Lehigh Valley Center For Sight

A major problem with advanced Macular Degeneration is the growth of blood vessels in the eye. These unwanted blood vessels develop in the late stages of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD), also known as “wet” ARMD. Dr. Marc Grossman at Natural Eye Care has developed a package of supplements aimed at strengthening the retina and reducing the risk of new blood vessel growth. New blood vessels obscure vision. Wet ARMD patients have few options. Doctors can sometimes zap the eye with lasers in an attempt to reduce the rate of future blood vessel growth. Oral drugs such as ranibizumab can help stop new blood vessels from developing. Injectable drugs are also aimed at stopping the extra blood vessel growth. All these options carry potential side effects and damage. In consultation with their eye doctors, some wet AMD patients have tried research-based targeted nutrition. Certain vitamins, nutrients, homeopathics, and Traditional Chinese Medicine remedies are aimed at supporting the e...

DEC 11, 2017 Retina/Vitreous Findings from this retrospective study suggest that patients with initial suboptimal response to an intravitreal corticosteroid implant may continue to have a suboptimal response on long-term follow-up. Study design Researchers reviewed medical charts from 102 eyes with diabetic macular edema that received a 0.7-mg dexamethasone intravitreal implant. Eyes were subdivided into 3 groups based on change in BCVA at 3 months. The investigators followed the patients for at least 18 months to assess the long-term outcomes of each group. Outcomes The analysis uncovered a significant positive correlation between response at 3 months and long-term improvement in BCVA. Of the eyes with a >10 letter improvement in BCVA at 3 months, 29% maintained that improvement at final follow-up. By contrast, only 7% of eyes with a <5 letter improvement in BCVA gained more than 10 letters by final follow-up. Limitations Retrospective chart reviews are inheren...

DEC 19, 2017 By Keng Jin Lee Aerie Pharmaceuticals Glaucoma Aerie Pharmaceuticals announced that the FDA has approved their once-daily glaucoma drop, Rhopressa , for lowering IOP in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. The approval, which has been anticipated ever since an FDA advisory panel voted 9-1 in Rhopressa’s favor, comes 2 months ahead of the expected date. Rhopressa (netarsudil ophthalmic solution 0.02%) is a first-in-class therapy that lowers pressure by targeting the trabecular meshwork. “The approval of once-daily Rhopressa represents the single greatest achievement in Aerie’s history to date, and represents exciting news for patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension, and physicians,” said Vicente Anido, Jr., PhD, chairman and CEO at Aerie. “We will hire our sales force of 100 sales representatives early in the first quarter of 2018, and plan to launch by mid-second quarter of 2018.” Aerie also announced that a n...

DEC 19, 2017 Pediatric Ophth/Strabismus This retrospective study evaluated outcomes of retinoblastoma treated with intravitreal melphalan as salvage for vitreous seeding. Study design The retrospective review included 28 eyes of 25 patients who were treated at Children's Hospital Los Angeles over a 5-year period. All patients received systemic intravenous chemotherapy followed by intravitreal melphalan as salvage treatment for persistent or recurrent vitreous seeding. Outcomes Overall, intravitreal chemotherapy was very successful at treating all types of vitreous seeds (dust, spheres, cloud). Clouds required the most injections and took more time to regress than dust or spheres. However, spheres were more likely to recur. There was 100% regression of vitreous seeds after intravitreal melphalan, and no eye was treated with radiation or enucleated for seeding. Of the 28 treated eyes, the overall globe salvage rate was 68%. Nine eyes were eventually enucleated: 6 eye...

DEC 19, 2017 By Anni Griswold Stealth BioTherapeutics Retina/Vitreous Stealth BioTherapeutics has gained the fast-track designation for elamipretide , an eye drop for Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON). If approved, the treatment could benefit an estimated 35,000 people who carry the mitochondrial DNA mutation worldwide, according to Stealth. "Elamipretide offers hope for patients suffering from this rare ophthalmic disease, for which there is no FDA-approved treatment. The loss of vision can be sudden and devastating, often occurring in both eyes within a few weeks' time. Unfortunately, the resulting vision loss is usually permanent, underscoring the desperate need for effective treatment options," said Alfredo Sadun, MD, PhD, UCLA Doheny Eye Institute, the primary investigator for the study. Elamipretide uniquely targets the inner mitochondrial membrane to restore electron transport, improve cellular energy production and reduce oxidative...

