Preliminary studies suggest disulfiram could aid in the treatment of mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP). Used topically, the drug may inhibit aldehyde deydrogenase (ALDH), which plays a key role in fibrosis, wrote JK Dart, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London.
Lifitegrast ophthalmic solution 0.05% (Xiidra, Shire) has demonstrated positive results for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease. Eye dryness scores for some patients have improved after two weeks of treatment with the topical drop.
Patient symptoms are not an effective method to diagnose dry eye, as they often overlap with other pathologies. Tear osmolarity results provide clues for alternative diagnoses.
Poor regeneration of the epithelial basement accounts for most 'late haze' associated with PRK, LASIK, infections, or corneal transplants. Proper excimer laser maintenance may reduce irregularities.
Recombinant human lubricin showed potential as a new therapeutic approach to the management of dry eye disease in a small clinical trial. Compared with sodium hyaluronate, lubricin (Lubris BioPharma), significantly improved both signs and symptoms of moderate dry eye after two weeks of treatment.
Seasonal and perennial allergic conjunctivitis are common conditions that are not always well-controlled with conventional therapy. Alternative approaches and novel investigational treatments are discussed.
A phase I/II trial enrolling patients with Sjögrens syndrome dry eye will be investigating a synthetic fragment of a naturally occurring tear glycoprotein. Findings from extensive laboratory and preclinical research suggest that it is a promising novel therapy.
Chronic dry eye disease (DED) affects more than 25 million people and to date the only pharmacologic therapies are topical or involve punctal plugs. Results from two studies wth a neurostimulator indicate there may be a new pathway to upregulate the body’s tear system.
Chloramphenicol remains effective against Gram-positive bacteria, the most common agent in bacterial conjunctivitis, researchers say.
Using dysfunctional lens syndrome stages, physicians can discuss a range of treatment options with patients, based on clinical findings and refractive error.
In 2016, Vision Share eye banks provided more than half the supply of U.S. donor corneas with over 20,000 placements. It has worked to build the largest network of non-profit eye banks in the world, with 13 members and 20 eye banks in the United States and a vast network of providers at home and abroad.
Use of a handheld circular polarizing filter to intercept afferent and efferent light from a slit lamp or operating microscope highlights corneal structures that are otherwise invisible or barely seen.
Though much research is happening in the diagnosis and treatment of viral eye infections, much of it might not be readily apparent to clinicians, explains Todd P. Margolis, MD, PhD.
OSD is of significant concern in patients with glaucoma on multiple topical medications. Optimal treatment of this condition with minimizing the intensity as well as with additional pharmacologic treatments for OSD can improve visual acuity and compliance and result in better outcomes both medically and regarding patient satisfaction.
It’s very hard to tell the difference between Fusarium and Aspergillus species with in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) of fungal keratitis, researchers say.
Having an awareness of current best practices-such as epidemiology, risk factors, signs and symptoms, and tests-can be key to identifying and treating corneal infections.
Topical cyclosporine may be useful for treating dry eyes associated with immunomodulatory agents like nivolumab, which markedly upregulate T cell activation. In caring for patients with ocular side effects associated with cancer treatment, the delivery of proper ophthalmic care is critical.
Here is your roundup of what made top news in 2016!
A 59-year-old otherwise healthy man presented with an acute-onset diffuse rash involving over 90% of his body surface area, including oral, genital, and ocular mucosal involvement. Initial ophthalmic examination was notable for development of extensive corneal epithelial defects in both eyes as well as conjunctival sloughing and pseudomembrane formation.
Photorefractive intrastromal cross-linking is being developed for non-invasive correction of low refractive errors.
Adding the corneal inlay into a general or refractive surgery practice can be a great benefit to patients and the practice when done correctly.
Tear osmolarity testing provides clinicians the opportunity to detect disease and select treatments to restore ocular surface health.
Analyses of data from 293 eyes undergoing uncomplicated Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) show that endothelial cell loss is greater in eyes that undergo a single re-bubbling for graft separation. The study, however, does not establish a causal association.
Results from the Phase 3 OPUS-3 trial provide evidence confirming a benefit of lifitegrast ophthalmic solution 5.0% (Xiidra, Shire) for significantly improving dry eye disease-related symptoms, as measured by Eye Dryness Score.
Under the best of circumstances-meaning when cataract surgery is performed in an eye with a normal cornea by expert hands and with use of an advanced IOL power calculation formula-the achieved refractive outcome will be more than 0.5 D off target in 1 out of every 11 eyes.
