HYDERABAD, India — Despite the increased rate of surgery performed in the last 10 years, cataract remains a leading cause of blindness in India, particularly among women, according to one surgeon here. More modern techniques such as microincision phaco and implantation of premium IOLs have been introduced in recent times, but only a very small part of the population can afford the increased costs.
Author: Healio ophthalmology
President of India addresses ophthalmologists at APAO-AIOS meeting
HYDERABAD, India — Shri Pranab Mukherjee, the president of India and chief guest at the joint meeting of the Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology and All India Ophthalmological Society, praised both societies for their contributions in fighting blindness in Asia. “Governments alone cannot combat blindness as effectively as collaborative ventures involving individual doctors, medical associations, volunteer organizations and nongovernmental organizations,” he said.
Dry eye prevalence high in rural India, but modifiable risk factors can be addressed
HYDERABAD, India — Dry eye is a common condition in the population of rural India, according to a study, which also discussed modifiable risk factors that could be addressed to decrease prevalence and prevent sight-threatening complications.“We investigated the presence of dry eye by Schirmer’s test and [tear breakup time] in the rural population aged 40 years or older in district Gurgaon, state of Haryana. Of the 2,427 individuals with age 40+, 2,014 participated in the study,” Noopur Gupta, MD, said here at the joint meeting of the Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology and All India Ophthalmological Society.
Ophthalmologists can help patients relieve psychological burden of glaucoma
HYDERABAD, India — Glaucoma patients need and deserve the support of their ophthalmologists, who can help them form a realistic but positive attitude toward their condition. Henry Edwards, MD, addressed the audience at the joint meeting of the Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology and All India Ophthalmological Society in the double role of psychiatrist and glaucoma patient, now at an advanced stage.
Perfluoro-n-octane, upright head position effective in inferior retinal detachment repair
A staged two-procedure approach involving pars plana vitrectomy, perfluoro-n-octane tamponade and upright head positioning was effective in repairing inferior retinal detachments, according to a study.The interventional case series analyzed 159 eyes of…
Oral antibiotic beneficial in treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction
Oral minocycline reduced inflammatory cytokine levels in patients with moderate or severe meibomian gland dysfunction, a study determined.The prospective clinical trial examined 60 eyes of 60 patients with stage 3 or 4 meibomian gland dysfunction.
Iluvien gains marketing authorization in Spain
The Spanish Agency of Medicines and Medical Devices granted Alimera Sciences authorization to market Iluvien in Spain for the treatment of vision impairment associated with chronic diabetic macular edema that is unresponsive to available therapies, acc…
Temporal artery biopsy associated with risk of postop facial nerve damage
A study found that temporal artery biopsy resulted in a 16% incidence of postoperative facial nerve damage, which fully resolved in more than half of the affected patients.Incisions made closer to the orbital rim and brow increased the risk of postop f…
HHS proposes new guidelines for Medicaid, CHIP, health insurance marketplaces
New Affordable Care Act rules proposed this week by HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius set guidelines for eligibility notices and appeals in Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program and Exchanges, plus give states additional operational flexibility for Medicaid programs.“Today, we are proposing a rule to provide Americans with access to affordable, high-quality health coverage and give states more flexibility to implement the law in a way that works for them,” Sebelius said in a press release.
Posterior chamber iris-claw IOL effective in eyes with insufficient capsule support
Implantation of a posterior chamber iris-claw aphakic IOL in eyes without capsule support yielded positive visual outcomes and an acceptable safety profile, according to a study.The retrospective analysis included 137 eyes of 126 patients implanted wit…
Rheumatoid factor, antinuclear antibody may portend primary Sjögren’s syndrome
Specific diagnostic testing protocols may show signs of Sjögren’s syndrome in patients with clinically significant dry eye, according to a study.The prospective multicenter study included 327 patients with clinically significant aqueous-deficient dry eye. Investigators conducted Schirmer testing, corneal fluorescein staining, conjunctival lissamine green staining and tear film breakup assessment. Patients also took a questionnaire on their history of systemic disease and dry eye.
Dissociation possible during removal, exchange of sustained-release implant
Dissociation was a common occurrence during the exchange or removal of a sustained-release fluocinolone acetonide implant, according to a study.The retrospective study included 27 exchange or removal procedures performed in 20 eyes of 19 patients invol…
BLOG: Of doctors and pilots
When I grew up in the early 1970s, I remember considering different professional careers. Among the most desirable were becoming a doctor, a lawyer, an engineer and a pilot. These were the most respected and best paid mainstream career choices. I chose…
Laser-induced chorioretinal venous anastomosis most successful in younger patients
Laser-induced chorioretinal venous anastomosis had an increased success rate in the treatment of nonischemic central retinal vein occlusion in patients with younger age, better baseline visual acuity and no hypertension, according to a study.The Centra…
Corneal neovascularization reduced with short-term topical anti-VEGF
Short-term topical bevacizumab may reduce corneal neovascularization, according to a study.The prospective, nonrandomized trial included 20 eyes of 20 patients with stable corneal neovascularization. All patients received topical 1% Avastin (bevacizuma…
Wavefront-optimized LASIK yields insignificant change in corneal densitometry
Wavefront-optimized LASIK produced insignificant changes in corneal densitometry at 1 year, according to a study.The prospective cohort study included 43 eyes of 22 patients who underwent LASIK for myopia and/or myopic astigmatism.
BLOG: Mastery: A key to enhanced practice performance
Have you ever watched a children’s karate class? Do it, if you have a nearby studio, and especially if the kids are a couple of years and a few belts into their program. You’ll see little ninjas-in-training, all of about 10 years old, all going “Ayyyyaaahhh” at the top of their lungs under the watchful eyes of their sensei.
Study shows link between cross-linking and persistent corneal edema
Collagen cross-linking in the treatment of keratoconus posed a risk of persistent corneal edema and corneal endothelial damage, according to a study.The retrospective study included 350 patients with progressive keratoconus who underwent collagen cross…
Surgical trainees can safely perform femtosecond LASIK
With the guidance of an experienced surgeon, surgical trainees can safely perform femtosecond LASIK, yielding good visual outcomes, according to a study.In a retrospective case series comparing femtosecond LASIK outcomes of 72 eyes operated on by resident and fellow trainees and 157 eyes operated on by an attending surgeon, only flap thickness was found to be significantly different between the two groups, with the attending group achieving thinner flaps (P
BLOG: FDA cracks down on LASIK advertising
On Dec. 18, the FDA sent out another round of warning letters to LASIK surgeons in California, Indiana, Florida, Texas and Georgia about their ads being misleading and not having sufficient information about potential risks and associated side effects …