What happened in optometry this week: January 27 - January 31
Catch up on what happened in optometry during the week of January 27-January 31.
Catch up with what Optometry Times shared this week:
Opening our eyes to the impact of preservatives
By Elyse Rayborn, OD, MBA, FAAO; Chris Lievens, OD, MS, FAAO, FNAP; and Justin Schweitzer, OD, FAAO
Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. The pathogenesis of glaucoma is not entirely understood; however, major risk factors are well established and include advancing age, genetic predisposition, and increased intraocular pressure (IOP). The only known modifiable risk factor is IOP. Evidence-based treatments to lower IOP include topical ophthalmic medications, laser procedures, sustained release implants, and/or surgical interventions. The most common approach for managing glaucoma, especially for the primary care optometrist, is IOP-lowering medication.1 Often patients with glaucoma are on multiple topical therapeutic agents to achieve optimal IOP measurements. While effective at lowering IOP, topical medications have historically contained preservatives. Preservatives are detergents used to prolong the shelf life of medications and maintain sterility; however, their presence can also have some adverse effects on the eye and cause challenges for the ocular surface.2
Premium scleral lenses: Significant HOA improvement in complex radial keratotomy case
By Lynda Charters
Scleral lenses are not new and not the first choice for most contact lens wearers, but they occupy an important space in the refraction correction toolbox for patients who might not be able to tolerate or benefit from conventional lenses, according to Nathan Schramm, OD, FSLS, and Xifeng Xiao, PhD. The authors described a patient who achieved significant visual improvement using premium wavefront-guided scleral lenses.
Schramm is in private practice in Costa Mesa, California, and Xiao is an employee of Wavefront Dynamics, Inc.
Study finds exercise-induced changes in visual performance, calls for reevaluation of SRC efficacy
By Jordana Joy, Associate Editor
A recent study discovered that medical professionals should utilize caution when performing comprehensive sideline sports-related concussion (SRC) assessments for return to play decisions, as exercise can affect women’s visual performance.1 The study, published in Journal of Optometry, found that of the visual assessments conducted, accommodation facility (d = 1.604), saccadic eye movement (d = 0.952), speed of recognition (d = 1.475), peripheral awareness (d = 1.961), and hand-eye coordination (d = 1.139) were most affected (P < 0.05) by a single bout of maximal aerobic exercise.1
What’s on the horizon for myopia management?
By Ashley Wallace-Tucker, OD, FAAO, FSLS, Dipl ABO
Currently, one-third of children and adolescents worldwide have myopia, with the prevalence expected to dramatically increase by the year 2050.1 Although our profession has made significant strides in progressing myopia management toward standard of care, optometrists still face challenges implementing myopia management into everyday clinical practice. Parents are often skeptical about what they may perceive as a novel approach to myopia, may have cost concerns, or even be fearful of potential adverse effects that contact lenses or eye drops may have on their child. To make the most impact on our concerted fight against myopia, we need a plethora of options to accommodate each type of patient, refractive error, and budget. This article will highlight the future of myopia management and what options are on the horizon.
American Academy of Optometry Foundation, Meta Reality Labs Research accepting grant applications for myopia research
By Jordana Joy, Associate Editor
The American Academy of Optometry Foundation (AAOF) and Meta Reality Labs Research (RLR) have announced that applications are now being accepted for a new grant opportunity focusing on stimulating new investigations in the field of myopia and the role visual experience plays on its onset and progression.1 The 2025 Myopia Research Grant will comprise of 3 awards of $500,000 each, according to a news release.
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