What happened in optometry this week: November 25 - November 29
Catch up on what happened in optometry during the week of November 25-November 29.
Catch up with what Optometry Times shared this week:
Study finds incidence of microbial keratitis associated with overnight orthokeratology
By Lynda Charters
A recent study found that orthokeratology lenses, which are worn overnight to reshape the cornea to improve vision and eliminate the need for correction during the day, was associated with an incidence rate of microbial keratitis similar to both that seen with the use of daily wear contact lenses and results reported in previous studies,1 according to first author Takahiro Hiraoka, MD, PhD, and colleagues. He is from the Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
AAOpt 2024: Acknowledging ophthalmic home remedies to build patient trust
By Damaris Raymondi, OD, FAAO; Martin David Harp, Associate Editor, Ophthalmology Times; and Sydney Crago, Editor, Modern Retina
Damaris Raymondi, OD, FAAO, discussed her lecture at the American Academy of Optometry meeting, which focused on the use of alternative and home remedies by Latino patients. She highlighted the importance of building patient-doctor trust to learn about these practices, which can include non-traditional treatments like chamomile or manuka honey eye drops. Raymondi emphasized the risks associated with non-sterile or improperly sourced remedies, such as infections from unverified sources. She advocated for educating patients on legitimate treatments and using motivational interviewing to ensure compliance and improve health outcomes.
Ocugen announces positive preliminary data from OCU410 Phase 1 clinical trial for GA
By David Hutton, Managing Editor, Opthalmology Times
Ocugen Inc. announced positive preliminary efficacy and safety data from the Phase 1 dose-escalation segment of the Phase 1/2 OCU410 ArMaDa clinical trial for geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to dry age-related macular degeneration (dAMD).
Key findings include:
- No drug-related serious adverse events
- Reduced lesion growth
- Preservation of retinal tissue
- Improvement in functional vision as measured by low luminance visual acuity (LLVA)
How artificial intelligence is impacting optometry
By Vittorio Mena, OD, MS
While at Vision Expo West in Las Vegas, Nevada, I was able to attend a 2½-hour lecture called “The Artificial Intelligence Revolution: Practical Applications in Eye Care Today.” It was hosted by optometrists Scot Morris, OD, FAAO; Masoud Nafey, OD, MBA, FAAO; Dena Weitzman, OD, FAAO; and Howard Purcell, OD, FAAO, and special guests Rehan Ahmed, MD, an ophthalmologist from Texas; Sunny Virmani, senior product manager at Google leading the Health AI division; and Easy Anyama, chief information officer at FluoreSCENE Media, founder of ODX Health, and general up-and-comer in AI and eye care.
AAOpt 2024: What optometrists think of the NutriTears supplement so far
By Neda Gioia, OD, CNS, FOWNS, and Jordana Joy, Associate Editor
Neda Gioia, OD, CNS, FOWNS, discussed a recent study on a supplement containing vitamin D, curcumin, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which showed significant improvements in dry eye symptoms within 14 to 28 days. Key secondary outcomes, such as MMP-9 scores and corneal staining, also improved by day 28 to 56. The supplement has been well-received by optometrists and high-level practitioners, and it offers an alternative to traditional eye drops, especially for contact lens users. Gioia emphasized its potential to expand beyond optometrists to include nutritionists and other healthcare providers in addressing ocular discomfort.
