Shon Prasad

Shon Prasad Clinical Optometrist | Dry Eye & Soft Contact Lens expertise

I've penned a few scripts in my day... now it's time to shred! 🗑🚮
08/02/2026

I've penned a few scripts in my day... now it's time to shred! 🗑🚮

08/02/2026

**The mucin layer: the anchor of the tear film 🧬**

The mucin layer is essential for tear film stability.
It’s secreted by **goblet cells** in the conjunctiva and allows tears to spread evenly across the ocular surface, helping the eye stay wet and comfortable.

When mucin is reduced, tears may be present — but they don’t *adhere* well to the eye. Two important causes include:

1️⃣ **Dupilumab (Dupixent)**
This biologic therapy, commonly used for atopic disease, has been associated with goblet cell dysfunction and reduced mucin production, contributing to ocular surface symptoms in some patients.

2️⃣ **Chemical injury to the ocular surface**
Chemical burns or toxic exposures can directly damage goblet cells, leading to long-term mucin deficiency and tear film instability.

Mucin deficiency is often overlooked — but without mucin, even a normal tear volume can fail to protect the eye.

*This information is general in nature and not a substitute for individual clinical assessment.*

Introducing , a NEW Guide Dogs initiative dedicated to empowering individuals with vision impairment! Discover a world o...
05/02/2026

Introducing , a NEW Guide Dogs initiative dedicated to empowering individuals with vision impairment! Discover a world of accessible information, digital skills training, mental health support, and so much more! 🌟

04/02/2026

**The aqueous layer: the quiet workhorse of the tear film 💧**

The aqueous layer makes up the *bulk* of our tears.
It hydrates the eye, delivers nutrients, and helps protect the surface from inflammation and infection.

When this layer is deficient, dry eye symptoms can be significant. Three important causes to be aware of:

1️⃣ **Sjögren’s syndrome**
An autoimmune condition where the body targets its own tear and salivary glands, leading to reduced tear production.

2️⃣ **Breast cancer medications**
Some systemic therapies can impair lacrimal gland function, reducing aqueous tear output as an unintended side effect.

3️⃣ **Trauma or radiation to the lacrimal gland**
Surgery, injury, or head and neck radiation can directly damage the gland responsible for producing the aqueous layer.

Understanding *why* the aqueous layer is deficient is essential — because management should always be guided by mechanism, not just symptoms.

*This information is general in nature and not a substitute for individual clinical assessment.*

29/01/2026

**The Lipid Layer of Your Tears 👁️🫧**

The outermost layer of the tear film is the **lipid (oil) layer**.
Its job? To **slow tear evaporation** and keep the eye surface comfortable and stable.

🟡 **Where does it come from?**
The lipid layer is secreted by the **meibomian glands**, which line the upper and lower eyelids.

🚨 **Top 3 reasons the lipid layer can be reduced:**

1️⃣ **Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)**
Blocked or poor-quality oil secretion → faster tear evaporation.

2️⃣ **Roaccutane (Isotretinoin)**
Reduces oil production throughout the body, including the meibomian glands.

3️⃣ **Blepharitis / Ocular Rosacea**
Chronic lid margin inflammation disrupts normal oil flow and quality.

💡 When the lipid layer is compromised, symptoms like **burning, dryness, fluctuating vision, and redness** often follow.

If dry eye symptoms persist, a targeted assessment of the tear film is key.

27/01/2026

Getting ready for the Optometry Australia QLD regional series! 🤩 Catch me at:

Townsville – February 2026 🌴
Sunshine Coast – March 2026 ☀️
Rockhampton – May 2026 ⛰️
Palm Cove – September 2026 🏖️
Toowoomba – October 2026 🍂

OPSM team dinner 2026 was amazing 🔥 working with fantastic people at both stores. 10 years as an Optometrist and loving ...
27/01/2026

OPSM team dinner 2026 was amazing 🔥 working with fantastic people at both stores. 10 years as an Optometrist and loving it. 🤩🥂

25/01/2026

Your tear film: a 3-layer system that keeps your eyes clear and comfortable 👁️

💧 Lipid (oil) layer – the outer layer
Produced by the meibomian glands in the eyelids. It slows tear evaporation and keeps the surface smooth.

💧 Aqueous (water) layer – the middle layer
Produced mainly by the lacrimal gland. It hydrates the eye, supplies oxygen, and washes away debris.

💧 Mucin layer – the inner layer
Produced by goblet cells in the conjunctiva. It helps tears spread evenly and stick to the eye’s surface.

When any layer isn’t working well, dryness, irritation, or blurred vision can follow.

23/01/2026

Ever wake up with sore, red, or irritated eyes? 😩 It might not just be “dry eyes.” 😴

Floppy Eyelid Syndrome (FES) is a condition where the eyelids are unusually loose and may not close properly during sleep. This exposes the eye surface overnight, leading to redness, irritation, discharge, and blurry vision in the morning. 👁️

What’s important to know is that Floppy Eyelid Syndrome is strongly linked to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). 💡

20/01/2026

Stye stressing you out? 👀

Warm compresses, clean lids, hands off—most styes heal on their own!

If it’s painful, growing, or not improving, see your optometrist. ✨

Address

Brisbane, QLD

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Shon Prasad posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Shon Prasad:

Shortcuts

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram

Category