Massachusetts Eye and Ear

07/22/2025

Mouth taping during sleep is trending on social media, but is it safe?

Linda Lee, MD, facial plastic surgeon, urges caution, explaining that "a lot of people actually cannot breathe through their nose, they either have a deviated septum or they have allergies, so if your body is actually opening its mouth to allow more oxygen, forcing it closed is not the right thing to do."

Learn more with Science Friday.

Most pasta is made from just two ingredients—flour and water. For decades this humble food has prompted physicists around the world to try to understand its mysterious properties and ...

07/21/2025

Hearing loss affects one in three adults over the age of 65. "Many with untreated hearing loss may fear visiting physicians or struggle to understand medical instructions and treatment plans, which can lead to delaying or avoiding necessary medical care,” says Meaghan Reed, AuD, clinical director of Audiology, in Women's Health.

If you notice signs of hearing loss, a simple hearing test could be the first step.

The odds of developing hearing loss increase with age.

07/15/2025

Recently, we celebrated the remarkable 41-year nursing career of Patti Donovan, MSN, RN. Patti joined Mass Eye and Ear in 1983, working in the main Operating Room. There, she served as a leader, preceptor, mentor and educator. Later, she transitioned to the Education Department, where she welcomed hundreds of new employees with professionalism, kindness and compassion.

As Nurse Professional Development Educator, Patti has created a legacy by shaping the next generation of nurses, empowering them with the skills and knowledge to thrive.

Thank you, Patti, for your commitment to excellence in nursing education. Congratulations on your retirement!

07/11/2025

After 22 years as Chair of Ophthalmology at Mass Eye and Ear and Massachusetts General Hospital, Joan W. Miller, MD, is stepping down.

Dr. Miller helped revolutionize how we treat vision loss. Her pioneering research led to two breakthrough treatments for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), reshaping how we manage retinal disease worldwide.

Joan Miller’s innovative thinking led to therapies for macular degeneration that have helped millions, made her better leader.

07/08/2025

"For my job, I'm constantly using the computer. Being able to not rely on glasses or contact lenses was a huge perk," says Karen Ho on why she chose to get LASIK at Mass Eye and Ear.

Now through August 31st, receive $500 off laser vision correction surgery. Call 1-833-LASER-99 to schedule your consultation.

Karen wanted to be able to experience life, both personally and professionally, without wearing contacts or glasses. She decided to have LASIK, a type of ref...

07/02/2025

A pair of quirky, liquid-filled glasses are making waves among motion sickness suffers, and they might actually work!

According to Neil Bhattacharyya, MD, ear, nose and throat specialist, the glasses may help your brain reconcile mixed signals about motion by creating an "artificial horizon." Dr. Bhattacharyya says that if they work, they're a safe alternative to medication.

An ear, nose and throat doctor explains why these anti-motion sickness glasses can help you feel less nauseous on land, air and sea.

07/02/2025

On July 3rd and 4th, there will be road closures and restricted on-site parking to accommodate State Police operations around Mass Eye and Ear at 243 Charles Street in Boston, MA. Please plan accordingly, allow extra time for travel, and use public transportation when possible. As always, our Emergency Department is open 24/7.

06/30/2025

A new study finds that GLP-1 medications—such as Ozempic and Wegovy—may double the risk of developing neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), a serious eye disease, in older adults with diabetes.

Demetrios Vavvas, MD, director of the Retina Service, urges patients to watch for changes in vision and seek prompt care.

New research links semaglutide and tirzepatide, which are GLP-1 agonists used to treat type 2 diabetes and aid weight loss, to a rare eye disease that may cause vision loss.

06/25/2025

Mineral vs chemical sunscreen: Sameer Gupta, MD, dermatological surgeon at Mass Eye and Ear, and Abigail Waldman, MD, dermatological surgeon at Brigham and Women's Hospital, break down how each works, who they're best for, and why broad-spectrum coverage and reapplying is the key to protecting your skin.

Both are effective when used correctly, but work differently.

06/15/2025

This Father’s Day, we honor dads whose love and strength inspire us.

After losing her father Willie to head and neck cancer, Casey Finigan turned her grief into purpose—launching The Willie Fund to support research on the disease at Mass Eye and Ear. Casey's advocacy continues to have a lasting impact on the future care of others facing similar battles.

06/10/2025

For more than two decades, Joan W. Miller, MD, led the Harvard Medical School Department of Ophthalmology, and was the first woman appointed chair, at Mass Eye and Ear and Massachusetts General Hospital. Now, she's stepping down, but leaving a powerful legacy behind.

Over the course of her illustrious career, Dr. Miller developed new therapies now administered to millions across the country with sight-threatening retinal diseases, and helped to reduce vision loss in patients with age-related macular degeneration. One of her biggest achievements, however, is giving back, inspiring the next generation of doctors.

Watch the segment with NBC10 Boston.

Dr. Joan Miller, who has helped pioneer new treatments for age-related macular degeneration, is inspiring the next generation of female doctors.

06/06/2025

Congratulations to Alan Workman, MD, MTR, sinus surgeon, who was recently honored with the 2025 Norman Knight Leadership Development Award! Recipients are selected for their exceptional promise as future leaders within their specialties at Mass Eye and Ear.

Thanks to the late Mr. Knight’s generosity, the award provides junior faculty members with funding to help them establish a career in academic medicine during the early years of their practice.