News

In a real-world study of patients with treatment-naïve and previously treated diabetic macular oedema, injection of intravitreal dexamethasone 0.7-mg implant provided effective disease control with initial and repeat injections, regardless of reinjection interval.

Topical eye drop treatments for the posterior segment would offer easier, less invasive options than those currently available. This would reduce the burden on both patients and their caregivers, increasing adherence and improving outcomes.

Virtual reality dichoptic and perceptual learning training seem to be a useful therapeutic option for achieving a successful visual rehabilitation in amblyopic patients.

Topography-guided PRK, with or without the addition of corneal crosslinking, can improve visual acuity and quality in patients with keratoconus.

A smartphone direct ophthalmoscope attachment makes it possible to examine the optic nerve and distinguish whether its state of health is normal or abnormal.

Ophthalmologists are seeking improved treatment options for uveitis as epidemiological studies demonstrate the scope and sight-stealing burden of the disease.

Artificial intelligence and genetic testing are expected to facilitate choosing the best treatment for each unique glaucoma patient within the next decade. This will not only lead to the best outcomes for individuals but will also spare them the costs and side effects of suboptimal treatments.

En-face OCT has advantages that make it very useful for characterising macular anatomy and pathologic features of various macular disorders.

In the DRCR Retina Network Protocol V, which studied management strategies for eyes with centre-involving DMO and good visual acuity, the majority of eyes randomly assigned to initial observation completed the 2-year study without needing anti-VEGF therapy for vision loss and nearly one-third had spontaneous resolution of DMO.

Evidence for a connection between low vitamin D levels and glaucoma is increasing but the link remains speculative and no causal connection has been demonstrated.

Cyclosporine for dry eye disease appears to be efficacious at all levels and the choice of which formulation to use usually depends on tolerability and affordability. Tolerability hinges primarily on the vehicle, which varies among different products.

Intraocular drainage surgery in angle closure remains experimental and investigators are collecting data regarding its efficacy as well as adverse effects.

A greater understanding of lens embryology and the phenotype/genotype correlation of cataracts should help guide future therapeutic approaches.

Although the majority of patients experience benefit with brolucizumab for the treatment of nAMD without severe adverse events, the risk of retinal vasculitis and/or retinal vascular occlusion needs to be balanced with potential benefits.

Study results, including data from approximately 42,000 eyes, found diabetic retinopathy severity is a risk factor for diabetic eye disease progression. Other findings support the idea that genetic factors may influence the development of proliferative diabetic retinopathy versus diabetic macular oedema.

Nurses and other allied healthcare professionals can safely and effectively deliver intravitreal steroid implants in a clean room setting, which has reduced patient waiting times.

Investigators have indicated that combination therapies of outdoor activity, bifocals and low-dose atropine are being studied.

Experience at one ophthalmic practice in Bulgaria demonstrates that new operating procedures, technologies and good management can enable clinics to remain open and operate safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ophthalmic training and education should continue to be a priority.

The IC-8 IOL uses the small-aperture concept to extend cataract patients’ depth of focus. Patients report high approval and reduced spectacle dependence.

Biophytis will begin recruiting patients in France and Belgium for the second part of the COVA Study analyzing its leading drug candidate as a potential treatment for acute respiratory failure linked to COVID-19.

A new monofocal IOL was found to provide stability in the capsular bag 1 week and 1 month after implantation, with good refractive outcomes.

Strategies for the management and prevention of floppy iris syndrome include intraoperative interventions and recommendations on alternatives to tamsulosin for medical therapy in men with cataracts.

Recent improvements in electroretinography are making the technique more accessible for general use. It has a wide range of clinical applications.

In recent years, ophthalmologists have seen several new therapeutics for the treatment of dry eye disease.

With NASA’s sights set on Mars, continued research into further understanding and mitigating spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome is of the utmost importance for astronaut health and space exploration.

Results of a study analysing cytokine levels in the aqueous humour and serum of patients with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy with and without diabetic macular oedema support further research investigating transforming growth factor-β-induced Gene Human Clone 30 (BIGH3) as a potential biomarker for DMO.

As the world observes International Holocaust Remembrance Day each January 27, Dr John H. Merey may be the only Holocaust survivor still in the practice of ophthalmology.