This week in optometry: January 28-February 2
A look back on what's happened in optometry during the week of Jan. 28-Feb. 2.
Check out what Optometry Times®' shared this week:
Optometry news
FDA approves ML6710i photodynamic laser for use with VISUDYNE
By Emily Kaiser, Assistant Managing Editor; Kassi Jackson, Editor
This week, Bausch + Lomb and Modulight, a biomedical laser company, announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the ML6710i photodynamic laser for equivalent use with Bausch + Lomb’s preparation of verteporfin for injection (VISUDYNE) photodynamic therapy (PDT) for the treatment of predominantly classic subfoveal choroidal neovascularization—or the creation of abnormal choroidal blood vessels— caused by age-related macular degeneration (AMD).1
ML6710i is expected to be available for eye care professionals during the first half of 2023.
Optometrists accept WCO Myopia Management Standard of Care Pledge challenge
By Lynda Charters
February 16, 2023, is a date to bookmark. The WCO will be holding its second global virtual event on myopia management, “Advancing the Standard of Care,” on that day. Eye care providers will have the opportunity to hear directly from patients and optometrists working in research and clinical practice on how they have integrated myopia management into their practices. Sessions are planned in different time zones to accommodate all schedules. Registration is available online.
CDC calls for discontinued use of EzriCare artificial tears amidst infection investigation
By Emily Kaiser, Assistant Managing Editor; Kassi Jackson, Editor
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised against the use of EzriCare Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops (carboxymethylcellulose sodium, 10mg in 1mL) and is conducting an investigation into at least 50 infections across 11 states that have led to instances of permanent vision loss, hospitalization, and one death.
Most of the people with these infections reported using artificial tears, with EzriCare the most common brand, the agency said in a release from January 20. These eye drops are preservative-free, meaning they don’t have ingredients to prevent bacterial growth.
The long and short of myopia management
By Nana Owusu, OD
It is no secret that the technology era we live in will only lend itself to additional advancements. In keeping with the typical expectation of taking the good with the bad, we will undoubtedly see a rise in nearsightedness as a direct result of our increased screen time.
As such, the World Health Organization projects that over 50% of our global population will be nearsighted by the year 20501—an increase of nearly 30% from the year 2000. Parents and optometrists around the world all face the challenge of managing and balancing the right amount of screen time, both recreational and educational.
Practical management EP 2: Social media importance
By Maria Sampalis, OD; Kassi Jackson, Editor
In this episode of a practice management series with Maria Sampalis, OD, learn about the importance of social media use as a local optometrist.