DEC 20, 2017 Glaucoma Patients with glaucoma can reliably perform self-tonometry using a portable rebound device, according to this prospective study. Study design To assess patient’s ability to self-administer rebound tonometry, investigators recruited 100 consecutive ocular hypertensive or glaucoma patients and tested whether they could correctly use the Icare Home device. Outcomes Among 100 patients who were trained to use the tonometer, 73 consistently produced IOP measurements within 5 mm Hg of levels obtained by physicians. An additional 6 participants showed consistently good technique, but less accurate readings. Regardless of performance, most participants required only about 20 minutes to learn how to use the instrument and described the process as easy and comfortable. Limitations Self-administered tonometry yielded lower pressures when compared to the gold standard, Goldmann applanation tonometry. It is also unclear how this technology could be applied to...

A major problem with advanced Macular Degeneration is the growth of blood vessels in the eye. These unwanted blood vessels develop in the late stages of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD), also known as “wet” ARMD. Dr. Marc Grossman at Natural Eye Care has developed a package of supplements aimed at strengthening the retina and reducing the risk of new blood vessel growth. New blood vessels obscure vision. Wet ARMD patients have few options. Doctors can sometimes zap the eye with lasers in an attempt to reduce the rate of future blood vessel growth. Oral drugs such as ranibizumab can help stop new blood vessels from developing. Injectable drugs are also aimed at stopping the extra blood vessel growth. All these options carry potential side effects and damage. In consultation with their eye doctors, some wet AMD patients have tried research-based targeted nutrition. Certain vitamins, nutrients, homeopathics, and Traditional Chinese Medicine remedies are aimed at supporting the e...

DEC 19, 2017 By Keng Jin Lee Aerie Pharmaceuticals Glaucoma Aerie Pharmaceuticals announced that the FDA has approved their once-daily glaucoma drop, Rhopressa , for lowering IOP in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. The approval, which has been anticipated ever since an FDA advisory panel voted 9-1 in Rhopressa’s favor, comes 2 months ahead of the expected date. Rhopressa (netarsudil ophthalmic solution 0.02%) is a first-in-class therapy that lowers pressure by targeting the trabecular meshwork. “The approval of once-daily Rhopressa represents the single greatest achievement in Aerie’s history to date, and represents exciting news for patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension, and physicians,” said Vicente Anido, Jr., PhD, chairman and CEO at Aerie. “We will hire our sales force of 100 sales representatives early in the first quarter of 2018, and plan to launch by mid-second quarter of 2018.” Aerie also announced that a n...

DEC 20, 2017 Glaucoma Patients with glaucoma can reliably perform self-tonometry using a portable rebound device, according to this prospective study. Study design To assess patient’s ability to self-administer rebound tonometry, investigators recruited 100 consecutive ocular hypertensive or glaucoma patients and tested whether they could correctly use the Icare Home device. Outcomes Among 100 patients who were trained to use the tonometer, 73 consistently produced IOP measurements within 5 mm Hg of levels obtained by physicians. An additional 6 participants showed consistently good technique, but less accurate readings. Regardless of performance, most participants required only about 20 minutes to learn how to use the instrument and described the process as easy and comfortable. Limitations Self-administered tonometry yielded lower pressures when compared to the gold standard, Goldmann applanation tonometry. It is also unclear how this technology could be applied to...

