Diabetes Care in the Age of Anti-VEGF

We all encounter patients with diabetes in our practice, so it’s incumbent upon us to keep up to date on the extent of its impact and the options available to help, especially in an environment where the research and clinical protocols are rapidly evolving. Retina specialists are busier than ever and expect the referring OD to play a vital role in early identification, patient education and ongoing—possibly lifelong—follow-up. So, let’s make sure we’re on the same page as our syringe-wielding colleagues to ensure patients get the best care possible.

Deterring Discomfort Dropouts

Eye care professionals battle contact lens discomfort (CLD) management on a daily basis. According to one survey about discontinuation of contact lens wear, 45% of those surveyed dropped out of wear within the first year, and 47% cited discomfort as the primary reason for dropping out. Studies show that nearly 15% to 30% of contact lens wearers drop out each year. One of the most significant factors in CLD is dry eye, as approximately 50% of contact lens wearers report experiencing dry eye symptoms at least occasionally. This issue occurs with both soft and gas permeable lenses alike. Due to its multifactorial nature, we have no cure-all for CLD, and even with today’s technological advancements, CLD remains a leading cause of dropout in contact lens wearers. Ultimately, if CLD is not diagnosed and managed early, a patient may drop out of contact lenses permanently.

Can an Eye Drop Eliminate Presbyopia?

Today, patients with presbyopia may be one step closer to correcting their vision by eye drop, as several different research teams are investigating an alternative, noninvasive treatment that some optometrists believe could be a game changer. Here’s a snapshot of the new generation of presbyopia-correcting drops under development.

News Review

Patients with chronic uveitis may consider systemic therapy with corticosteroids and immunosuppressants in lieu of a long-term corticosteroid intraocular implant, according to new research. The study, funded by the National Eye Institute, found that, after seven years of treatment, patients on systemic therapy had stable visual acuity, while those with the implant saw a decline of roughly six letters.