Avalanche Biotechnologies Inc’s experimental gene therapy for a leading cause of blindness met its primary safety goal in a small mid-stage trial, while staving off vision loss. Reuters Health Information
Tag: News
Trained Imagers Catch Most Diabetic Retinopathy at Point of Care
Trained nonphysician imagers are able to evaluate patients for diabetic retinopathy in primary care, using a novel technology, ultrawide field imaging, reducing the work load of central reading centers. Medscape Medical News
Dry Eye Relieved With Lacrimal Drainage Plugs, Review Shows
Although level 1 evidence is lacking, the preponderance of evidence shows a benefit of lacrimal drainage plugs in the treatment of dry eyes. Medscape Medical News
Reader Poll: How Do Second Opinions Change What You Do?
A study has found that second opinions have a significant effect on diagnosis and treatment. Medscape Medical News
Viral Conjunctivitis Produces Deep Orbital Inflammation
Epidemic adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) can be associated with inflammation beyond that seen on the conjunctival surface, a new case report suggests. Reuters Health Information
Metformin May Lower Risk of Glaucoma in Elderly
Metformin, in addition to lowering blood sugar, may also reduce the risk of open-angle glaucoma, a new study suggests. Reuters Health Information
Contact Lens Wearers Have Unique Eye Microbes
People who wear contact lenses have different microorganisms living on the surface of their eyes than those who do not, according to new research. Reuters Health Information
Smartphone App Shows Promise for Visual Acuity Testing
A smartphone-based application was comparable to standard charts used for visual acuity testing in a new study. Medscape Medical News
Glaucoma Commonly Follows Congenital Cataract Removal in Infants
Glaucoma commonly follows cataract removal in infants, regardless of whether they receive intraocular lenses (IOL) or contact lenses, according to results from the Infant Aphakia Treatment Study (IATS). Reuters Health Information
Wide Data Sharing Poses Problems With Consent
Current regulations for obtaining consent from study participants have not kept up with big data, and researchers are grappling with how to protect privacy as data get shared and uses evolve. Medscape Medical News
Severe Vision Loss Linked to Poverty in CDC Study
The prevalence of severe vision loss was highest in the poorest counties in the South. Medscape Medical News
Vision Problems Rare in Children With Dyslexia
Vision-based interventions are unlikely to improve severe reading impairment. Medscape Medical News
Diabetes: Personalized Care During Eye Checks Has No Benefit
Adding personalized education and risk assessment to routine eye exams does not improve glycemic control among patients with diabetes, a randomized trial showed. Medscape Medical News
Some Physicians Plagued by Student Debt, Bad Investments
A survey of physician compensation has shown that rising student debt is saddling many doctors with a decades-long financial burden, while bad investments are also taking a toll on some physicians. Medscape Medical News
Novel Anticoagulants May Not Boost Intraocular Bleeding Risk
Compared to other antithrombotic drugs, novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) do not pose an extra risk of substantial intraocular bleeding, according to Portuguese researchers. Reuters Health Information
Regorafenib Eye Drops Show Promise in Primate AMD Model
Regorafenib eye drops may become a ‘valuable extension’ to current treatment options for wet age-related macular degeneration. However, the project is in an early development phase. Medscape Medical News
Ebola Virus Persists in Eyes Months After Clearing Blood
Survivors need ophthalmological follow-up for eye disease, but the incidence of ocular complications is unknown. Medscape Medical News
Cornea Crosslinking Increases LASIK Durability
Already used to treat keratoconus, researchers are exploring cornea crosslinking to prevent the ectasia in some LASIK patients. Medscape Medical News
Premium Intraocular Lenses Growing in Popularity
More patients with presbyopia might benefit from intraocular lenses, say experts, who report that the lenses might even be useful for patients younger than cataract age. Medscape Medical News
Retinal Gene Therapy: Long-term Results Less Than Expected
Gene therapy for RPE65-associated Leber’s congenital amaurosis enabled people to see, but the benefit diminished as photoreceptors continued to degrade in patients treated in two trials. Medscape Medical News