Optometry Times

Catching up after a busy holiday season? We've got you covered! Check out this week's roundup of all things optometry: https://lnkd.in/enJdSrBn

A large international study conducted by the LHON Study Group reported that a unilaterally administered gene therapy to treat Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) caused by the MT-ND4 gene variant resulted in bilateral improvement in visual acuity with improved quality of life and good overall tolerability up to 5 years after treatment. The first study author, Patrick Yu-Wai-Man, MD, PhD, ad colleagues commented, “These results demonstrated the persistent benefit over time from 1 dose of lenadogene nolparvovec (rAAV2/2-ND4, Lumevoq, GenSight Biologics SA), which is promising for the use of gene therapy in LHON due to the MT-ND4 gene variant,” the most common cause of LHON. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eG_CiiFa

A recent study that compared 2 anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs for treating diabetic macula edema (DME) found that brolucizumab (Beovu, Novartis) was non-inferior in functional outcomes and superior to aflibercept (Eylea, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals) in anatomic parameters, according to first author Leonardo B. Justino from the Division of Medicine, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil. He was joined in this study by researchers from the Division of Ophthalmology, Governador Celso Ramos Hospital, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil, Tufts Medical Center, New England Eye Center, Boston; and Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miami. The current anti-VEGF treatments for DME are associated with a high treatment burden and poor adherence to the treatment regimen. “Besides socioeconomic constraints, which make the ongoing cost and frequency of injections burdensome, patients perceptions of perceived barriers, benefits, and susceptibility play a critical role, as those who underestimate the severity of DME or lack a supportive network are less likely to adhere to treatment regimens,3 the investigators commented. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eYyyK6dk

A recent report conducted by nonprofit research organization RAND found that developing a policy requiring periodic comprehensive eye examinations for all military service members would benefit military readiness, rather than conducting basic visual acuity screenings. Although comprehensive eye examinations require additional costs, the report cited that its benefits outweigh any cost concerns. Report authors are listed as Raffaele Vardavas, PhD, MSci; Philip Armour, PhD; Sai Prathyush Katragadda, MS; Toyya Pujol-Mitchell, PhD; Pedro Nascimento de Lima, PhD; Baqir Fateh; Helin Hernandez, PhD; Stacey Yi, PhD candidate; Javier Rojas Aguilera; and Catria Gadwah-Meaden; PhD candidate. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eDxG9tTR

Alcon Laboratories is voluntarily recalling one lot (Lot 10101) of its Systane Lubricant Eye Drops Ultra PF, Single Vials On-the-Go, 25 count. Alcon evaluated a consumer complaint of foreign material observed inside a sealed single use vial and determined the material to be fungal in nature. The company issued the following a risk statement: “Fungal contamination of an ophthalmic product is known to potentially cause eye infections. If an infection occurs, it may be vision-threatening, and in very rare cases potentially life-threatening in immunocompromised patients.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/ev5X-Bri

In discussing areas of eye care research that optometrists would prioritize if they had unlimited resources, several key themes emerge. Dry eye and anterior segment diseases are a major focus for Shane Kannarr, OD, who sees a high prevalence of these conditions in their clinic. He is also particularly interested in finding ways to prevent vision loss from early diabetic retinopathy, which is common in the rural community they serve. Early intervention is seen as crucial for managing these serious eye health issues. Andrew D. Pucker, OD, PhD, FAAO Dipl, FSLS, FBCLA, is passionate about understanding and reducing contact lens dropout, which affects around 20% of patients annually. They believe that more research in this area could help keep people in contact lenses longer, benefiting both patients and the overall market. The potential of genetic research in healthcare is also discussed. Watch the video: https://lnkd.in/eqWa8C_7

A recent French study reported that aromatic amines in hair dye are associated with the development of retinopathy, according to Nicolas Chirpaz, MD, first author, from the Ophthalmology Department, Edouard Herriot Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France. Chirpaz and colleagues described the presence of multiple bilateral serous retinal detachments (SRDs) found in 3 women after they used hair dyes. The retinopathy associated with the use of hair dye aromatic amines (RAHDAA) mimicked mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK) inhibitor–associated retinopathy, involving the mitogen-activated protein kinases kinase enzymes MEK1, MEK2, or both, the authors reported. Read more: https://lnkd.in/ea-N4VJY

Optometrists envision significant advancements in their field over the next 5 years. Key changes include embracing a medical eye care model, addressing patients' sports and recreational needs, increasing awareness of the profession's capabilities, and adopting light therapy for various conditions. They anticipate the development of new treatments like eye drops and oral medications for diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. There is also excitement about artificial intelligence-enhanced retinal screening tools and a holistic approach to patient care, incorporating lifestyle factors like nutrition and exercise. Lastly, there is a push for better inter-referral systems and comanagement among optometrists and ophthalmologists to enhance patient care. Watch the video: https://lnkd.in/ejvQqFm3

Round out 2024 with the last weekly recap of the year: https://lnkd.in/eXXZURj6

A reform bill that will add optometry to the physician pay scale and giving Veteran Affairs (VA) latitude to offer increased pay awards, bonuses, and annual evaluations passed in the US House of Representatives on December 16. The bipartisan Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act includes a vast array of VA policies and was passed in the House 4 days after it was passed in the US Senate, according to an American Optometric Association (AOA) news release. The AOA and Association of Armed Forces and Federal Optometric Services (AFOS) have advocated for the legislature’s passage, noting that it provides physician level recognition for VA doctors of optometry. Read more: https://lnkd.in/ep4XiRSk