DEC 08, 2017 By Anni Griswold Uveitis Physicians may soon have a steroid alternative in their uveitis treatment toolkit: A phase 2 trial finds that the new aldehyde trap drug reproxalap (Aldeyra Therapeutics) is noninferior to prednisolone acetate (Pred Forte) at reducing ocular inflammation in patients with noninfectious anterior uveitis. "The use of corticosteroid therapy for the treatment of ocular inflammation is hampered by ophthalmic toxicity, including cataract formation, secondary infection, viral reactivation, delayed wound healing and elevated intraocular pressure that can cause irreversible glaucomatous optic atrophy," says John D. Sheppard, MD, an expert in ocular inflammation and president of Virginia Eye Consultants. The new treatment, previously known as ADX-102, is a first-in-class drug that reduces inflammation by sequestering aldehydes in the anterior chamber. The drug does not cause steroid-related side effects, such as increased IOP. ...

DEC 19, 2017 By Keng Jin Lee Aerie Pharmaceuticals Glaucoma Aerie Pharmaceuticals announced that the FDA has approved their once-daily glaucoma drop, Rhopressa , for lowering IOP in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. The approval, which has been anticipated ever since an FDA advisory panel voted 9-1 in Rhopressa’s favor, comes 2 months ahead of the expected date. Rhopressa (netarsudil ophthalmic solution 0.02%) is a first-in-class therapy that lowers pressure by targeting the trabecular meshwork. “The approval of once-daily Rhopressa represents the single greatest achievement in Aerie’s history to date, and represents exciting news for patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension, and physicians,” said Vicente Anido, Jr., PhD, chairman and CEO at Aerie. “We will hire our sales force of 100 sales representatives early in the first quarter of 2018, and plan to launch by mid-second quarter of 2018.” Aerie also announced that a n...

DEC 20, 2017 Glaucoma Patients with glaucoma can reliably perform self-tonometry using a portable rebound device, according to this prospective study. Study design To assess patient’s ability to self-administer rebound tonometry, investigators recruited 100 consecutive ocular hypertensive or glaucoma patients and tested whether they could correctly use the Icare Home device. Outcomes Among 100 patients who were trained to use the tonometer, 73 consistently produced IOP measurements within 5 mm Hg of levels obtained by physicians. An additional 6 participants showed consistently good technique, but less accurate readings. Regardless of performance, most participants required only about 20 minutes to learn how to use the instrument and described the process as easy and comfortable. Limitations Self-administered tonometry yielded lower pressures when compared to the gold standard, Goldmann applanation tonometry. It is also unclear how this technology could be applied to...

A major problem with advanced Macular Degeneration is the growth of blood vessels in the eye. These unwanted blood vessels develop in the late stages of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD), also known as “wet” ARMD. Dr. Marc Grossman at Natural Eye Care has developed a package of supplements aimed at strengthening the retina and reducing the risk of new blood vessel growth. New blood vessels obscure vision. Wet ARMD patients have few options. Doctors can sometimes zap the eye with lasers in an attempt to reduce the rate of future blood vessel growth. Oral drugs such as ranibizumab can help stop new blood vessels from developing. Injectable drugs are also aimed at stopping the extra blood vessel growth. All these options carry potential side effects and damage. In consultation with their eye doctors, some wet AMD patients have tried research-based targeted nutrition. Certain vitamins, nutrients, homeopathics, and Traditional Chinese Medicine remedies are aimed at supporting the e...

Similar Diseases, Different Locations, Possible Common Treatments There are many similarities between two age-related diseases (Age-related Macular Degeneration and Alzheimer’s disease) that can affect thousands of people world-wide. In the United States there are 11 million people that have some form of AMD and it is estimated to grow to 22 million by the year 2050. Furthermore, in 2016 it was estimated that the cost to care for those with AMD was $512 billion. Worldwide it is estimated that by 2020, there will be 96 million people with AMD. National Eye Institute  The second aging disorder that causes high degree of damage is Alzheimer’s disease. Presently, in the United States there are 5.4 million people with Alzheimer’s disease and this will increase to approximately 13.8 million by 2050. In 2016, the cost for caring for these patients was $236 billion. Worldwide the numbers of Alzheimer’s patients are estimated to be 44 million and the global cost is $605 billion. Alzheimer’s A...

