Extended-wear users: higher lens but lower lid bioburden
October 24th 2013In a study comparing extended wear and daily wear contact lenses, extended contact lens wear was associated with more inflammatory and infectious complications, says Loretta Szczotka-Flynn, OD, PhD, from Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, They appeared to have a greater frequency of lens bioburden and decreased frequency of lid bioburden, as compared to daily wear.
New paradigm for treating dry eye needed to overcome ‘failures’
October 24th 2013Dry eye is the most common reason why patients seek help from optometrists and ophthalmologists. It is also a leading cause of intolerance for contact lens users and the discontinuation of their use. However, a new paradigm is needed for “confronting and overcoming failures” in treating ocular surface disease.
Stem cell transplantation is an emerging field in ocular medicine
October 24th 2013Increasing knowledge of stem cells, and their application in reparative medicine, holds tremendous promise in treating eye disease and injury. At the plenary session held during the annual meeting of the American Academy of Optometry, three experts discussed the current and potential uses of stem cells in ocular medicine.
Better imaging detects glaucoma progression earlier
October 24th 2013It may be possible to view early changes in the eye before the clinical symptoms of glaucoma become apparent. A better understanding of the structural changes in glaucoma could potentially allow for a better diagnosis of the disease. Using imaging devices, such as the adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope (AOSLO), clinicians can view sharper and higher-resolution images of the eye than current clinical instruments.
Evolution of diagnosis methods will preserve vision, prevent AMD progression
October 24th 2013Traditional methods of diagnosing AMD are not effective, now that there are been significant advances in treatment. Early diagnosis is imperative in order for patients to have better outcomes, including preserving vision and preventing disease progression, from dry to wet AMD.Diagnostics are evolving to diagnosis AMD earlier.