Dr. Selina McGee On Better Eye Health, New Treatments
As screen time soars and eye strain becomes a daily norm, a growing number of Americans are seeking answers for persistent eye discomfort—often unaware that they may be suffering from a chronic and underdiagnosed condition: dry eye disease. In a recent interview on The Dry Eye Podcast, Dr. Selina McGee, an optometrist at Bespoke Vision in Edmond, Oklahoma, about the FDA's approval of a promising new treatment and why dry eye care is finally having its moment.
A Growing Patient Population
McGee sees a rising tide of patients walking into her clinic with classic signs of dry eye—burning, fluctuating vision, and chronic discomfort—yet many still don't realize it's a medical condition.
'People often reset their expectations and assume eye discomfort is just a normal part of life. But if you're constantly aware of your eyes, that's a red flag,' said McGee.
Even more misleading? Watery eyes. While it may seem counterintuitive, excessive tearing can be a symptom of dry eye. 'Those are reflex tears,' McGee said, 'not the nourishing, stable tears we need for visual comfort and health.'
The Basics of Better Eye Health
Beyond pharmaceuticals, McGee emphasizes 'visual hygiene' as a cornerstone of eye care. Her go-to advice:
Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds—and blink consciously.
Stay hydrated: Chronic dehydration is a common contributor to dry eye symptoms.
Get sleep: 'Our eyes heal at night,' she said. 'Skimping on rest means your eyes can't recover.'
The Road Ahead
McGee says TRYPTYR (by Alcon) is expected to become commercially available in the U.S. later this year. Prescribed as a twice-daily drop, it offers a new option for those seeking fast-acting, lasting relief.
While dry eye remains a chronic condition, McGee says the goal of treatment is simple: 'When you're no longer thinking about your eyes all day, that's when we know we've done our job.'
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