New Year, New Rules
Some long-planned significant changes seemed to pale in comparison with the daily news of the pandemic and its stresses and strains on the health care infrastructure. One of these long-planned changes is to the Evaluation & Management (E&M) coding system that has been in place with very little annual modification since 1995. In fact, the last significant change was in 1997—until now.
Dry Eye in Optometry: Trends, Habits and Hang-ups
After refractive error, dry eye is almost certainly the most common ocular issue you encounter at your practice. Just consider: 16 million Americans have been diagnosed with dry eye disease (DED) and as many as six million symptomatic individuals may go undiagnosed.1 With an ever-expanding roster of exam techniques and treatment options to consider, formulating a plan to manage such a heavy caseload can be a challenge. How is this pervasive problem addressed in optometric offices across the country? We surveyed our readers to get a glimpse.
Kids and Screens: Debating the Dangers
With the increase in screen time possible during the pandemic, many patients may inquire about the negative effects that the screens of their personal devices may have on their eyes and health. This article will highlight how digital screens affect the visual system and pediatric development, and will offer recommendations you can provide for your patients.
The Dos and Don’ts of Binocular Vision Testing
Binocular vision disorders are prevalent in patients at all stages of life—from pediatric to geriatric—and especially in patients with developmental disabilities and a history of traumatic brain injury. They can significantly affect a patient’s quality of life and their ability to perform daily tasks. Given the prevalence and symptomatology, all practitioners, regardless of their clinical settings, should be well adept at binocular vision testing and understand what is considered normal—and what suggests a binocular vision dysfunction.
The Generalist’s Guide to Amblyopia
Amblyopia can be described as a reduction of the best-corrected visual acuity of one or both eyes, caused by conditions that affect normal visual development.1 It is not progressive and does not continue to cause further vision loss after visual maturation. Some may consider it an unavoidable disease process that results in visual difficulties in children, but amblyopia is actually a preventable and manageable condition.
The News Feed
Exercise Causes Unique Ocular Changes in Children
Gabapentin May Improve Neuropathic Ocular Pain in DED
Worse VF Defects Tied to Poorer Quality of Life in Glaucoma
Two Visual Field Tests Better Than One
PACK-CXL Can Relieve Treatment-Resistant Infectious Keratitis
Post-op Factors Predictive of VA in PDR Patients ID’d
OCT May Offer Leg Up on Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
Physical Activity Lowers Risk of DR Progression
Possible Link Found Between Fetal Growth and Myopia Risk
Fully Custom Hybrid Lenses Now Available
A ‘Smart’ Way to Get into Fundus Photography
Ortho-K Tweak Might Improve Efficacy
Jump-Start Healing with New Amniotic Membrane Graft
More Evidence Outdoor Time Curbs Myopia Risk
SMILE Gets Good Marks for High Myopes
AI System Detects Vision-Threatening Conditions in High Myopes
DED More Common in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
One Dose of Anti-VEGF May Help Resolve CNV
SMILE Outcomes Worse in Older Patients
New Mid-Range Toric Daily Disposable Debuts
Larger Anti-VEGF Burden Tied to Cognitive Impairment
Delay of Final Contact Lens Rule Requested by Congress
Vitreomacular Traction Unaffected By Laser, Injections
Conventional, Accelerated CXL Both Effective in Children
Sjögren’s Patients with Scleritis Require Closer Monitoring
Blepharoplasty-Induced Diplopia More Common Than Previously Thought
Diagnostic Tool Aids Refractive Assessment
Diabetes Management Fails to Meet Clinical Guidelines
Retina Reflects Treatment Effectiveness in Psychiatric Disorders
Ray Tracing Offers Customizable LASIK Approach
Vitamin B Combo Provides DED Relief
Chinese Patients Exhibit Unique Classifications of Diabetes
Target Demodex Early in Herpetic Patients
Smaller Preemies at Higher Risk of Ocular Issues
MIGS Show More Promise in PXF Patients
Radial Deformation Sensitivity Predicts AMD Progression, Severity
Lower Antioxidant Capacity Associated With Vascular Narrowing
Lamellar Macular Holes Face Risk of Full-Thickness
Cerebral Thrombosis Unlikely in Overweight Women With Papilledema
Low-Dose Atropine Elicits Poor Response in Young Children
Migraine Associated with Increased Risk of RAO
Study Projects Glaucoma Will Primarily Affect Blacks, Asians by 2040
Missed Visits During COVID Increase Risk of Vision Loss
Experts Weigh in on OCT-A’s Role in Retinal Disease
Glaucoma Treatment Shifts From Traditional Surgeries to MIGS
DR Severity Increases Risk of Death
Epi-On CXL Associated With Fewer Post-op Complications
Academy of Ophthalmology Launches Global Myopia Task Force
Older Age Contributes to Glaucoma Progression
Underlying Ocular Issues May Reduce Anti-VEGF Effectiveness
Look Inside The Current Issue
Features
130 Years of Review: A Tradition of Reinvention
Dry Eye in Optometry: Trends, Habits and Hang-ups
Kids and Screens: Debating the Dangers
Low Vision: Concepts and Clinical Skills for Generalists
The Dos and Don’ts of Binocular Vision Testing
The Generalist’s Guide to Amblyopia
Where Does Vision Care Fit in 2021?
Departments
Letters to the Editor
Near and Far
New Year, New Rules
Nuances of Neuropathy
Position Yourself for a Full-throttle Recovery
Rarer than RP
Rediscover Your Red-Free
Scrubs: the Clothes, Not the Benchwarmers
The Pricing Problem
Timing is Everything
When the Pressure’s On
Upcoming Events
Continuing Education
Low Vision: Concepts and Clinical Skills for Generalists
A Modern Approach to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
Antibiotics in Eye Care: A Balancing Act
Corneal Dystrophies Front to Back
Additional Publications
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VIDEO: Telemedicine Protocols Webinar: Dry Eye and Telemedicine
Three optometric leaders discuss telemedicine protocols for the dry eye practice. Pharmacologic Treatment of Acquired Ptosis: A Win-Win for Patients and Practices
2021 Conference Planner
Raising the Bar for Dry Eye Disease Therapy
Bausch + Lomb Infuse Silicone Hydrogel One-Day Contact Lenses
Practical Opportunities in AMD Management
Review of Cornea & Contact Lenses
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A New Era of Keratoconus Care
Learn how advances in diagnostics and treatment are turning the old paradigm on its head. -
Four Troubleshooting Pearls For Scleral Lens Success
Early training can help scleral patients avoid lens wetting issues, midday fogging and other common problems that can lead to dropout. -
Specialty Contact Lenses for the Diseased Cornea
When fit successfully, these medical devices can be a life-changer for appropriate patients. -
Let’s Talk About Labs
Ask yourself if your current relationship with your labs meets your needs. -
Material Management in a Scleral Society
Have a comprehensive understanding of all your options prior to beginning the fitting process. -
The Pancake Cornea Conundrum
Postsurgical flattening poses unique visual challenges that only GP lenses can counter. Read on to learn how we managed it—and you can, too.
Women in Optometry
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Take Good Care of Yourself
You’ve taken the kids for their checkups and scheduled your parents’ doctor visits. You even went along to make sure they understand what was happening.
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WO Marketing Diamonds
Nikki Iravani, OD, is always on the lookout for a great marketing tip.
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Women In Optometry Theia Awards Recognized Nine ODs
Nine women ODs were honored during the fourth annual Theia Awards of Excellence from Women In Optometry magazine.
