What happened in optometry this week: July 15 - July 19
Catch up on what happened in optometry during the week of July 15-July 19.
Catch up with what Optometry Times shared this week:
Coupling of clinical trial recruitment and AI eases the burden of GA studies
By Lynda Charters
Artificial intelligence (AI) is finding its niche in medical research, with more and more applications being explored. A team of researchers in the United Kingdom (UK) are exploring AI to simplify appropriate patient recruitment in trials focused on geographic atrophy (GA) associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
OKYO Pharma outlines plans for Phase 2 clinical trial of OK-101 in neuropathic corneal pain
By Martin David Harp, Associate Editor, Ophthalmology Times
OKYO Pharma has announced its plan to advance OK-101 into a phase 2 clinical trial of neuropathic corneal pain, expected to begin in Q3 of 2024.
The announcement of this trial follows the FDA clearance of the Investigational New Drug (IND) application of OK-101 for neuropathic corneal pain back in February.
OK-101 is a lipid conjugated chemerin peptide agonist of the ChemR23 G-protein coupled receptor, typically found on immune cells of the eye responsible for the inflammatory response.
Potential underlying corneal pathologies associated with alopecia areata
By Lynda Charters
Spanish investigators led by Barbara Burgos-Blasco, MD, PhD, reported a connection between alopecia areata and corneal abnormalities due to systemic inflammation. She is from the Ophthalmology Department, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid.
Some studies have reported ocular pathologies in patients with alopecia areata, which is defined as a common immune-mediated form of non-scarring hair loss of the scalp,1 that include mostly retinal and lenticular abnormalities; others have reported increased prevalence rates of cataract in patients with alopecia areata, likely because of corticosteroid therapy or the common embryonic origin of the skin and the lens from the ectoderm.
Keeping patient care personalized
By Euin Cheong, OD
Cerebral visual impairment (CVI) encompasses an extensive range of visual impairments resulting from complications in the visual centers and pathways inside the brain, as opposed to dysfunctions in the eye itself. This impairment can occur due to a range of diseases, including neurological disorders such as cerebral palsy, head trauma, infections, and birth complications.
CVI includes several kinds of visual manifestations, including reduced visual acuity, restricted visual field, challenges in visual attention and identification, and limited visual processing. The severity and nature of visual symptoms can significantly differ across individuals and may not always be evident during routine eye examinations.
NOA 2024: NOSA reflects on convention's networking and mentorship opportunities for students
By Jordana Joy, Associate Editor
For the National Optometric Student Association (NOSA), the National Optometric Association (NOA) Convention provided a busy week of events, lectures, and continuing education opportunities this year while preparing for future semesters of school. Every year, the convention also allows optometry students to build on invaluable relationships with practicing eye care providers to help them take as much knowledge as possible into the field they are entering, according to Babirekere Bakama, corresponding secretary for NOSA.
