Climate change is predicted to be one of the largest health threats of the 21st century. Human activities are increasing the release of greenhouse gases, leading to global warming and eminent catastrophe. It is important for every individual to know about carbon/greenhouse gas emissions, and each one of us must endeavor to limit the same so as to leave the earth in a better position than it is now.Health care itself is a large contributor to carbon emissions. The health care sector is responsible for one-seventh of the U.S. economy. (Read more...)
Author: Healio ophthalmology
TANZANITE study: No re-treatments required with triamcinolone acetonide formulation after 3 months
A majority of patients treated with a proprietary form of triamcinolone acetonide in combination with aflibercept required no additional treatments over 3 months compared with patients treated with aflibercept alone, Clearside Biomedical announced in a press release.The phase 2 TANZANITE clinical trial included 46 treatment-naïve patients with macular edema associated with retinal vein occlusion who were randomized to receive suprachoroidally administered Zuprata (triamcinolone acetonide, Clearside) in combination with intravitreally administered Eylea (aflibercept, Regeneron) or Eylea alone.
Eyes with severe ocular surface disease at risk for KPro-related melt complications
Patients with severe ocular surface disease who underwent implantation of a Boston type 1 keratoprosthesis had a greater risk of developing corneal melts, leaks and extrusions, according to a study. The retrospective study included 128 eyes of 110 pati…
Publication Exclusive: By YOs for YOs: European Meeting of Young Ophthalmologists more than doubles past attendance
The 2nd European Meeting of Young Ophthalmologists took place in Oviedo, Spain, in June, and it was a truly remarkable event. From tailored educational sessions to networking with fellow European YOs to coming together and tackling the challenges ahead for YOs, the meeting was the place to be for any young trainee from Europe. Co-organizer Ignacio Rodríguez gives us the details.Anthony Khawaja, PhD, FRCOphth, Outgoing Chair of the SOE Young Ophthalmologists Committee
Innovative approaches may reduce carbon footprint and environmental impact of surgery
In the cover story on the high carbon footprint of cataract surgery as performed in the developed world, we are made aware of a growing problem for the planet. It appears to be a combination of waste from packaging of things such as IOLs and disposable…
High carbon footprint of cataract surgery raises awareness of need for more sustainable practices in operating rooms
Health care procedures are a large contributor to carbon emissions throughout the world. Presently, surgeons and health care organizations are analyzing the effects of carbon emissions from cataract surgeries and how to decrease the carbon footprint of…
July’s top five FDA news stories in ophthalmology
July’s hot topics in ophthalmology ranged from long-awaited FDA approvals including Shire’s lifitegrast ophthalmic solution for dry eye disease to Allergan’s de novo application submission to the FDA for the Oculeve intranasal tear neurostimulator.
VIDEO: Speaker talks about improving resident education
At Kiawah Eye, Anne M. Schroeder, MD, discusses how ophthalmologists can improve resident education including exam technique, inpatient pathology and protocol development.
Computer program may more accurately identify glaucomatous disc changes than hand-held stereo viewer
Researchers were able to more accurately identify progression or non-progression of glaucomatous optic discs using a computer program instead of manually examining stereoscopic disc photographs, according to a study. The prospective evaluation included…
FDA raises concerns about manufacturing deficiencies in Dextenza complete response letter
Ocular Therapeutix received a complete response letter from the FDA regarding the new drug application for Dextenza for the treatment of postoperative ocular pain, according to a press release. The letter addresses the FDA’s concerns about the deficiencies in the manufacturing process and controls that were identified during a pre-NDA approval inspection of the company’s manufacturing facility, but the FDA did not provide details on which manufacturing deficiencies were identified.
Inotek receives US patent for trabodenoson, prostaglandin analogue for reduction of IOP
The United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued a composition of matter patent for trabodenoson in combination with a prostaglandin analogue for reducing IOP in patients with glaucoma, according to a press release. U.S. patent No. 9,370,530 in…
Publication Exclusive: Pearls for residents, fellows as surgical training gets underway
During medical school there is relatively little exposure to ophthalmology, and only about 2% of all residency positions are devoted to our field. Training in ophthalmology is different from other specialties in so many ways, from the surgical instrume…
VIDEO High-resolution OCT findings of macular disorders
At Retina 2016, Elias Reichel, MD, shares cases of high-resolution OCT findings of macular disorders from his practice.
VIDEO: Speaker gives update on infectious uveitis
At Hawaiian Eye, Thomas A. Albini, MD, gives an update on infectious uveitis.
Tecnis multifocal toric IOL can provide improved distance and near visual acuities
Patients who underwent cataract surgery with implantation of a diffractive multifocal toric IOL tended to experience “excellent” distance and near visual acuities with good intermediate visual acuity after the procedure, according to a study.Researchers included 60 eyes of 30 patients with cataract and regular corneal astigmatism who had phacoemulsification with bilateral implantation of the Tecnis multifocal toric ZMT 150, 225, 300 or 400 IOL (Abbott Medical Optics) in a prospective study.
Female physicians make ‘substantially’ less than male counterparts
Significant salary differences exist between male and female physicians at public medical schools, according to findings published in JAMA Internal Medicine. This gap persisted after accounting for various factors, such as experience, specialty and age…
Nearly half of physicians see fewer patients each day due to EHR use
Physicians have mixed feelings about electronic health record usage, according to a report published by Physicians Practice. The 2016 Tech Report included an annual Technology Survey, which polled more than 1,500 practice managers and physicians throug…
FDA raises concerns about manufacturing facility in latanoprostene bunod complete response letter to Valeant
Valeant received a complete response letter from the FDA regarding the new drug application for latanoprostene bunod ophthalmic solution 0.024%, a once-daily topical eye drop for patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension, according to a press release. The letter addresses the FDA’s concerns about a Current Good Manufacturing Practice inspection at Bausch + Lomb’s manufacturing facility in Tampa, Florida, where the FDA identified some deficiencies.
VIDEO: Evaluating causes, clinical course of subperiosteal orbitial hematomas
At Kiawah Eye, Lisa Vogel, MD, shares results on a study evaluating the causes and clinical course of subperiosteal orbital hematomas.
DOJ sues to block mergers between Anthem and Cigna, Aetna and Humana
The U.S. Department of Justice, along with attorneys general from Washington, D.C., and several states, sued to block Aetna’s acquisition of Humana and Anthem’s acquisition of Cigna, according to a press release.The agency alleged that “the transaction…