In this CE program, unravel the mysteries of understanding lacrimal gland abnormalities, an essential topic for all practicing optometrists. Navigating lacrimal gland abnormalities is a crucial skill for optometrists. This comprehensive continuing education program enhances our ability to identify and manage such abnormalities effectively. At the core, understanding the anatomy of a healthy lacrimal gland lays the groundwork for spotting deviations. Lacrimal glands, situated in each orbit, are bi-lobed structures split by the levator palpebrae superioris tendon. Pain in patients with lacrimal gland disease often arises from the trigeminal nerve, with the autonomic nervous system handling gland innervation. Moving on, the primary function of these glands is tear production. As a result, any dysfunctions can lead to aqueous-deficient dry eye disease. The two broad categories of this condition include Sjögren’s syndrome (SS)-related and non-Sjögren’s conditions. SS often leads to lymphocyte infiltration into salivary and lacrimal glands, triggering dry mouth and eye symptoms. Alternatively, non-Sjögren’s conditions can stem from hormonal shifts, autoimmune diseases, and certain drugs. Interestingly, the lacrimal gland plays a secondary yet significant role in ocular immunity by producing antibodies. Its susceptibility to systemic conditions affecting immune responses calls for vigilant attention to detect abnormalities. Practical learning comes through […]

Uncover valuable strategies to guide your patients in mitigating glaucoma lifestyle-associated risk factors. Smoking significantly increases the risk of developing glaucoma. It results in episcleral vasoconstriction, impaired optic nerve perfusion, irregular blood flow, and higher vasospasms. Additionally, smoking boosts the eye’s oxidative load while reducing circulating antioxidants. Consequently, it amplifies glaucoma risks, especially in genetically susceptible individuals and heavy smokers. Actionably, recommend smoking-cessation apps and credible online resources to patients. Stress too has a considerable impact on glaucoma progression. Chronic stress triggers organ dysfunctions, including eye maladies, elevates intraocular pressure (IOP), and may cause vascular dysregulation, leading to partial hypoxia and hypoglycaemia. Additionally, blood pressure extremes, particularly nocturnal hypotension, heighten the risk of primary open-angle glaucoma. Therefore, endorse stress-reducing relaxation techniques and positive communication strategies to your patients. Turning to stimulants, caffeine and alcohol are noteworthy. Studies suggest that patients genetically predisposed to higher IOP levels may experience amplified effects post-caffeine consumption. Similarly, alcohol consumption correlates with increased IOP, thus posing as another modifiable glaucoma risk factor. In these cases, propose moderation in caffeine and alcohol consumption, advocating for gradual reductions and environmental changes to facilitate better habits. In conclusion, considering factors beyond IOP levels — smoking, stress, and stimulants […]

Unveiling fresh perspectives on dry eye disease treatment through a comprehensive study that scrutinizes tear proteomic analysis and clinical parameters. In a breakthrough study on dry eye disease (DED) treatment, researchers employed tear proteomic analysis to identify potential tear biomarkers. They combined this with a rigorous examination of clinical parameters. Data was gathered from a double-blinded, national multicenter clinical trial involving 80 DED patients. The subjects underwent treatment with either 0.1% cyclosporine, 0.05% cyclosporine, or 3% diquafosol eye drops. Observations took place at four-week intervals, lasting for 12 weeks. Key metrics observed included tear break-up time, corneal erosion, conjunctival erosion, and symptom assessment in dry eye scores. This data was then correlated with protein expressions identified through the proteomic analysis. Interestingly, the same seven proteins were identified in all treatment groups. These proteins were noted to be downregulated following treatment. At the 12-week mark, all clinical parameters demonstrated a significant improvement from the baseline. However, among the groups, no significant differences in values were recorded, except in the case of corneal erosion. The latter parameter significantly improved after treatment with both cyclosporine concentrations, as compared to the diquafosol group. However, the correlation of these proteins with the clinical parameters was […]

Unveiling the multifaceted benefits of daily disposable contact lenses, we dive into their impactful role in patient health, practitioner experience, and industry growth. Exploring the advantages of daily disposable contact lenses, we understand their vital role in promoting ocular health, comfort, convenience, and flexibility. The remarkable health benefits these lenses offer have been thoroughly researched. A study discovered that six years of daily disposable wear in 8- to 12-year-olds showed no significant impact on ocular health. Moreover, these lenses considerably decrease the risk of developing severe microbial keratitis. Next, the comfort factor plays an essential role in patient retention. Daily disposables provide a consistently fresh lens experience, improving comfort even for allergy sufferers and those with dry eyes. They also help to reduce the dropout rates seen with traditional lenses. Convenience and flexibility are also key selling points. Daily disposables are perfect for travel, part-time wear, and patients with varying vision requirements. These lenses effectively remove the hassle associated with cleaning, disinfection, and wear cycle tracking. For practitioners, compliance and ease of patient management are paramount. Daily disposables simplify patient care with fewer steps and products required. Additionally, daily disposables facilitate better patient compliance. Value is a noteworthy benefit as […]

Unraveling gene-specific cancer risks in first-degree relatives of PDAC probands sheds light on a higher uptake of genetic cascade testing. Recent data suggests that first-degree relatives of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) who carry pathogenic germline variants (PGVs) in specific cancer syndrome-associated genes face heightened cancer risks. The study focuses on PDAC probands carrying PGVs in nine such genes: ATM, BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, and CDKN2A. To date, these risks hadn’t been comprehensively analyzed. The study analyzed 234 PDAC probands with PGVs, selected from a pool of 4,562 participants who underwent genetic testing. Findings suggest that different genes correlate to distinct types of cancer. For instance, female relatives of probands with BRCA1 and BRCA2 variants showed significantly increased risks of ovarian and breast cancer. First-degree relatives of probands with Lynch syndrome mismatch repair variants exhibited higher risks of uterine, endometrial, and colon cancer. Additionally, the risk of PDAC itself rose with variants in ATM, BRCA2, CDKN2A, and PALB2, with melanoma risk escalating for relatives of probands with CDKN2A variants. Overall, this research underscores that gene-specific PDAC and extra-PDAC cancer risks in first-degree relatives of PDAC probands are linked with the presence of PGVs in nine cancer […]

Learn about the precise genomic tests and compassionate treatments one doctor is using to address racial inequities in breast cancer care. JAMA’s latest study highlights a discrepancy in breast cancer care for Black women. The accuracy of widely used genomic tests for breast cancer, such as Oncotype DX, is notably less reliable for Black women. Hence, there’s an urgent call to address racial disparities in breast cancer care, especially as Black women currently face 41% higher mortality rates than white women. Dr. Nathalie Johnson, President of The American Society of Breast Cancer Surgeons, advocates for Agendia’s tests, which focus solely on biological factors. Such tests disregard race, ethnicity, age, or menopausal status, allowing for truly personalized treatment selection. Moreover, understanding every woman’s unique cancer empowers not only the patients but also their care teams. Recent research confirms that Black women are more likely to experience high-risk recurrence and death from axillary node-negative breast cancer compared to their non-Hispanic white counterparts. It reveals that Oncotype DX tests have lower prognostic accuracy for Black women. It points to the need for model calibration in genomic assays for populations with more racial/ethnic diversity. Dr. Johnson emphasizes personalized medicine and stresses the importance of […]