Steven L. Maskin, M.D., F.A.C.S., a founding member of the International Ocular Surface Society and author of Reversing Dry Eye Syndrome: Practical Ways to Improve Your Comfort, Vision and Appearance, is a pioneer and leader in developing innovative strategies and therapies to reverse the symptoms and suffering from difficult dry eye cases including the use of Amniotic Membrane for ocular surface reconstruction. Through reversal of symptoms, patients can unlock this dry eye vise-like control over their lives and enjoy their life once again. 
Dr. Maskin has performed over l800 cornea transplants. His expertise was recognized by one of the largest eye banks in the world as he has previously served as Medical Director of the Central Florida Lion's Eye and Tissue Bank. Dr. Maskin has also been selected to participate in a NIH study of cornea transplants, and honored with an "Outstanding Recruitment Award". This award was given in recognition of being one of the top five performing cornea transplant surgeons in the US and number 1 in Florida for this important study. Dr. Maskin has been selected by his peers as a "Best Doctor in America” and for "Guide to America's Top Ophthalmologists." He maintains a private practice in Tampa, Florida.

Steven Maskin--

In the pursuit of Olympic perfection, athletes are taking on great risks to their well-being. One example is that of 10 meter platform divers. These dives where the eyes hit the water at up to 35 mph with a force of about 24 Gs are recognized as risk factors for retinal tears and detachments with resultant blindness, just the same as any repetitive blunt trauma such as boxing, and concussion type injuries. A family history of retinal detachment and myopia further increases risk.  

Some Chinese physician observers have noticed an apparent increased incidence of retina tears and detachments in Chinese divers’ eyes. Although genetic and physiologic variation may increase risk, a co-existing factor may be over training. Starting to train in childhood while the eyes are still growing and training some 50% more hours per week compared to divers elsewhere may significantly add to the intrinsic risk of this sport.

It is unfortunate that safe, protective and non-interfering goggles have not been developed to cushion this accompanying eye trauma with its life changing sequela.  In the meantime, these divers should be prescreened for retinal disease before recruitment, with periodic follow-up exams during the training years.  Any predisposing retina disease should be treated to minimize risk to the diver.


Dry Eyes? Restore Your Life!

Chinese Athletes Under Pressure To Perform