When it Comes to the Eyes - What Do Men Really Want?
As the founder of We Love Eyes and practicing optometrist, I've had the privilege of testing new products and concepts at my private practice, Oakland Vision Center. After launching We Love Eyes I realized there was a gap in the market for men's-centric products especially when it came to the eyes. I saw this an a tremendous educational opportunity and a way to solve some male problems.
MANLY, BUT DIRTY EYELIDS
When it comes to the eyes, inflammation comes from 2 places - the tears & the eyelids. Men do understand the concept of eyedrops, but cleaning the eyelids? That's a foreign concept. Unlike women that use eye makeup remover to clean their eyelids – some men have the dirtiest eyelids I have ever seen in my exam room. Meaning, the last time they washed their eyelids = years ago.
STYES ARE NOT SEXY
No matter the age, profession or level of laziness – there is not one male patient I have ever met that thinks a stye is a good look. It's also a potential risk for a serious infection. Think: the eyelid is in close proximity to the sinuses which are in close proximity to the brain. Um, no thank you! A big, fat, red infected eyelid is probably not the day he should take any selfies. Because, self-preservation.
COMPUTER EYESTRAIN IS REAL
When it comes to complaints, the most common complaint from my male patients revolves around computer use. Ever get tired and irritated eyes for no apparent reason? Well, that's probably the 8th hour of computer work letting him know that he's on the 8th hour of computer work. Simply washing the eyelids in the office bathroom can help him feel refreshed and invigorated. Helping the blink goes a lonnggg way.
STANDING ORDERS
To get a man to wash his eyelids every night is a tall order. Sure, it makes contact lens wear more comfortable. Sure, it makes the eyes feel whiter. Sure, it keeps styes away. But cleaning the eyelids – it's still a relatively new concept.
So, put that bottle of We Love Eyes for MEN in the shower and when he sees it - he should use it. The directions are easy. 1-2 pumps on clean fingertips. Massage foam on eyelids five times back and forth. Do not get soap into the eyes. Repeat daily. After all, it's doctors orders.
DR. TANYA GILL, O.D. IS THE CLINIC DIRECTOR OF OAKLAND VISION CENTER OPTOMETRY IN OAKLAND, CA, USA. SHE GRADUATED FROM THE UC BERKELEY SCHOOL OF OPTOMETRY IN 1999 AND IS ON A MISSION TO CLEAN EVERY DIRTY EYELID IN THE WORLD, INCLUDING YOURS.