Ophthalmology

“Retinoblastoma is a remarkable ophthalmology success story in which the efforts of ophthalmologists, ophthalmic pathologists, and research scientists have led to understanding of the basic mechanisms of cancer and targeted therapies that are able to cure a once incurable tumor,” said Hans E. Grossniklaus, MD, MBA. He was honored as the recipient of the 71st Jackson Memorial Lecture Award in the opening session of the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

The advent of a retinal prosthesis system offers a second chance at sight for patients with vision loss from retinitis pigmentosa.

Regular ophthalmic examination and functional testing of the retina are key to identifying early retinal toxicity and preventing future progression.

Nanomedicine that targets activated microglia and neuro-inflammation may one day be a potential therapy for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, and other eye diseases, said Rangaramanujam Kannan, PhD.

ALG-1001 is the first of a new class of drugs, integrin peptide therapy, now going through clinical trials for patients with age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, and vitreomacular traction.

NIDEK’s optical coherence tomography system-the RS-3000 Advance-has received FDA clearance.

Ongoing research at the University of Washington-St. Louis suggests that degeneration of the vitreous is implicated, not only in retinal conditions, but in cataract and glaucoma as well.

Integration of devices and instrumentation yields greater surgical efficiency

Year unfolds availability of innovative devices; ushers new era of patient care

Medical advances run gamut from AMD to symptomatic vitreomacular adhesion

For some patients with diabetic macular edema, treatment with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents may not be enough. Clinicians need to consider other options, including dexamethasone implants.

The FDA has approved changes to the drug label of the anti-seizure drug ezogabine (Potiga), underscoring risks of abnormalities to the retina in the eye, potential vision loss, and skin discoloration-all of which may become permanent.

Researchers at John Hopkins Medicine have announced they have identified a gene that guides the separation of two types of motion-sensing cells, offering insight into how cellular layering develops in the retina, with possible implications for the brain’s cerebral cortex.

New study results show using genetic testing and phenotypic evaluations together in patients with drusen can increase the likelihood of determining who may develop advanced AMD.

A new agent aimed at treating symptomatic vitreomacular adhesion can affect patients differently depending on several components.

PIONEER study results find that intraoperative optical coherence tomography is vital for vitreoretinal surgery and recovery.

A better understanding of how genetic risk factors influence the trajectory of age-related macular degeneration may be key to solving the puzzles of this disease. Ocular tissue research may play a role in that process.

Ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography may help improve treatment in patients with recalcitrant diabetic macular edema by visualizing areas of peripheral nonperfusion that can benefit from targeted photocoagulation.

Efficacy and practical limitations of subthreshold laser treatment for diabetic macular edema.

Lasers continue to have a place in the treatment of diabetic macular edema with foveal involvement despite the advent of anti-VEGF therapy.

The therapeutic pipeline for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) contains a host of promising investigational agents. Only time will tell how any one will shape the future of AMD management.

Though the scenic backdrop of the Pacific Northwest at this year’s meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) may have been different from the traditional Floridian seascape, the meeting’s world-class science continues to be at the forefront.

Much has changed since the early days of vitrectomy, as exemplified in ophthalmic texts

United Kingdom’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has provisionally recommended ocriplasmin (Jetrea, ThromboGenics NV) for reimbursement within the National Health Service (NHS).

What is your diagnosis?

The Cole Eye Institute will present a Retina Summit CME symposium immediately before the ARVO 2013 annual meeting.

Optos plc has received 510(k) clearance from the FDA for microperimetry as part of the OptosOCT SLO.

Gene therapy is making headway in inherited retinal diseases that were previously thought to be untreatable.