Anesthesiology, emergency medicine, and ophthalmology residents had highest rates of COVID-19 in New York City, according to a new study. Medscape Medical News
Tag: News
Ophthalmology Practices Hit Hard by COVID-19 Closures, Changes
Ophthalmology practices are coping with challenges on multiple fronts as they care for their patients and businesses. Medscape Medical News
Two Rare Neurologic Conditions Linked to COVID-19
Two rare neurologic presentations in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 add more evidence that unusual neurologic manifestations can arise in patients infected with the virus. Medscape Medical News
Diabetic Retinopathy Approaches Refined by New Trial Results
Data from clinical trials have prompted specialists in diabetic retinopathy to make changes in their practices. Medscape Medical News
COVID-19 Decimates Outpatient Visits
There has been a massive decline in outpatient office visits as patients have stayed home — likely deferring needed care — because of COVID-19, new data show. Medscape Medical News
Teprotumumab Eases Thyroid Eye Disease in All, Including Smokers
Approved by the FDA in January 2020, the monoclonal antibody appears to reduce eye bulging regardless of age, gender, country, or smoking status. Medscape Medical News
COVID-19 Precautions Needed in Ophthalmology
Consensus recommendations are needed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 within the ophthalmology profession, doctors conclude in an editorial published in Ophthalmology. Reuters Health Information
Differences in Microaneurysm Detection Technologies Affect Diabetic Retinopathy Grading
In eyes with diabetic retinopathy (DR), microaneurysm detection varies between ultrawide field color imaging and ultrawide field fluorescein angiography, potentially affecting assessments of DR severity, researchers say. Reuters Health Information
Blood Filtering Device Wins FDA Emergency Use Authorization for COVID-19
The FDA has issued the first Emergency Use Authorization for a device to help treat COVID-19 patients currently in the ICU. Terumo BCT’s Spectra Optia Apheresis System, combined with Marker Therapeutics’ D2000 Adsorption Cartridge, is now indicated for adult patients with COVID-19 udergoing respiratory failure. The device is intended to lower the levels of cytokines […]
University Ventilator Supports Two Patients Independently
A group of engineers from Georgia Tech, Cranfield University in the UK, and Emory University, have developed their own version of a bag-mask-valve (Ambu-bag) ventilator. It combines the ubiquitous resuscitation bags that are found within hospitals and inside ambulances, a motorized device to squeeze the bag, and an oxygen concentrator. The nice thing is that […]
CMS Finalizes 2021 Rate Increases for Medicare Advantage
CMS will continue phasing in new risk-adjustment methodology; because of the COVID-19 crisis, the agency will suspend quality data reporting for star ratings. Medscape Medical News
Ortho Diagnostics Unveils COVID-19 Antibody Test
Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, a company out of Raritan, New Jersey, has unveiled its SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) antibody test, a development that may allow the detection of those who have already fought off the virus, but never knew they had it. This will help with tracking the spread of COVID-19, identify clinical staff that can pretty safely […]
Loss of Tear Glands Linked to Suboptimal Diabetes Control
Phenomenon underlies the connection between diabetes and dry eye, could be used as a biomarker for suboptimal glucose control. Medscape Medical News
ASRS Guidance on Managing COVID-19 Risk in Retinal Procedures
Retinal specialists need to weigh the risk for vision loss against the risk for COVID-19 when deciding which patients need to be seen urgently vs those whose treatment can be delayed. Medscape Medical News
Medical Meetings May Be Forever Changed
COVID-19 has caused medical conferences to be canceled this spring. Some regular attendees are expressing relief. Will this disruption lead to lasting changes? Medscape Medical News
University of Minnesota Develops Simpler, Inexpensive Mechanical Ventilator
With the rise of COVID-19 cases throughout the United States, one of the biggest concerns is the potential shortage of ventilators for patients who have severe viral pneumonia. A team at the University of Minnesota has designed a mechanical ventilator that is inexpensive and made of easy to obtain materials. Unlike traditional ventilators, the Coventor […]
MIT Emergency Ventilator Submitted for FDA Review
The ongoing COVID-19 emergency affecting nearly the entire globe is making medical ventilators into a hot commodity. During normal times, busy intensive care units can expect to use a dozen or so ventilators at the same time. As a respiratory virus, COVID-19 can make breathing on one’s own impossible, so ventilators are expected to be […]
AAO Urges Ophthalmologists to Provide Emergency Care Only
The American Academy of Ophthalmology has updated recommendations during the global COVID-19 pandemic, urging ophthalmologists to provide only urgent care. Medscape Medical News
Should Docs Stop Providing Routine Care in the Era of COVID-19?
Kids should receive the usual vaccines on time, but adult vaccines can wait, experts say. Many follow-up visits can be conducted via telehealth. Elective surgeries should be delayed. Medscape Medical News
More Adults at Risk for Vision Loss, Glasses Less Affordable
The number of US adults at risk of losing their vision has increased in the past 15 years, yet at the same time eyeglasses have become less affordable, new data showed. Medscape Medical News