert, MD, offers advice on ways to stay safe. The holidays are always a time filled with good cheer, visiting family and friends, and sharing gifts with loved ones. While most holiday decorations and toys are safe, the Emergency… Read More »Keeping Your Family Safe from Eye Injuries this Holiday Season The post Keeping Your Family Safe from Eye Injuries this Holiday Season appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
Jennifer Setlur, MD, a pediatric ENT specialist at Mass Eye and Ear, Concord, explains what to do when a mysterious lump appears out of the blue. Picture this: It’s a Monday morning and you’re helping your young child get dressed. Just as you pull their shirt up over their head, your hand catches an odd… Read More »I Found a Lump On My Child’s Neck. Now What? The post I Found a Lump On My Child’s Neck. Now What? appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
Pause and think next time you reach for an expensive cream to get rid of dark under-eye circles. Facial plastic surgeon Caroline Banks, MD, explained why some marketed treatments are only temporary, and why surgery is sometimes the only way to fix the issue. “You look tired.” Anyone with persistent dark circles, or bags, under… Read More »Getting Rid of Dark Circles Under the Eyes The post Getting Rid of Dark Circles Under the Eyes appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
Thanks to the rise of TikTok, a social media app, there has also been a rise in risky medical advice from internet “doctors.” The latest trend of sticking garlic cloves up your nose in order to cure sinus issues might be one remedy to stay away from. Comprehensive ENT Neil Bhattacharyya, MD, weighed in on… Read More »Garlic Up the Nose Won’t Help Your Decongestion. Here’s What Will| FOCUS