News

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.

A silicone punctal plug-based delivery system for ophthalmic medications (Evolute, Mati Therapeutics) provides precisely controlled medication release into the tear film and has been associated with positive results in initial clinical testing.

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.

​A 19-month, open-label study of a novel bimatoprost, sustained-release ocular insert shows good safety and efficacy. The insert is polymer ring that sits atop the eye in the conjunctival fornix. Phase III trials are expected to begin in 2017.

A transepithelial PRK (TransPRK) procedure (SmartSurface, Schwind eye-tech-solutions) provides the benefits of one-step, no-touch surface ablation plus rapid visual recovery, said Diego de Ortueta, MD.

One mistake ophthalmologists typically make with Facebook is to presume their practice websites and Facebook pages should contain similar information. Another misperception is that Facebook is a platform for the constant promotion of their specials, procedures, or new technologies in eye care.

There is an ongoing controversy surrounding the importance of talent for athletes, musicians, physicians, and other professionals. Some argue talented people are better at learning certain things (developing skills). What is the truth when it comes to ophthalmology?

Infections after blepharoplasty are uncommon with or without the use of an antibiotic ointment. However, if infections occur, be suspicious of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), said Mark A. Alford, MD.

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.

The approved use of wavefront-guided technology for mixed astigmatism may help ophthalmologists to reach another potential groupof patients.

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.

Take these suggestions and you’ll watch your capture rate improve and your average optical ticket rise.

The advent of low-risk surgical options is moving glaucoma from a pharmaceutically managed disease to one controlled via a series of surgical procedures. The outcome appears to be highly beneficial for patients, says Robert J. Noecker, MD.

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.

Non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy can be difficult to treat. A new drug under investigation aims to prevent further loss of vision from the condition.

Ophthalmologists should consider various potential problems, including a number of systemic conditions and infections, when examining a rare or persistent red eye.

America may face a public health crisis in coming years unless drastic changes are not made to the public perception of eye health, according to a report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM). Taking steps to create a public conversation about the matter, Allergan has launched a public awareness campaign, See America, to improve this awareness of and access to comprehensive eye exams.

New treatments and greater awareness are making dry eye an even more important part of glaucoma care, according to Richard Lewis, MD, of Sacramento Eye Consultants.

Ophthalmologists are likely to continue grappling with changes brought about by the Medicare Access and CHIPS (Children’s Health Insurance Program) Reauthorization Act (MACRA) under the administration of President Donald J. Trump, according to Ruth D. Williams, MD.

Despite the legalization of marijuana by several state governments, physicians should not recommend smoking it as a treatment for glaucoma, said Sunita Radhakrishnan, MD. “It has been approved by public opinion rather than regulatory process,” said Sunita Radhakrishnan, MD. 

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is swiftly improving the diagnosis of glaucoma, according to Joel S. Schuman, MD, who helped invent the technology.