This week in optometry: September 25-September 29

Catch up with what Optometry Times®' shared this week:

FDA approves Ryzumvi (phentolamine ophthalmic solution 0.75%) for the treatment of pharmacologically-induced mydriasis

Kassi Jackson, Editor; Emily Kaiser Maharjan, Assistant Managing Editor; Martin Harp, Associate Editor, Ophthalmology Times; David Hutton, Managing Editor, Ophthalmology Times

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved phentolamine ophthalmic solution 0.75% (Ryzumvi)for the reversal of pharmacologically-induced mydriasis (RM) produced by adrenergic agonist or parasympatholytic agents, or a combination thereof, which has been formulated by Ocuphire Pharma and Viatris.¹ Formerly known as Nyxol, the freshly renamed Ryzumvi is a preservative-free, stable eye drop, which blocks the α1 receptor within the iris dilator muscle without affecting the ciliary muscle. The result is intended to reverse pharmacologically-induced mydriasis, presbyopia, and night vision disturbances.

In the US an estimated 100 million eye dilations take place each year for routine check-ups, disease monitoring or surgical procedures of the retina.² Side effects of pharmacologically-induced mydriasis include sensitivity to light (photophobia) and blurred vision, lasting up to 24 hours, which may make it difficult to read, work and drive.³

The approval of Ryzumvi arrives following a New Drug Application (NDA) filing in December and acceptance of the NDA by the FDA in February. The NDA was filed in accordance with the results of the MIRA clinical trial results. When the NDA was filed, Ocuphire reported that phentolamine ophthalmic solution 0.75% rapidly returns dilated eyes to baseline pupil diameter as soon as 60-90 minutes from dilation.

Learn more...

Early CAM therapy kick-starts healing

Tracy Doll, OD, FAAO

Due to their established anti-inflammatory effects, corticosteroids are a mainstay in treating a wide variety of posterior and anterior segment conditions. Common complications with long-term steroid use, however, are adverse effects such as increased intraocular pressure and risk of cataract formation.¹ Long-term steroid use also can delay corneal wound healing, hindering rapid recovery from uncomfortable conditions like infective epithelial keratitis.

To limit the risk of topical steroid-related adverse effects, adjunctive therapies can be used alongside reduced topical steroid regimens, limiting tissue exposure to steroids. Cryopreserved amniotic membrane (CAM) is one such adjunctive therapy, promoting healing by releasing anti-inflammatory, pro-reepithelization molecules onto the corneal surface.²

Continue reading...

Vision By Design 2023 brought comprehensive myopia management and ortho-k education

Cary M. Herzberg OD, FIAOMC, IACMM

The sixteenth conference of the American Academy of Orthokeratology & Myopia Control (AAOMC), known as Vision By Design (VBD) 2023, was held in Schaumburg, Illinois September 5-9.

The conference was attended by nearly 300 eye care professionals (ECPs) and staff from around the globe. This year’s event saw interesting innovations, both in how presenters went about their jobs and attendee interactions with presenters and fellow meeting participants. A new app application allowed presenters to field questions from the audience more directly, while permitting interactive responses to questions from the attendees. In addition, all attendees who had access to the app during the conference could interact online with each other. This was a real positive to encouraging a great culture at this event.

Read the full recap...

How to implement a custom contact lens fitting model into your practice

Luis Rojas, OD; Emily Kaiser Maharjan, Assistant Managing Editor

Luis Rojas, OD, sat down with Optometry Times®' assistant managing editor, Emily Kaiser Maharjan, to discuss custom fitting contact lenses as a business model.

Listen here...

Handling comorbidities prior to surgery

Tracy Schroeder Swartz, OD, MS, FAAO; Alan Peaslee, OD, MS

Surgeons’ list of pet peeves is topped by optometrists referring cataract patients without addressing other pathology or comorbidities. To their point, cataract surgeons are increasingly busy and prefer to see patients ready for phacoemulsification rather than address other conditions or see those requiring a referral to a retinal specialist prior to surgery.

The looming shortage of ophthalmologists (OMDs) supports our diligence to refer patients who are ready and desiring surgery. A shortage of 6000 ophthalmologists is predicted by 2025. One reason for this is an increasing age of OMDs. From 1995 to 2017, the amount of OMDs older than 55 years of age increased from 0.37 to 0.82 per 100,000 citizens.¹ Residency positions are limited by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Remarkably, the number of ophthalmologists has not increased from 1990, while patient numbers are expected to increase by 42% by 2030.² About 450 new OMDs graduate yearly while approximately 500 to 550 retire annually, resulting in an overall reduction. Most ophthalmologists practice in major cities, and there are shortages in rural areas.

Read on...

Prevent Blindness joins World Sight Day global initiative of “Love Your Eyes At Work”

Martin David Harp, Associate Editor, Ophthalmology Times

Prevent Blindness is joining the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), as well as other eye organizations across the world for World Sight Day on October 12. The day is dedicated to helping people understand the importance of protecting their vision in the workplace and calling on business leaders to prioritize the eye health of workers, everywhere and is set to the theme of “Love Your Eyes At Work.”¹

According to a report from the International Labour Organization and IAPB, more than 13 million people globally live with vision impairment linked to their work, with 3.5 million eye injuries occurring in the workplace every year.²

Learn more...

More optometrists are using amniotic membrane

Marc R. Bloomenstein, OD, FAAO

An amniotic membrane has long been used to promote faster healing on the eye postoperatively or for treatment of diabetic corneal ulcers. The membrane fosters cellular regeneration, provides collagen scaffolds for stem cell growth, and reduces inflammation and scarring. As a treatment option in eye care, it has evolved and expanded areas for use. The result is a modality that not only has significant clinical advantages but is an easy, comfortable prospect for optometrists and their patients.

The amniotic membrane meets patients’ essential goals of getting back to work and resuming activities without worrying about inflammation, infection, or losing quality of vision to scarring. From the optometrist’s perspective, the current products are easy to use, affordable, and have a stable shelf life. The amniotic membrane is an effective treatment for many conditions we treat every day, such as corneal erosions, abrasions, and severe dry eye disease (DED), among others. As a result, it is moving from a treatment of last resort to a primary or secondary treatment, particularly for conditions that cause significant discomfort or sight-threatening possibilities for patients.

More here...

American Academy of Optometry 2023 annual meeting in historic NOLA

Lynda Charters

The American Academy of Optometry (AAOpt) 2023 annual meeting will convene in the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in historical New Orleans from October 11-14.

The 4-day program is extensive and includes workshops, lectures, popular ACE courses, Section and SIG Symposia, scientific program papers and posters, plus various special events. Attendees can obtain CEE(TQ) credit by attending select CEE-approved lectures throughout the meeting. The extensive offering of educational opportunities covering all aspects of interest to optometry can be viewed in the online calendar of events here.

Those interested in attending can register here.

Each day’s program begins at 8:00 am. All times listed are expressed in Central Daylight Time.

See the full line up...