Articles related to Ophthalmology

After completing this CE activity, optometrists who work with cancer patients should be better able to recognize the potential ocular side effects of targeted cancer therapies, monitor patients on these drugs for potential ocular adverse events, consult with specialists as needed, and educate their patients about how these medications may affect their eye health.

When atypical AMD is suspected, additional multimodal imaging and a more detailed medical history are required to establish the correct diagnosis. The medical history, clinical examination, and retinal imaging findings of a 69-year-old White man with a long-standing medical history of schizophrenia, bilateral visual decline, nyctalopia, and blurred vision were sufficient evidence for the doctors to establish a presumed diagnosis of thioridazine retinal toxicity. Although it is a rare diagnosis due to the introduction of newer medications, patients with an underlying psychiatric history and atypical retinal findings on examination may have been or are currently taking the culprit psychotropic medication.

A new gene editing technique has been developed that can potentially help reverse vision loss. Researchers have used the technique, called ‘prime editing,’ to target and correct the genetic mutation that causes retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic eye disease that causes progressive vision loss and eventually blindness. The study was conducted on mice, and the technique was able to restore visual function in the mice, demonstrating the potential of prime editing as a treatment for retinitis pigmentosa. As an optometrist, it’s important to keep up-to-date with advancements in the field of gene editing and the potential implications for treating genetic eye diseases. This new prime editing technique, demonstrated to reverse vision loss in mice with retinitis pigmentosa, shows promise as a potential treatment for the disease in humans. As further research is conducted, it will be important for optometrists to stay informed about developments in this area and be prepared to discuss potential treatments with their patients.

Among non-adherent glaucoma patients surveyed in a cross-sectional study, the most prominent barries to adherence are forgetfulness, poor self-efficacy, beliefs/skepticism about glaucoma, poor knowledge of glaucoma, beliefs/skepticism about medication, difficulty with medication schedule, difficulty with drop administration, life stress, side effects of medication, cost, and mistrust of physician. Here are some pointers from three optometrists on how to deal with these and other issues.

When the eyelid shifts to an abnormal anatomic position, this is referred to as eyelid malposition. Sixty percent of symptomatic dry eye patients have compromised lid closure due to eyelid malposition. Regardless of the type of eyelid malposition, hallmark symptoms such as foreign body sensation, excessive tearing, redness, and ocular irritation can all occur. There are distinctions between signs and symptoms. Although symptoms can help identify eyelid malposition, a careful objective examination of the eyelids is essential for determining the malposition and recommending the best treatment.

In a follow-up to a previous article on HCN, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have recently updated their website to report that 68 patients across 16 states have been identified with a rare and drug-resistant strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa called VIM-GES-CRPA (Verona integron-mediated metallo-β-lactamase). This strain is particularly concerning as it is difficult to treat with standard antibiotics. As a precaution, the CDC and FDA are recommending that clinicians and patients avoid using EzriCare or Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Tears products until further guidance is issued. Optometrists are advised to stay informed about the situation and to follow the CDC and FDA’s recommendations to ensure the safety of their patients.