I recently received an update from my contact at Stemedica and would like to share the information with you. A safety study on the use of stem cells in the eye, in a clinical study underway at the Fyodorov Federal Institution of Eye Microsurgery …
Category: Blogs
A Comparison of Commercially Available Femtosecond Lasers in Refractive Surgery
[…] Earlier this month, I came across an article written by Drs. Ronald Krueger and Glauco Reggiani-Mello, that does an excellent job of summarizing the latest developments in the use of femtosecond lasers in refractive surgery and other applications in…
Stem Cells in Ophthalmology Update 5: Gene Defects Common in Induced Stem Cells
As the senior editor, John Gever, of MedPage Today reported, following the publication of three studies about induced pluripotent stem cells in the March 3rd, issue of Nature, “The road to regenerative medicine based on induced pluripotent stem cells…
Diabetic Macular Edema: Have No Fear
Diabetic macular edema occurs in virtually every patient with diabetes. It is the most common “complication” of diabetic retinopathy. Treatment is safe, painless and effective.
Avastin/Lucentis Update 45: Avastin Drug Treatment of ROP Better than Laser
A new study, published earlier this month in the New England Journal of Medicine, describes the use of intravitreal Avastin to treat Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) in premature infants. This study was widely covered by the press, but I would…
Can Being Overweight Protect Against Glaucoma?
Results from the 10 year prospective Rotterdam study showed that for every point increase in BMI, there was a 7% reduction in risk for a woman developing glaucoma. A one point increase in BMI is roughly equal to 6 pounds…
An Interview with Professor John Marshall
During the APAO (Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology) Meeting held in Beijing in September, 2010, Lei Zang, the Managing Editor of Ophthalmology World Report, interviewed Professor John Marshall of St. Thomas Hospital in London and the principa…
An Interview with Dr Ronald Krueger
With the permission of Lei Zang, the Managing Editor of Ophthalmology World Report, here is her interview with noted refractive surgeon Dr. Ronald Krueger of the Cleveland Clinic. As noted below, Dr. Krueger was recently in China to perform a corneal t…
Artificial Retinal Implant May Restore Sight to Blind
For those blind because of retinal impairment, an artificial retinal implant is being developed that may restore sight by relaying information to the optic nerve in place of a damaged retina. The implant consists of a chip with an imager and a network of electrodes, and is powered from the outside by a device placed […]
Me, My Dog and…Social Media
Are You Part of the Conversation? Man’s best friend? Absolutely, for me, my best friend’s name is Keno. She has been by my side through my divorce, raising three children on my own, my remarriage, the integration of my blended family and has rightfully earned a place in my heart and in our family. Lost […]
Positive News for Drug to Treat Leber Congenital Amaurosis and Retinitis Pigmentosa
QLT Inc. today announced that QLT091001, an oral synthetic retinoid, has received positive opinions for two distinct Orphan Drug Designations by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) Committee for Orphan Medicinal Products (COMP) for the treatment of the inherited retinal degenerative…
Who Gets Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration is not inherited in the usual sense of the word, say like height. Certain people are; however, at greater risk than others.
Corneal Tissue Can Be Shared for Transplant
Ophthalmology: Today, surgeons often use just part of the cornea for transplant- either the anterior (front) part or posterior part. Transplanting the entire cornea is becoming less common. This study demonstrated something that would seem logical- instead of throwing out the rest of the unused cornea, it can be used for a transplant in another […]
New Therapies for “Dry” Macular Degeneration Under Development Based on Enzyme and DNA Research
New research has elucidated that low levels of the DICER-1 enzyme causes the buildup of toxic Alu DNA, or “junk DNA,” which causes the retinal cell death seen in “dry” macular degeneration. Through this new understanding, novel therapies can be developed that aim to prevent the build-up of Alu DNA. Researchers from the University of Kentucky […]
How to Diagnose Macular Degeneration
Making the diagnosis of macular degeneration is based upon your age, appearance and vision. It really doesn’t matter if your parents have it.
Don’t Use the Term “Dry Eye”- Use Dysfunctional Tear Syndrome
“Dry eye” is a misnomer. It confuses patients- how can their eyes be dry, when the most common symptom is tearing?! Better to use the term “dysfunctional tear syndrome”. The tears work properly when all three components (the aqueous, mucin and oily layers) are present in their correct proportions. If not, then even though you […]
Ocular Perfusion Pressure- Don’t Forget!
An article in EyeNet reminds us to think hard about ocular perfusion pressure, especially in low-tension glaucoma patients or “regular” glaucoma patients who continue to deteriorate despite good IOP. You may need to speak to the cardiologist and get the patient off beta blockers or other anti-hypertensives which are reducing the pressure head going to […]
Was Jack LaLanee Right?
What can we learn from Jack LaLanne and how we prevent macular degeneration ? Jack LaLanne, the pioneer of diet and exercise died this week. He was 96 years old. He was a chiropractor, fitness and diet expert, bodybuilder, weightlifter…
Liquid Nitrogen For Ocular Surface Disease
EyeNet: Liquid Nitrogen was found to be effective in treating ocular surface diseases like superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis, conjunctival amyloidosis and even pterygium using a double freeze-thaw technique. Considering decreasing reimbursements, …
Seeking Ophthalmologists to Contribute Content to EyeDocNews
If you are an ophthalmologist or other eyecare professional, and interested in writing for EyeDocNews, please contact us We are actively seeking physicians and other eyecare professionals to contribute content to our numerous eyecare categories, including Cataract, Cornea, Dry Eye,…