PUBLICATION EXCLUSIVE: Ophthalmology-based treatments may have effect on seasonal affective disorder

Welcome to another edition of CEDARS/ASPENS Debates. CEDARS/ASPENS is a joint society of cornea, cataract and refractive surgery specialists, here to discuss some of the latest hot topics in ophthalmology.

As we endure the cold winter months with short days and long nights, many patients develop depression, or seasonal affective disorder. This month, Melissa Toyos, MD, FACS, discusses two novel treatments for the ophthalmologist to help patients suffering from this disorder: blepharoplasty and Botox injections. We hope you enjoy this discussion.

Kenneth A. Beckman, MD, FACS
OSN CEDARS/ASPENS Debates Editor

After the holidays come the winter blues, the post-holiday letdown. It is not hard to figure out why: The presents have been opened, the champagne popped, and now the bills are starting, the resolutions fading and we are faced with long stretches of time with few holidays or parties to break up the cold, short days of winter.

It is the time of year that seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can occur, leaving those affected depressed, fatigued and moody. Even though SAD can occur at any time of year, most who are affected by SAD suffer in winter, when days are short and nights are long. SAD is said to significantly affect up to 10 million Americans, with another 10% to 20% of Americans experiencing milder symptoms such as increased fatigue, cravings for sweet or starchy foods, decreased physical activity and difficulty concentrating.

Click here to read the full publication exclusive, Cedars/Aspens Debates, published in Ocular Surgery News U.S. Edition, March 25, 2017.