Author: EyeDocNews blog

Google Glasses Ready for Rollout (Developers Only For Now)

Project Glass is Google’s initiative to develop futuristic, Internet-connected glasses that show digital information right in front of your eyes, projected over the physical world, including directions, messages, and more. Although they are not for sale quite yet, the company recently announced that it is holding events in New York City and San Fransisco where […]

Does Early Intervention with Low Vision Aids Reduce Depression in Macular Degeneration Patients?

At the World Ophthalmology Congress held in late February in Abu Dhabi, a small study indicated that early intervention using low-vision aids can greatly reduce the severity of depression related to vision loss in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The study was led by Susanne Trauzettel-Klosinski, MD, from the Low Vision Clinic and Research […]

Top 4 Features of EMR Software for an Ophthalmology Practice

With CMS providing financial incentives to physicians who make “meaningful use” of certified electronic health record (EHR) technology, the American Academy of Ophthalmology has already published a checklist of essential, and desirable features in EHR (a/k/a EMR) software for ophthalmology practices. More recently, on the Software Advice blog, Katie Matlack, an EMR software specialist, identified […]

VEGF-Trap Beats Laser Again In Diabetic Macular Edema

Ophthalmology:  Several injection protocols were tested against laser for diabetic retinopathy. The 2mg every four weeks protocol demonstrated the best results. All protocols beat laser. Again, it looks like for those who don’t reject injections (many of my patients shudder at the thought), VEGF-Trap is the way to go, and hopefully this formula will require […]

Ivantis Announces Results of Hydrus Implant Study

Last week, Ivantis announced the 6-month results from its multi-center, international Hydrus I study at the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Meeting (ESCRS). The Hydrus(TM) Intracanalicular Implant, roughly the size of an eyelash, is placed through a minimally invasive, microsurgical procedure and is designed to reduce eye pressure by reestablishing the patient’s conventional […]

Update on Pediatric Vision Scanner That Offers Breakthrough Method of Detecting Any Form of Amblyopia in Small Children

Several months ago we reported on a new device, called the Pediatric Vision Scanner, which uses a laser beam to measure the alignment of children’s eyes (New Device Detects Lazy Eye and Strabismus in Preschoolers).  Now we bring you newly released details on clinical testing of the device. Lazy eye, or amblyopia, is one of the […]

New Dry Eye Treatments in the Pipeline

OSN: Several promising treatments are in the pipeline for dry eye, which is an “epidemic” and can drive patients to drink. Secretagogues stimulate the eye to produce its own tears, like Restasis. One is called Lancovutide which was originally used in cystic fibrosis. Rebamipide’s mechanism is to increase the mucin level in tears, which makes […]

Lucentis Approved in Europe to Treat Patients With Macular Edema Secondary to Retinal Vein Occlusion

Novartis announced Friday that it had received a positive opinion from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) for Lucentis® (ranibizumab) to treat patients in the European Union with visual impairment due to macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Lucentis was shown to improve vision and vision related quality of life […]

Corneal Tissue Can Be Shared for Transplant

Ophthalmology: Today, surgeons often use just part of the cornea for transplant- either the anterior (front) part or posterior part. Transplanting the entire cornea is becoming less common. This study demonstrated something that would seem logical- instead of throwing out the rest of the unused cornea, it can be used for a transplant in another […]

New Therapies for “Dry” Macular Degeneration Under Development Based on Enzyme and DNA Research

New research has elucidated that low levels of the DICER-1 enzyme causes the buildup of toxic Alu DNA, or “junk DNA,” which causes the retinal cell death seen in “dry” macular degeneration. Through this new understanding, novel therapies can be developed that aim to prevent the build-up of Alu DNA. Researchers from the University of Kentucky […]

Ocular Perfusion Pressure- Don’t Forget!

An article in EyeNet reminds us to think hard about ocular perfusion pressure, especially in low-tension glaucoma patients or “regular” glaucoma patients who continue to deteriorate despite good IOP. You may need to speak to the cardiologist and get the patient off beta blockers or other anti-hypertensives which are reducing the pressure head going to […]