This week in optometry: September 18-September 22
Catch up on what happened in optometry during the week of September 18-September 22.
Catch up with what Optometry Times®' shared this week:
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Optometry news
FDA approves avacincaptad pegol intravitreal solution for treatment of geographic atrophy
David Hutton, Managing Editor, Ophthalmology Times
Astellas Pharma Inc announced that the FDA has approved avacincaptad pegol intravitreal solution (Izervay) for the treatment of geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The approval is the second for a drug for geographic atrophy, coming on the heels of pegcetacoplan injection (Syfovre; Apellis Pharmaceuticals) in February. Avacincaptad pegol was developed by Iveric Bio, which was acquired by Astellas in July 2023.
The company noted in a news release that avacincaptad pegol intravitreal solution, a new complement C5 inhibitor, is the only approved GA treatment with a statistically significant reduction (P < .01) in the rate of GA progression at the 12-month primary end point across 2 phase 3 clinical trials.
Prevent Blindness seeks to bring awareness to eye inflammation with Inflammatory Eye Disease (IED) Awareness Week
Martin David Harp, Associate Editor, Ophthalmology Times
Prevent Blindness has declared the week of September 18 through September 24 as Inflammatory Eye Disease (IED) Awareness Week.
In a press release from Prevent Blindness, the company stated this third annual declaration aims to “educate the public on ways to protect vision and prevent unnecessary vision loss.”1
Uveitis, keratits, conjunctivitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid eye disease are all forms of IEDs. In addition to downloadable fact sheets, Prevent Blindness is also hosting a dedicated webpage for education on IEDs.
EyeCon 2023 empowers clinical engagement in a relaxed setting
Sheryl Stevenson, Eye Care Group Editorial Director
In December, The Optometry Times EyeCon® 2023 will gather the nation’s leading eye care professionals to share new data and practical strategies that clinicians can apply in their practices. The dual tracks for optometry and ophthalmology foster greater communication among eye care professionals about the latest technology, best practices, and patient care.
The conference will take place December 1 and 2, 2023, at the Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa in Fort Myers, Florida. Cochair Oluwatosin U. Smith, MD, from Glaucoma Associates of Texas in Dallas recently spoke with Group Editorial Director Sheryl Stevenson about how attendees will benefit from this year’s EyeCon 2023.
Study: Children with vision impairment have reduced quality of life
David Hutton, Managing Editor, Ophthalmology Times
Orbis International has released results of a study1 that found children with myopia and strabismus often experienced significantly reduced quality of life compared to those without vision impairment.
Published in Ophthalmology, the study also finds that surgical treatment of strabismus improves quality of life among children, underscoring the importance of early detection, treatment, and health insurance coverage of strabismus for children.
According to a news release, the research received financial support from Santen, and the study is the first systematic review and meta-analysis of the links between quality of life in children and vision impairment, ocular morbidities and their treatment.
Allergic conjunctivitis is prevalent in youngsters
Shawna L. Vanderhoof, OD, FAAO
As eye care professionals, we are overly sensitive to anyone we see with red eyes or—heaven forbid—anyone rubbing their eyes with such intensity that we cannot help but try to offer assistance. I have recommended products in the artificial tear aisle to someone just standing there, overwhelmed with questions and options. Imagine if they were trying to choose for a child. They may be thinking, “I can barely handle eye drops,” already doubting their own skill or willingness for their child to accept drops.
We know when something is blooming or when the air quality is poor based on the number of phone calls and urgent add-on appointments for redness, itching, swelling, and irritated eyes we receive in clinic. Yet, we only see about 10% of the 40% of persons having issues.1,2 Not only is the child’s quality of life affected, especially at school, but also their parents’/caretakers’ quality of life by worrying about them and the stress of having a “sick” child. In fact, 29% of respondents report that their child’s daily life was affected “a lot.”3
