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 […]
Author: EyeDocNews blog
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 […]
Does the Implantable Telescope Materially Improve the Quality of Life of AMD Sufferers?
In a past post we had reported on a new treatment for end-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD): an implantable miniature telescope (IMT) that amplifies vision and was approved by the FDA in Summer 2010. But does this device provide enough of an improvement in quality of life to be worth the trouble and cost? A recent study […]
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 […]
Can Being Overweight Protect Against Glaucoma?
Results from the 10 year prospective Rotterdam study showed that for every point increase in BMI, there was a 7% reduction in risk for a woman developing glaucoma. A one point increase in BMI is roughly equal to 6 pounds…
Artificial Retinal Implant May Restore Sight to Blind
For those blind because of retinal impairment, an artificial retinal implant is being developed that may restore sight by relaying information to the optic nerve in place of a damaged retina. The implant consists of a chip with an imager and a network of electrodes, and is powered from the outside by a device placed […]
Positive News for Drug to Treat Leber Congenital Amaurosis and Retinitis Pigmentosa
QLT Inc. today announced that QLT091001, an oral synthetic retinoid, has received positive opinions for two distinct Orphan Drug Designations by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) Committee for Orphan Medicinal Products (COMP) for the treatment of the inherited retinal degenerative…
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 […]
Don’t Use the Term “Dry Eye”- Use Dysfunctional Tear Syndrome
“Dry eye” is a misnomer. It confuses patients- how can their eyes be dry, when the most common symptom is tearing?! Better to use the term “dysfunctional tear syndrome”. The tears work properly when all three components (the aqueous, mucin and oily layers) are present in their correct proportions. If not, then even though you […]
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 […]
Liquid Nitrogen For Ocular Surface Disease
EyeNet: Liquid Nitrogen was found to be effective in treating ocular surface diseases like superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis, conjunctival amyloidosis and even pterygium using a double freeze-thaw technique. Considering decreasing reimbursements, …
Seeking Ophthalmologists to Contribute Content to EyeDocNews
If you are an ophthalmologist or other eyecare professional, and interested in writing for EyeDocNews, please contact us We are actively seeking physicians and other eyecare professionals to contribute content to our numerous eyecare categories, including Cataract, Cornea, Dry Eye,…
Does High Myopia Predict Failure in Macular Hole Surgery?
From the American Journal of Ophthalmology comes a study finding that axial length of 30mm and greater was associated with a macular hole repair success rate of zero (!) compared to 26-30 mm (92%). It was 73 % in 26mm…
What is the Evidence for Free Radical Effect on AMD and Cataracts?
A recent review in Opthalmic Research discusses the epidemiological evidence for the effect of free radicals on the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. Interest in this area stems from the “free radical theory” of aging, which purports…