Progress of ocular allergy treatment in 2017 starts with the fact that this is a mature therapeutic space, with a range of existing choices for clinicians and patients. Progression in therapies from artificial tears to antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers to topical steroids provides a suitable choice for most patients with ocular allergies.
Sometimes, we ophthalmologists-accustomed as we are to high-success rates with our therapeutic interventions-become inured to the impact our efforts can have on patients’ lives.
A phase II study investigating a novel topical cyclosporine product (CyclASol, Novaliq) formulated in a semifluorinated alkane (SFA) vehicle showed promising efficacy, safety, and tolerability. Planning is ongoing for the phase III trial of cyclosporine in the SFA technology.
In a study of normal volunteers, once-daily dosing of netarsudil mesylate ophthalmic solution 0.02% lowered IOP relative to baseline by increasing outflow facility and decreasing episcleral venous pressure.
Using the Descemet’s membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) procedure can produce better visual results and lower risk of rejection than using the previous methods (DLEK and DSAEK). The method has become easier to learn and use than in the past, and should be considered as the primary EK procedure for most routine cases of endothelial failure.
Advancements in wavefront-guided technology include improved resolution that provides not only better spot quality but also the ability to scan highly aberrated eyes that often did not produce treatable images using earlier technology, according to Edward E. Manche, MD.
A careful clinical workup, along with genetic testing, can help pinpoint what is behind congenital and infantile nystagmus.
Advances in presbyopia, dry eye and allergy, and age-related macular degeneration filled this year’s meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology.
Patient recruitment has started in a randomised clinical trial testing an experimental device (Lamelleye, known also as CXB/1-14) for the treatment of dry eye disease (DED).
How long does it actually take to form a new habit? Is there any science to back this up? And what does all of this mean for your practice?
New treatment possibilities for nonresponsive bacterial keratitis are continually in development, including molecular-targeted therapy, the cautious use of topical corticosteroids, corneal crosslinking for superficial keratitis, and biologicals, Eduardo C. Alfonso, MD, reported.
A recent study sponsored by the National Eye Institute (NEI) of the optimal treatments for fungal keratitis showed that topical natamycin is still the mainstay of treatment. Adding oral voriconazole to the treatment regimen also may be beneficial to treat patients with Fusarium species.
A phase III study of dexamethasone insert, 0.4 mg (Dextenza, Ocular Therapeutix) found that the sustained-release intracanalicular insert is safe, effective, and well tolerated for treating ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis.
Although surgery is still the gold standard for ocular surface tumors, consider the pros and cons of topical chemotherapy as appropriate.
A novel oral formulation of itraconazole (SUBA-Itraconazole, HedgePath Pharmaceuticals) is providing dramatic benefit for patients with basal cell carcinoma nevus syndrome (BCCNS, also known as Gorlin syndrome) and with a favorable safety profile, according to a recent interim analysis of data collected in a phase IIb study.
Everyone knows the name of Warren Buffett, the famous octogenarian-billionaire businessman and investor. His folksy persona and investment insights/elevated returns have earned him the appellation of “The Oracle of Omaha.” His estimated net worth of more than $74 billion makes him one of the wealthiest people on the planet.
A preliminary analysis of a dataset containing more than 300,000 eyes treated with LASIK between 6 to 10 years ago is beginning to quantify some of the risks for ectasia.
Various subtypes of primary open-angle glaucoma might exist. Continued research is needed to identify the characteristics of each subtype for better management.
Knowing how to recognize and manage the various forms of conjunctival pigmented lesions can literally mean the difference between life and death in some cases.
Use these pearls to better diagnose and treat iris lesions.
When considering premium surgeries and high expectations from patients along with an unrelenting quest for vision exceeding 20/20, the tolerance of residual astigmatism must be zero. Like bespoke tailors, ophthalmologists need to be bespoke surgeons who tailor vision in each eye to the highest level possible. We cannot claim to design the best suit using the best technology and tailoring materials, and yet, in our minds, find it “acceptable” to have the suit length within a half-inch to three-quarters of an inch too short or wide.
Implantation of a sulcus-supported, pseudophakic supplementary intraocular lens (IOL) can be a safe and effective method for improving vision in eyes with residual refractive error after cataract extraction, refractive lens exchange, or keratoplasty, said Thomas Kohnen, MD, PhD. It also can be used to provide reversible presbyopia correction.
The most common complication associated with the explantation of foldable intraocular lenses (IOLs) is lens dislocation or decentration. While glare and visual aberrations are the most common reasons for explanting multifocal lenses.
David Karcher, executive director and chief executive officer, The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS), will retire as of December 31, 2018, according to an ASCRS press release. Eric D. Donnenfeld, MD, will chair the search committee responsible for interviewing candidates to fill the role of executive director. Interviews will begin in the late summer or early fall of 2017. Leonard Pfeiffer & Company, a well-known executive search firm, will be assisting in the search.
The ophthalmic community mourns the loss of Roger Steinert, MD, an internationally renowned and respected corneal, cataract, and refractive surgeon. Dr. Steinert passed away on June 6 at the age of 66 after a 2 ½-year battle with glioblastoma. He died peacefully at his home in Colorado, surrounded by his wife, April, and their family.
No doubt, you, dear reader, have experienced the unpleasant situation of terminating an employee for one reason or another (poor performance, financial exigencies, etc.). But I would hope that we ophthalmologists perform this task in a more professional manner than that exemplified by The Captain of Industry.
Recognition of the neuro-ophthalmic findings in pediatric neurodegenerative diseases may yield insight into the diagnosis of these diseases. Ophthalmic clues should not be overlooked.
Gradual reductions in the amount of patching from 3 to 4 hours at 1 year of age showed significantly better outcomes in children who undergo unilateral congenital cataract surgery.
The implementation of electronic health records has had great impact on the way ophthalmologists spend their time. There are concerns that this has created inefficiencies, and that physicians now spend more time documenting, and less time with their patients, which is the opposite of what was intended.
A review of 800 cases of small incision lenticule extraction for treatment of myopia and myopic astigmatism shows an evolution in surgical indications and technique with consistently positive outcomes.
