A Florida ophthalmologist accused of bilking more than $7 million from Medicare told seniors they would go blind unless he treated their wet macular degeneration, according to the indictment. Medscape Medical News
Tag: Ophthalmology
FDA Panel Debates New Guidance for Proper Use of Contacts
An FDA advisory committee has cautioned against holding the industry responsible for patient noncompliance. Medscape Medical News
Metformin Linked to Reduced Risk for Glaucoma
The geroprotective effects of the diabetes drug, which mimic caloric restriction, might help prevent late-onset open-angle glaucoma. Medscape Medical News
IOP Reductions Greater With Microstents Than Trabeculotomy
Implantation of 2 stents lowers intraocular pressure (IOP) and reduces the need for medication better than ab-interno microcautery trabeculotomy, new research shows. Medscape Medical News
LASIK Effective, Safe in Patients Under 25
Younger patients have better outcomes and significantly lower enhancement rates than older patients, a new study shows. Medscape Medical News
AREDS2: Perspectives, Recommendations, and Questions
This review offers a perspective on the findings from the AREDS2 trial. The results are in, but important questions remain. Current Opinion in Ophthalmology
Microincision Cataract Surgery Combined With Vitrectomy
What benefits could this combined surgery offer patients with cataracts and vitreoretinal disorders? Eye
Combination Drug Shown to Prevent Miosis in Ocular Surgery
The compound could offer an FDA-approved alternative to inexact off-label combinations. Medscape Medical News
Gene Therapy for Retinal Diseases Is Within Sight
We are getting closer to having genetic treatments for devastating retinal diseases. Medscape Ophthalmology
Glaucoma Risk Underestimated by Ophthalmologists, Trainees
Trainees and practicing ophthalmologists are twice as likely to underestimate as to overestimate glaucoma likelihood in an Internet-based self-assessment study. Medscape Medical News
VEGF Blockade May Slow, but Not Halt, Progression in DME
High VEGF, as well as glucotoxicity or other causes, may hasten progression of retinal nonperfusion in diabetic macular edema, suggesting ranibizumab may not prevent retinal capillary closure. Medscape Medical News
Corticosteroids and Antibiotics for Acute Endophthalmitis
Do adjunctive intravitreal corticosteroids help or hinder management of bacterial endophthalmitis? International Ophthalmology Clinics
Less Invasive Surgery After Failed Penetrating Keratoplasty
For patients who have failed a first cornea transplant with penetrating keratoplasty, a less invasive procedure can be used to redo the procedure safely. Reuters Health Information
Patching, Drops Improve Vision Over Long Term in Amblyopia
Either patching or atropine eye drops improved vision in a long-term follow-up of the Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group RCT in children with amblyopia. Medscape Medical News
Cheap Smartphone Eye Exam System Rivals Professional Equipment in Field Trials
Last year we covered a new smartphone-based eye exam system that was being tested in Kenya as an alternative to traditional, costlier equipment. The PEEK (Portable Eye Examination Kit) combines the power of a smartphone, including its camera and flash, with a 3D printed clip-on adapter that makes taking eye exams a snap. Here’s Andrew Bastawrous, a Kenyan ophthalmologist that’s the lead on the project, showing off the technology and discussing how it completely changed the way eye exams have been performed in the field trials.
Laser Goniopuncture for Bleb Revision
A study examined whether Nd:YAG laser goniopuncture could be a solution for failed trabeculectomies. Medscape Ophthalmology
Hormones and Glaucoma: What’s the Risk?
Recent findings on the impact of hormones on the development of glaucoma are explored. Wills Eye Hospital
Steroids Early in Bacterial Keratitis May Improve Vision
Adding topical corticosteroids 2 to 3 days after starting topical antibiotics in the treatment of bacterial keratitis has been linked to improved vision outcomes, according to a new RCT. Medscape Medical News
A Mobile Phone-Based Retinal Camera for Wide Field Imaging
A novel smartphone-based retinal camera, capable of remotely capturing wide field fundus images, could play an important role in the diagnosis of retinal diseases. The British Journal of Ophthalmology
Keratoconus: Effect on Cataract Surgery Outcomes
This review has lessons for when to use actual keratometry values and when to use standard keratometry values in the refractive correction of eyes with keratoconus. Medscape Ophthalmology