DEC 08, 2017 By Aliyah Kovner The Lancet Comprehensive Ophthalmology A new Zika vaccine shows promising safety and immunogenicity, according to a phase 1 trial by the Vaccine Research Center at the NIH.   The speedy development of a Zika vaccine candidate was enabled by recent success in creating a vaccine for West Nile Virus—a closely related virus of the same genus—using the emerging DNA vaccine platform. Rather than introducing viral antigens or attenuated live virus, DNA vaccines consist of a plasmid containing genes for virus-specific proteins, allowing the host to produce antigen targets in situ. The study, published online in The Lancet , evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of 2 DNA vaccine candidates (VRC5288 and VRC5283) in 125 healthy adult volunteers. Subjects in the VRC5288 arm were randomized to 1 of 4 injection schedules, receiving a total of 2 or 3 intramuscular injections. Those in the VRC5283 arm received single (4 mg) or split doses (2 mg...

This is the largest study to examine long-term outcomes following allogenic ocular surface stem cell transplantation (OSST) for limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). Study design Investigators reviewed 165 eyes of 110 patients with total LSCD who underwent ocular surface stem cell transplantation (OSST) by a single surgeon. Procedures included keratolimbal allograft, conjunctival-limbal autograft and others, with a follow-up of at least 5 years. The primary indications for the procedure were congenital aniridia, chemical/thermal burns, and Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS). The authors examined both ocular surface stability and BCVA. Outcomes Over 70% of all patients achieved ocular surface stability by the end of follow-up, defined as lack of diffuse staining, corneal conjunctivalization or persistent epithelial defects. When sorted by indication for OSST, eyes with aniridia showed the highest success rate (73.1%), followed by chemical/thermal injury (70.3%). BCVA improved by 2 or more...

DEC 11, 2017 Retina/Vitreous Findings from this retrospective study suggest that patients with initial suboptimal response to an intravitreal corticosteroid implant may continue to have a suboptimal response on long-term follow-up. Study design Researchers reviewed medical charts from 102 eyes with diabetic macular edema that received a 0.7-mg dexamethasone intravitreal implant. Eyes were subdivided into 3 groups based on change in BCVA at 3 months. The investigators followed the patients for at least 18 months to assess the long-term outcomes of each group. Outcomes The analysis uncovered a significant positive correlation between response at 3 months and long-term improvement in BCVA. Of the eyes with a >10 letter improvement in BCVA at 3 months, 29% maintained that improvement at final follow-up. By contrast, only 7% of eyes with a <5 letter improvement in BCVA gained more than 10 letters by final follow-up. Limitations Retrospective chart reviews are inheren...

DEC 19, 2017 Pediatric Ophth/Strabismus This retrospective study evaluated outcomes of retinoblastoma treated with intravitreal melphalan as salvage for vitreous seeding. Study design The retrospective review included 28 eyes of 25 patients who were treated at Children's Hospital Los Angeles over a 5-year period. All patients received systemic intravenous chemotherapy followed by intravitreal melphalan as salvage treatment for persistent or recurrent vitreous seeding. Outcomes Overall, intravitreal chemotherapy was very successful at treating all types of vitreous seeds (dust, spheres, cloud). Clouds required the most injections and took more time to regress than dust or spheres. However, spheres were more likely to recur. There was 100% regression of vitreous seeds after intravitreal melphalan, and no eye was treated with radiation or enucleated for seeding. Of the 28 treated eyes, the overall globe salvage rate was 68%. Nine eyes were eventually enucleated: 6 eye...

DEC 19, 2017 By Anni Griswold Stealth BioTherapeutics Retina/Vitreous Stealth BioTherapeutics has gained the fast-track designation for elamipretide , an eye drop for Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON). If approved, the treatment could benefit an estimated 35,000 people who carry the mitochondrial DNA mutation worldwide, according to Stealth. "Elamipretide offers hope for patients suffering from this rare ophthalmic disease, for which there is no FDA-approved treatment. The loss of vision can be sudden and devastating, often occurring in both eyes within a few weeks' time. Unfortunately, the resulting vision loss is usually permanent, underscoring the desperate need for effective treatment options," said Alfredo Sadun, MD, PhD, UCLA Doheny Eye Institute, the primary investigator for the study. Elamipretide uniquely targets the inner mitochondrial membrane to restore electron transport, improve cellular energy production and reduce oxidative...

