Author: Healio ophthalmology

Publication Exclusive: Europe increasingly involved in setting up systematic screening programs for diabetes

Since the 2005 Liverpool Declaration, Europe has made significant progress toward implementation of systematic national screening programs to reduce diabetes-related visual impairment. However, barriers still remain in countries with predominantly private, insurance-based health care systems or countries that lack human and financial resources, Simon Harding, FRCS, FRCOphth, MD, chair professor of Clinical Ophthalmology at the University of Liverpool and St. Paul’s Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, United Kingdom, said.The Liverpool Declaration was the result of a consensus conference, gathering official national representatives of 29 European countries, invited experts and (Read more...)

Publication Exclusive: Infant presents with tearing, discharge from both eyes

A 4-month-old previously healthy full-term infant presented to her pediatrician with tearing and discharge from both eyes. The mother noted this had been present since birth and did not note any associated symptoms. On exam, the pediatrician noted normal development and bilateral tearing. The infant was diagnosed with nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Warm compresses and nasolacrimal massage were recommended.The patient was sent home; however, a week later she returned to the emergency department with right eye injection and mild edema around the right eye. She was playful on exam and had (Read more...)

Publication Exclusive: Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery increasingly performed by anterior segment surgeons

Anterior segment surgeons are increasingly performing minimally invasive glaucoma surgery in their patients with mild to moderate disease, especially in conjunction with cataract surgery.“What these procedures have done is brought effective glaucoma surgery into the hands of mainstream cataract surgeons who prior to these procedures did not routinely perform glaucoma surgical procedures,” OSN Technology Board Member Jodi I. Luchs, MD, FACS, said. Moreover, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) “can produce a significant difference in clinical outcomes, reducing intraocular pressure and relieving the need to use topical medications in many cases,” (Read more...)

New phakic lens improves vision in keratoconus patient implanted with intracorneal ring segment

The Implantable Phakic Contact Lens, or IPCL, might be an additional good option to correct refraction in combination with intracorneal ring segments for patients with keratoconus, according to one surgeon. Luis Salvà Ladaria, MD, an ophthalmologist in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, performed the first implantation of this lens in a 29-year-old patient with grade 4 keratoconus who was previously implanted with an intracorneal ring segment in the left eye.

Europe increasingly involved in setting up systematic screening programs for diabetes

Since the 2005 Liverpool Declaration, Europe has made significant progress toward implementation of systematic national screening programs to reduce diabetes-related visual impairment. However, barriers still remain in countries with predominantly private, insurance-based health care systems or countries that lack human and financial resources, Simon Harding, FRCS, FRCOphth, MD, chair professor of Clinical Ophthalmology at the University of Liverpool and St. Paul’s Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, United Kingdom, said.The Liverpool Declaration was the result of a consensus conference, gathering official national representatives of 29 European countries, invited experts and (Read more...)

OCT angiography has potential to improve diagnosis and monitoring of corneal vascularization

OCT angiography is designed and optimized for the retina, but it offers potential for the diagnosis and monitoring of several conditions that affect the cornea, according to one specialist.“With a modified focus and algorithm, OCTA can be used for imaging and delineating corneal vascularization, which is seen in any insult to the cornea, including patients with ocular surface disease and limbal stem cell deficiency,” Marcus Ang, FRCS, said in an interview with Ocular Surgery News.

Hyperopic LASIK with corneal vertex centration minimizes postop higher-order aberrations

LASIK for high hyperopia with corneal vertex centration and asymmetric offset yielded a low risk of postoperative higher-order aberrations, according to a study.“Maintaining postoperative keratometry less than 49 D after hyperopic LASIK and centering on the corneal vertex reduces the induction of coma compared to non-aspheric profiles and lower hyperopia,” the study authors said. “The use of corneal vertex centration results in a morphologically stable cornea, less topographic asymmetry and enhanced stability.”

STAAR Surgical, Aier Eye Hospital Group enter into strategic cooperation agreement

STAAR Surgical has entered into an agreement with Aier Eye Hospital Group, the largest refractive surgery provider in China, to provide STAAR’s CentraFLOW IOL as a primary and premium option for refractive eye treatment, according to a press release from STAAR. Hospital officials believe that the partnership with STAAR will result in a strong collaboration expected to include surgeon training, clinical studies, patient registries, local inventory, patient information both in person and through digital communications, and an ability to meet patient demand, Li Li, CEO of Aier Eye Hospital Group, (Read more...)