An experimental drug from Biogen Idec Inc showed evidence of biological repair of the optic nerve in a mid-stage study in patients with acute optic neuritis, an inflammation of the optic nerve that can lead to vision loss. Reuters Health Information
Tag: Ophthalmology
Financially Efficient Cataract Surgery
In what ways can cataract surgeons maximize financial efficiency while also considering safety and quality of care? Current Opinion in Ophthalmology
Cataract Surgery Rates Rise, Threshold Decreases
Trends in cataract surgery over the course of 5 years show decreasing thresholds for surgery, decreasing surgical complication rates, and better visual outcomes. Medscape Medical News
Risk Stratification Cuts Unnecessary Eye Exams in Diabetes
A study finds that risk classification of diabetes patients based on two initial retinal exams could help tailor screening frequency to individual needs. Medscape Medical News
Does Ocular Surface Prep Promote Antibiotic Resistance?
A study seeks to determine whether repeated use of povidone-iodine for the prevention of endophthalmitis can have negative microbial consequences. Medscape Ophthalmology
Test Finds Visual Field Defects in Very Young Children
A test developed by Dutch researchers can detect peripheral visual field defects in children who are too young or neurologically impaired to perform standard conventional perimetry (SCP), according to a large retrospective study. Reuters Health Infor…
Half-Dose of Verteporfin Effective for Acute Central Serous Chorioretinopathy
A 50% dose of verteporfin is more effective than a 30% dose for photodynamic therapy (PDT) of acute central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC), researchers from China report. Reuters Health Information
Looking Back on an Innovative Year in Ophthalmology
The authors survey seven of the most notable and exciting devices, drugs, and developments from 2014. Medscape Ophthalmology
Reticular Pseudodrusen and AMD
This finding confers increased risk for AMD progression to the fellow eye. Medscape Ophthalmology
Predictors of Evaluating for Retinopathy of Prematurity
Several predictors can be used to identify infants who should undergo evaluation for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), according to results from a multicenter observational study. Reuters Health Information
Glaucoma Drug Shows Visual Preservation Over 2 Years
Glaucoma drug trial shows effectiveness in a relatively short amount of time. Medscape Medical News
Latanoprostene Bunod for Glaucoma, Ocular Hypertension
Latanoprostene bunod (LBN) 0.024% reduced intraocular pressure (IOP) more than latanoprost 0.005% (Xalatan, Pfizer), but with more side effects, in a study of patients with open angle glaucoma (OAG) or ocular hypertension (OHT). Reuters Health Inform…
First-Ever Stem Cell Therapy Recommended in EU
Stem cell treatment for a severe eye condition has been given special regulatory consideration, but marketing would be conditional. International Approvals
Why Is This Woman Seeing Spots?
Are this woman’s spots related to her systemic lupus erythematosus? Or is something else going on? Medscape Ophthalmology
Corneal Abrasions: Managing a Commonly Occurring Injury
This comprehensive article provides an overview of corneal abrasions, from underlying anatomical considerations to proper management. Medscape Ophthalmology
Autologous Serum Eye Drops Safe, Effective for Dry Eyes
Autologous serum 50% eye drops appear to be safe and effective for dry eye disease in the long term, especially in patients with severe disease refractory to conventional treatment. Medscape Medical News
Surgery, Statins Linked to Lower Graves’ Complication Risk
A large study has suggested that thyroidectomy or statin use may lower the risk that patients with Graves’ disease will develop thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy. Medscape Medical News
Stem Cell Therapy May Someday Replace Corneal Transplants
Mesenchymal stem cells from human limbus regenerated the stroma of corneas in mice, providing a possible autologous alternative to cornea transplants. Medscape Medical News
Princeton Scientists 3D Printing LEDs Into Contact Lenses
In the future, people with certain vision disorders and even healthy eyed folks will have access to electronic contact lenses that can improve and augment native vision. There are already advancements in that direction, but the challenge of being able to embed tiny electronic components into such a small space may be the biggest hurdle. Now researchers at Princeton University have reported in journal Nano Letters the ability to use 3D printing to produce multi-color LEDs on contact lenses.
The LEDs are made out of quantum dot nanoparticle crystals, the size of which defines which color they will generate. These lenses still require an external power source to operate, but the proof of concept study effectively demonstrates that 3D printing is a viable technology to help miniaturize electronics for use in medical and other applications.
Teleophthalmology Tested for Managing Macular Degeneration
Evaluating suspected AMD cases in a community eye care setting may help improve access to care for patients and reduce case loads for specialists. Medscape Medical News