The glasses prescribing patterns of a pediatric ophthalmology group differed from the guidelines issued by the American Academy of Ophthalmology for infants less than age 1 year but were similar for children age 1 to 3 years, a study found. The study also demonstrated the efficacy of using electronic medical records for assessing physician decision-making.
Understanding of keratoconus and the resulting dramatic changes in management in recent years have given rise to treatment paradigms that would have been unrecognizable to ophthalmologists a generation ago. The new landscape features a wider range of treatment options, better diagnostic and monitoring tools, and better understanding of the underlying pathology of the disease.
The XEN Gel Stent is a micro-fistula implant designed to lower IOP without relying on physiologic outflow pathways – it connects the anterior chamber to the subconjunctival space. Prospective data from more than 900 surgeries from around the world support the safety and efficacy of this device.
Anti-integrin therapy is a promising new approach in the treatment of vitreoretinal disease. The first drug in this class, Allegro Ophthalmics’ Luminate, is in Phase 2 clinical trials for several indications, including wet age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and vitreomacular traction.
The rate of postoperative cystoid macular edema was lower in a recent study of nearly 1,000 cataract surgery patients at two sites using intravitreal transzonular antibiotic and steroid prophylaxis than in previous studies with topical administration.
An endoscope can improve outcomes in cases in which the view through the traditional operating microscope is known to be compromised preoperatively, and is a good backup if a problem makes visualization difficult intraoperatively.
Noncompliance with glaucoma medication is a familiar issue. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but aiming for simplicity, consistency, and stability from the start of treatment could help more patients adhere to their treatment plan.
Once-daily dosing of one drop of Roclatan (Aerie Pharmaceuticals, Inc.), containing a fixed-dose combination of latanoprost and a rho kinase inhibitor and norepinephrine transport inhibitor, was clinically and statistically superior to administration of its individual components for controlling IOP in open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.
Evidence suggests that nitric oxide can modify both mechanical and vascular events in primary open-angle glaucoma pathogenesis.
OCT angiography (AngioPlex OCT Angiography) is now available as an upgrade to the CIRRUS 5000 HD-OCT platform (Carl Zeiss Meditec). The technology allows visualization of the blood flow and microvasculature in the retina, choriocapillaris, and choroid with the ease of noninvasive imaging.
A knowledgeable optician is obviously an asset to an ophthalmology practice that is wanting to make computer lenses available to a greater number of its appropriate patients.
Ophthalmologists discuss the importance of routine contrast sensitivity and glare testing in cataract-age adults and specifically the use of a platform that includes a real-world driver’s scene.
In order to test the authors intriguing hypothesis that topical beta blockers improve acute migraine we will need a well-designed, statistically valid, large sample size, randomized, double masked, placebo controlled, clinical trial that would have defined primary outcome measures as well as strict inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Ultra-widefield (UWF) imaging provides clinicians a much broader view of the retinal periphery. The Optos California uses multiple UWF imaging modalities, including color, autofluorescence, fluorescein angiography (FA), and indocyanine green (ICG) angiography in a 200° picture.
No physician has the ultimate knowledge and should not be afraid to engage colleagues in the treatment of a patient. Usually, the patient will appreciate the concern and will continue as a patient.
The DOCK, of course, is the Demonstration of Ophthalmic Cognitive Knowledge, the final step for me in completing my second round of Maintenance of Certification requirements for the American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO). Taking this exam initiated a period of contemplation regarding where I’ve been and where I’m going.
Switching from ranibizumab to aflibercept may allow some patients to extend the time between treatments for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD), researchers say.
Professor Steve Arshinoff and Rayner CEO Tim Clover announce Rayner's recent acquisition of the Ophteis OVD range at the Company's celebratory event, held at the 2015 ESCRS in Barcelona.
There are essential components to a budget for your practice-rent, utilities, and staff wages to name a few. But there should also be another section in your budget for marketing.
Vitreomacular traction resolved in one-third of patients treated with ocriplasmin (Jetrea, ThromboGenics) within 28 days in a phase IV study of the new medication, according to Dr David Steel.
Microsurgical instruments enable surgeons to perform complicated anterior segment eye procedures through good control of tissue handling. In this article, Dr Little explains how fine-gauge instruments allow for procedures such as iris reconstruction to be performed far more easily than was previously possible.
Narrow angles have been associated with a higher IOP in glaucoma patients, presumably by causing higher outflow resistance. Here, Dr Loewen presents recent research in which both ab interno trabeculectomy (AIT) with the trabectome and phaco-AIT significantly reduced IOP and number of medications required, regardless of the degree of angle opening.
The evaluation of multiple optical coherence tomography images supports the combined tractional-hydration theory of idiopathic macular hole formation, progression, and closure.
A community-based teleophthalmology program providing diabetic retinopathy screening is helping to improve the eye health of the Latino population in Milwaukee.
CO2 laser-assisted sclerectomy surgery performed with a proprietary platform is a simple and safer alternative to manual non-penetrating deep sclerectomy for eyes with open-angle glaucoma.
Functional vision loss in children is a relatively common problem. Although physicians may be hesitant to delve into conversations with children and parents when there is no evidence of organic disease, it is better to probe for cause of stress, anxiety, or depression stemming from issues with family, school, outside activities, or friends, and to identify for the patient and parents areas for attention that may be previously unknown or overlooked.
A pinhole implant placed in the ciliary sulcus can improve visual acuity and reduce dysphotic symptoms in pseudophakic eyes with irregular corneal astigmatism. Implantation is even easier with the latest version of the investigational device
The AREDS2 findings have empowered ophthalmologists to recommend appropriate supplements to reduce risk of visual loss in patients with AMD. In this article, the authors discuss the emerging revelation that the constituents of macular pigment enhance visual performance and explain how supplementation with all three macular carotenoids in a MZ:L:Z (mg) ratio of 10:10:2 can confer the greatest benefits.
Most patients with acute nonarteritic central retinal artery occlusion have a cardiovascular risk profile, and a comprehensive medical evaluation can uncover more risk factors.
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