Articles related to VISION CARE

The American Optometric Association (AOA) has released a revised clinical practice guideline to help doctors of optometry provide comprehensive eye and vision exams for adults. The guideline was created due to the significant public and economic impact of increasing visual impairments, blindness, and an aging population in the United States. The guideline recommends annual comprehensive eye exams for adults aged 18-64 to optimize visual function, detect sight-threatening eye and systemic health conditions early, and prevent or reduce vision loss. The guideline emphasizes that early detection of eye and vision problems can improve a patient’s visual function and quality of life.

The rate and scope of technology adoption in the healthcare process are hotly debated topics. These include the following in the case of refraction:

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.

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.

AvaGenTM is the first personalized genetic eye test that quantifies the risk of keratoconus and the presence of TGFBI corneal dystrophies based on gene variants. AvaGen provides a valuable tool for early and accurate decision-making that protects patients’ and their families’ vision.

It is critical to understand pupil testing and disorders. The pupil evaluation provides information about the retina, optic nerve, chiasm, optic tract, midbrain, cranial nerves III and V, and the orbit with a single quick, objective test. Furthermore, almost all of the true emergent conditions we see in optometry can be detected by a pupil examination.