DEC 20, 2017 Glaucoma Patients with glaucoma can reliably perform self-tonometry using a portable rebound device, according to this prospective study. Study design To assess patient’s ability to self-administer rebound tonometry, investigators recruited 100 consecutive ocular hypertensive or glaucoma patients and tested whether they could correctly use the Icare Home device. Outcomes Among 100 patients who were trained to use the tonometer, 73 consistently produced IOP measurements within 5 mm Hg of levels obtained by physicians. An additional 6 participants showed consistently good technique, but less accurate readings. Regardless of performance, most participants required only about 20 minutes to learn how to use the instrument and described the process as easy and comfortable. Limitations Self-administered tonometry yielded lower pressures when compared to the gold standard, Goldmann applanation tonometry. It is also unclear how this technology could be applied to...

Sharing meals with family and friends is one of the major highlights of the holiday season. Whether you treat yourself to old recipes or you try new ones, consider adding these eye-healthy foods to your holiday feast! LEAFY GREEN VEGETABLES Be sure to start your holiday meal with a salad, it’s an excellent way to ensure that you and your guests get plenty of zeaxanthin and lutein, two nutrients that help protect your central vision. Adding kale, spinach, or romaine lettuce to salads helps your eyes absorb damaging blue light, combats the effects of cigarette smoke and pollution, and also decreases your risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) , a condition that affects the macula, the part of your retina responsible for central vision. You will also find lutein in grapes, kiwis, broccoli, peas, corn, Swiss chard, and collard greens.  TURKEY AND BEEF Turkey and lean beef, two of the main ingredients in many holiday meals, keep your eyes strong and healthy. Both foo...

The latest Ophthalmic Technology Assessment explores the most effective method for disinfecting reusable tonometers. Source: Daily Dose of Eye Care https://www.lvcenter4sight.com/dilute-bleach-best-for-disinfecting-tonometry-equipment/

This Ophthalmic Technology Assessment by the Pediatric Ophthalmology/Strabismus Panel reviewed published literature regarding the efficacy of topical atropine for preventing myopic progression in children. Source: Daily Dose of Eye Care https://www.lvcenter4sight.com/atropine-effective-for-reducing-myopic-progression-in-children/

Imagine seeing things as if you were holding a piece of wax paper in front of your eyes. What if you were surrounded by blurry lines and lights that look like smudges? This is how nearly 22 million Americans affected with cataracts see the world. Cataracts are one of the most common eye conditions that affect the average American after the age of 40. According to the National Eye Institute, more than half of all Americans will develop cataracts by the age of 80. The bad news is that if left untreated, you could end up losing your vision completely. More than 38 million people worldwide suffer from avoidable blindness, caused by cataracts. But before we delve further, it’s important to understand how cataracts are formed and how you can spot it at the earliest to avoid any unnecessary grief. What is a Cataract? A cataract is the clouding of the lens of the eye located directly behind the pupil. It is caused by protein build-up in the lens, making the pupil cloudy, which in turn m...

A suite of formerly untreatable, progressively blinding retinal diseases may now be halted or even reversed, thanks to FDA approval of the gene therapy agent, Luxturna. The announcement marks the first U.S. approval of a gene therapy for an inherited disease. Source: Daily Dose of Eye Care https://www.lvcenter4sight.com/fda-announces-landmark-approval-of-gene-therapy-for-inherited-retinal-dystrophies/

This week a crescent-shaped burn highlights the need for protective eyewear during solar eclipses, and fungal infections fall prey to a rose-colored eyedrop combined with green fluorescent light. Source: Daily Dose of Eye Care https://www.lvcenter4sight.com/week-in-review-eclipse-souvenirs-cosmetic-damage-light-therapy/

