VIDEO: Treating Demodex

Host Hamza Shah, OD, MS, FAAO, is joined by Cory Lappin, OD, MS, FAAO, to discuss dynamic muscle stimulation for dry eye, spurred by a paper on improving blinking in dry eye patients.

Dry eye questionnaires capture only 22.4% of Demodex blepharitis symptoms, and a 22-study review links Demodex infestation to worse meibomian gland function.

Real-world PFHO data show OSDI scores falling within 2 weeks, while a 12-month trial finds stable corneal endothelial cell density with cyclosporine 0.1%.

Ryzumvi gained a presbyopia indication in adults based on the phase 3 VEGA-2 and VEGA-3 trials, adding a pharmacologic option for optometrists managing near vision loss.

Enspryng is the first subcutaneous, at-home treatment option for TED and the first interleukin (IL)-6 receptor inhibitor approved in the indication.

Susan Gromacki, OD, MS, FAAO, FSLS, details one of her AAOpt 2026 sessions, titled "Advances in Contact Lens Care for the New Contact Lens Technologies."

Three researchers share the prize for discovering channelrhodopsin, a light-sensitive protein now being tested to restore vision in retinal disease.

Presenters from AAOpt26's research symposium share their findings, applications for optometric practice, and goals for future study.