A 72-year-old woman presents with chronic pain and tearing in one eye. What is your diagnosis? Medscape Ophthalmology
Author: Medscape
Macular Degeneration Improves With Embryonic Stem Cells
Before treatment, the 51-year-old graphic artist was legally blind, unable to read a single letter on a standard eye chart. Reuters Health Information
Visual Implant and Camera Give Blind Some Vision
Ongoing trials of the Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System (Second Sight Medical Products) show that it returns useful visual perception to patients rendered blind by outer retinal degeneration. Reuters Health Information
Ophthalmologists’ Vision for Haiti Unshaken by Earthquake
The earthquake in Haiti 2 years ago opened the door for more skills training in ophthalmology and a restructuring of the country’s healthcare system, aided by outside medical organizations. Medscape Medical News
Diabetic Macular Edema: Triamcinolone vs Photocoagulation
This new study evaluates two different treatments for diabetic macular edema. Is one more effective than the other? BMC Ophthalmology
4 Problems With Bundled Payments
Doctors are concerned that bundled payments will provide lower payments to physicians for their roles in patient care. But lower payments are just one of the problems bundled payments bring. Medscape Business of Medicine
Let Patients See Visit Notes?; also, Medical Device Risks
Important malpractice and legal developments; ongoing cases and other news. Medscape Business of Medicine
New Corneal Transplant Technique Brings Rejection Below 1%
Corneal transplants using only the endothelial layer sharply reduce the risk of transplant rejection, according to a new comparative case series. Reuters Health Information
SGR Repeal Dilemma Could Make Passage Harder
If lawmakers repeal Medicare’s sustainable growth rate formula, beneficiaries will see a rise in their premiums, or else the cost of the “doc fix” will increase by 25%, a new study warns. Medscape Medical News
Ptosis
Ptosis, or a drooping eyelid, can indicate both benign and serious conditions. Determining the cause can usually be achieved by a careful history and examination. Practical Neurology
Preservative Implicated in Ocular Surface Disease
A new study has associated benzalkonium chloride, a common preservative in glaucoma medication, with ocular surface disease. Medscape Medical News
Sjogren’s Syndrome: An Update on Diagnosis and Management
Dr. Robert Fox provides an update on diagnosing and managing Sjogren’s Syndrome based on data presented at the 2011 American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting. Medscape Rheumatology
eRx Penalty Revealed in Fine Print of Medicare Remittances
Beginning this month, physicians who were “unsuccessful e-prescribers” in 2011 will see their Medicare pay reduced by 1% unless they qualified for an exemption. Medscape Medical News
Cataract Surgery Is More Expensive When Done by Residents
At 1 center, the residents’ learning curve added more than $8000/year per resident to the cost of cataract surgery. Medscape Medical News
Glaucoma Screening: What You Need to Know
Learn why screening for glaucoma is important and what factors should prompt a referral to an ophthalmologist. Medscape Ophthalmology
Vision Screening in Young Children: Best Practices
A number of studies and guidelines were released in 2011 that affect vision screening strategies for kids in the primary care setting. What are the best practices? Medscape Pediatrics
Latitude, Age, Sex Linked to Greater Glaucoma Risk
The risk for exfoliation glaucoma increases at higher latitudes, and not just among those of Scandinavian descent. Medscape Medical News
Ocular Sirolimus Found Safe in Diabetic Macular Edema
Subconjunctival and intravitreal injections of sirolimus for diabetic macular edema appear safe, and result in negligible systemic exposure to the drug, a new phase I trial shows. Reuters Health Information
A Girl With Photophobia
What condition do you suspect is present in this 8-year-old girl with photophobia and ptosis in both eyes? Medscape Ophthalmology
Benchmarking Cataract Surgery
Is it even possible to develop valid indicators for quality outcomes in cataract surgery? Medscape Ophthalmology