Drs Rapuano and Nagra from Wills Eye discuss the recently approved drug lifitegrast (Xiidra), the only one indicated to treat the signs and symptoms of dry eye, and a promising new option for patients. Wills Eye Hospital
Author: Medscape
Osmosis Question of the Week July 22, 2016
Can you identify the cause of an 8-year-old boy’s itchy eyes? Osmosis
Cataract Surgery Has No Clear Link With AMD
Study authors believe that recent advances may have eliminated earlier risks, but others caution that longitudinal data are needed to confirm this theory. Medscape Ophthalmology
Endophthalmitis Risk Low After Intravitreal Injection
The risk for endophthalmitis after intravitreal injection was low, and prophylactic topical antibiotics did not appear to decrease this risk, according to results of a study of more than 90,000 injections. Medscape Medical News
Relationship Between BMI and IOP in Men and Women
A greater BMI may be directly related to a higher risk of increased intraocular pressure among both men and women, a new study reports. Journal of Glaucoma
New Epithelial Transplant Method Promising in Ocular Burns
Using a technique they pioneered in 2010, a team of researchers from India reported 76% success rates in patients with unilateral limbal stem cell deficiency. Medscape Ophthalmology
Better Than Drugs: A Diabetes Prevention Program That Works
Matt Longjohn, national health officer of the YMCA, describes the very successful diabetes prevention programs administered through the YMCA and deemed reimbursable by CMS. Medscape Family Medicine
Tecnis Symfony Intraocular Lens Wins FDA Approval
The new full-range intraocular lens (IOL), the first of its kind, improves on multifocal IOLs by reducing halos and glare. FDA Approvals
Scant Patient Input Collected in Glaucoma Device Evaluation
Studies of minimally invasive glaucoma surgical (MIGS) devices do not pay sufficient attention to patient-centered outcomes such as adverse events and visual acuity, according to Maryland-based researchers. Reuters Health Information
FDA Approves Lifitegrast (Xiidra) for Dry Eye
Lifitegrast ophthalmic solution 5% (Xiidra) is indicated for the treatment of signs and symptoms of dry eye disease in adults. FDA Approvals
Scientists Regrow Severed Nerves in Mice, Restore Vision
Visual stimulation with growth-promoting gene therapy helped retinal neurons regrow and restored some vision after injury, a study showed. It has ‘tremendous’ clinical implications, authors said. Medscape Medical News
Diquafosol Sodium in Dry-Eye Patients With Sjogren Syndrome
How does diquafosol sodium compare with artificial tears in terms of increasing aqueous tear volume in Sjogren’s syndrome-associated dry eye? Eye
Three Grand Books: Genetics, Life and Death, and Humankind
Eric Topol summarizes three important, recently published books that focus on topics relevant to physicians and medical students. Medscape
The Story Behind ‘When Breath Becomes Air’: A Talk With Lucy Kalanithi
The widow of Paul Kalanithi, author of ‘When Breath Becomes Air,’ relates their remarkable story to Eric Topol. Medscape
Expensive Eye Meds Cost Medicare ‘Billions’
Many U.S. ophthalmologists are prescribing expensive eye medications for Medicare patients despite evidence that a lower cost drug may be just as effective, researchers report. Reuters Health Information
Cross-Linking for Microbial Keratitis
Find out about the therapeutic role corneal collagen cross-linking could play in the management of microbial keratitis. Current Opinion in Ophthalmology
Eye Test Screens for Traumatic Brain Injury, Concussion
A 10-minute test using a handheld pupillometer and a questionnaire successfully picked up signs of mild traumatic brain injury in military personnel. Medscape Medical News
More Evidence Latanoprostene Bunod Lowers Ocular Pressure
The dual-acting investigational antiglaucoma agent improves outflow through both uveoscleral and trabecular meshwork pathways, report investigators. Medscape Medical News
FDA Clears Adalimumab (Humira) for Uveitis
The approval of adalimumab for noninfectious intermediate and posterior uveitis and panuveitis marks the 10th approved indication for adalimumab in the United States. FDA Approvals
FDA OKs First Implant (Raindrop) to Reshape Cornea, Fix Vision
The new device, which can replace reading glasses, addresses the prevalence of presbyopia and an aging boomer population, the FDA says. FDA Approvals