End-stage glaucoma requires outside-of-the-box management
July 15th 2017Although the aim of glaucoma management is to maintain visual function, the role of the ophthalmologist does not end once a patient has lost useful vision. Robert L. Stamper, MD, discussed care for patients with end-stage glaucoma.
Harnessing laziness to do good
July 15th 2017Many maintain that rising early, getting to work, accomplishing a lot during the day, and getting to bed at a reasonable hour is the route to success in life. But a body of evidence suggests that human behavioral tendencies to do too much, in some cases, can reduce the likelihood of a good result. At the same time, laziness can produce outcomes that are either negative or positive.
ARVO calls for applications for Dr. David L. Epstein Award
July 15th 2017At its 2017 general business meeting in May, the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) welcomed a new president, Claude F. Burgoyne, MD, FARVO. Dr. Burgoyne, a glaucoma clinician and surgeon, is senior scientist, Van Buskirk Chair for Ophthalmic Research, and director of the Optic Nerve Head Research Laboratory at Devers Eye Institute, Portland, OR. He also serves as clinical professor of ophthalmology at Oregon Health and Sciences University, Eugene.
Next-generation phaco system design improves stability, reduces energy
July 15th 2017Los Angeles ophthalmologist Mitchell Shultz, MD, shares some of his clinical experience with a next-generation phacoemulsification platform (Stellaris Elite, Bausch + Lomb). The new platform received 510(k) clearance from the FDA in April.
The latest ocular allergy treatments worth watching
July 2nd 2017Progress of ocular allergy treatment in 2017 starts with the fact that this is a mature therapeutic space, with a range of existing choices for clinicians and patients. Progression in therapies from artificial tears to antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers to topical steroids provides a suitable choice for most patients with ocular allergies.
Building on cyclosporine for dry eye
July 1st 2017A phase II study investigating a novel topical cyclosporine product (CyclASol, Novaliq) formulated in a semifluorinated alkane (SFA) vehicle showed promising efficacy, safety, and tolerability. Planning is ongoing for the phase III trial of cyclosporine in the SFA technology.
Three reasons for adopting DMEK in routine EK cases
July 1st 2017Using the Descemet’s membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) procedure can produce better visual results and lower risk of rejection than using the previous methods (DLEK and DSAEK). The method has become easier to learn and use than in the past, and should be considered as the primary EK procedure for most routine cases of endothelial failure.
WFG diagnostic capabilities take entire optical system into account
July 1st 2017Advancements in wavefront-guided technology include improved resolution that provides not only better spot quality but also the ability to scan highly aberrated eyes that often did not produce treatable images using earlier technology, according to Edward E. Manche, MD.
Better diagnosis, treatment options key to nonresponsive bacterial keratitis
June 21st 2017New treatment possibilities for nonresponsive bacterial keratitis are continually in development, including molecular-targeted therapy, the cautious use of topical corticosteroids, corneal crosslinking for superficial keratitis, and biologicals, Eduardo C. Alfonso, MD, reported.
Natamycin still the best bet for fungal keratitis
June 21st 2017A recent study sponsored by the National Eye Institute (NEI) of the optimal treatments for fungal keratitis showed that topical natamycin is still the mainstay of treatment. Adding oral voriconazole to the treatment regimen also may be beneficial to treat patients with Fusarium species.