This cross-sectional study examines the utility of strabismus goggles, which feature a head-fixed laser target display and liquid crystal display shutters, for binocular dissociation. Source: Daily Dose of Eye Care https://www.lvcenter4sight.com/novel-video-goggles-offer-quick-easy-and-reliable-measurements-of-ocular-deviation/

The FDA has expanded the indication for Omidria, a mydriatic and NSAID combination agent, to include use in pediatric patients from birth through 17 years. Source: Daily Dose of Eye Care https://www.lvcenter4sight.com/omidria-approved-for-pediatric-patients/

This study reviews the bacterial origins and potential causative factors of preseptal cellulitis and abscesses involving the eyebrow. Source: Daily Dose of Eye Care https://www.lvcenter4sight.com/retrospective-study-finds-mrsa-in-nearly-half-of-eyebrow-infections/

This week researchers unveil a temperature-sensitive sealant that could buy time for open-globe injuries, and an omega-3-supplemented eye drop gets approved in Europe. Source: Daily Dose of Eye Care https://www.lvcenter4sight.com/week-in-review-eye-glue-facial-hygiene-omega-3-eyedrops/

Are you sick and tired of your glasses and contacts? Do you fall asleep wearing your contact lenses and worry about injury or infection? Do your glasses steam up when you’re out jogging or leave unsightly dents on the sides of your nose? Do you get tension headaches caused from reading? Don’t you want to start seeing the world through your own eyes? Lasik eye surgery is the ideal solution. Imagine enjoying your favorite activities like swimming, scuba diving, playing contact sports, even shaving in the shower without hassling with your glasses or contacts. Choosing the best Lasik surgeon will be the most important thing you do. Here are some reasons you should consider having Lasik surgery so you can start seeing the world through your own eyes! LASIK IS FAST On average, Lasik eye surgery is considered to be a permanent way to reshape your cornea and thus correct your vision. That’s fairly incredible, given the procedure takes roughly 30 minutes total. HOW DOES LASIK EYE SURGERY...

Investigators prospectively compared the safety profiles of 2 IOL implantation techniques in children younger than 4 years old. Source: Daily Dose of Eye Care https://www.lvcenter4sight.com/posterior-optic-capture-may-avert-vitrectomy-during-pediatric-cataract-surgery/

This prospective pilot study assessed the efficacy of venous sinus stenting in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). Source: Daily Dose of Eye Care https://www.lvcenter4sight.com/medically-refractive-iih-patients-can-benefit-from-venous-sinus-stenting/

Inflammation is a factor in many eye diseases, and what you eat affects inflammation. Whenever major holidays comes along, we are tempted to eat special foods. Many of these treats are high in calories and sugar, which contribute to inflammation. While you don’t want to spoil anyone’s fun, you can choose to eat foods that are anti-inflammatory. At the end of this article, you will find tips for limiting the damage while still enjoying the holiday. The Dangers of Inflammation Inflammation can be acute or chronic. Acute inflammation occurs when, for example, you sprain your wrist. The joint becomes swollen, red, and painful. This type of inflammation is part of the healing process. The body is trying to remove damaged cells, debris, toxins and pathogens from the injured area. Chronic inflammation affects the entire body at the cellular level. This results in abnormal electrical activity that hampers cellular performance and causes oxidative damage. Inflammation and the resulting ox...

Did you know that certain vision changes can indicate early-stage Alzheimer’s disease? Alzheimer’s is the #3 killer in the United States, right behind cancer and heart disease. Scientists are researching early detection. Catching this disease in its earliest stages opens up potential treatments, before significant brain damage sets in. Treatments for early Alzheimer’s are also being heavily researched. The retina develops from neural tissue, and the entire eye reflects the health of an individual. Therefore, non-invasive screening tools such as an eye exam could feed clinical trials and lead to effective treatments. Alzheimer’s is pervasive, affecting 5.2 million Americans. An inexpensive and broadly applied screening tool would flag large numbers of early-stage patients. Eye doctors recommend regular dilated eye exams, every 1 to 2 years. Since ophthalmologists and optometrists are performing eye exams anyway, the results could be a useful screening tool. Poor Vision and Cognitive ...