Researchers have joined forces to produce a special issue of the scientific journal Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science (IOVS).

 

About 40 million people worldwide are blind or have significant visual impairment. Yet, 65% of those with visual impairment and 82% of those who are blind are over 50 years of age. Ophthalmic researchers collaborated to put together a series of scientific papers on the aging eye, to focus attention on the latest discoveries and accelerate the translation of those findings into clinical care.

 

“With an aging world population and a startling increase in the prevalence of diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration, we feel that this issue is both important and timely, with chapters highlighting problems in and possible solutions to age-related diseases that affect all the major tissues of the eye,” said Dr. Gerald Chader, medical director of the Ocular Research Symposia Foundation. The special issue is based on workshops sponsored by the foundation that were held June 14–16, 2013.

 

These articles specifically address new research on the genetics, biology, biochemistry, neurochemistry and the impact of nutrition and the environment on functions in the older eye.

Source:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/01/140117191316.htm

 

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first gel sealant for use in stopping fluid from leaking through the incision in a patient’s cornea after cataract surgery.

 

“The FDA has approved gels like ReSure for sealing small incisions in other parts of the body, such as the lungs, but this is a first-of-its-kind for the eye,” explains Christy Foreman, director of the FDA’s Office of Device Evaluation.

 

Usually, the incision made during cataract surgery is self-sealing. However, if fluid leaks from the incision, the surgeon may need to close the wound. The ReSure sealant, produced by Ocular Therapeutix, is made up of two liquid solutions that the surgeon mixes together just prior to sealing the incision. Using an applicator, the surgeon applies the mixture directly to the incision. After 20 seconds, a gel forms that adheres to the eye and seals the incision. The gel gradually breaks down over the course of seven days and is cleared from the body by the eye’s natural tears.

 

The study excluded people who had a history of eye trauma or surgeries, patients with insulin-dependent diabetes or glaucoma, and anyone who used certain medications in the weeks prior to cataract surgery.

Source:

www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/271103.php

Transitions Optical recently unveiled the 2013 winners of its Eyecare Professional of the Year and Retailer of the Year awards.

 

Wael Yassein, optician and owner of The Eye Shoppe in Oshawa, Ontario, was named Eyecare Professional of the Year. Yassein accepted his award in the presence of over 1,100 eyecare professionals from North and South America at the 18^th Transitions Academy in Orlando, Florida.

 

“I feel better knowing I’m making a difference in people’s vision,” said Yassein. “It’s always a good feeling to know I’m doing something right – and to win the Transitions Eyecare Professional of the Year award is absolutely gratifying.”

 

Transitions Academy also honoured Loblaw Optical as the winner of the Retailer of the Year award in Canada. Moe Benaim, senior category manager, optical, at Loblaw Optical, accepted the award on behalf of the retailer. “Winning the Transitions Retailer of the Year award in Canada was a primary goal of our team for 2013,” said Benaim.

 

Christine Underhill, business manager at Transitions Optical, Canada, described Loblaw Optical’s dedication to Transitions over the years as “astounding.” “We thank them for their continued partnership with Transitions Optical,” she finished.

Source: Transitions Optical

 

 

A Swedish study showed that the risk of developing a cataract is reduced after ceasing smoking, but remains higher than the risk in people who have never smoked.

 

The study included 44,371 men aged 45 to 79, among whom 25% were active smokers and 39% were former smokers. The findings show that smoking more than 15 cigarettes per day was associated with 42% higher likelihood of a cataract surgery during 12 years of follow-up. In patients who had quit smoking for 20 years, that risk had declined to a relative 21% above that of never-smokers.

 

“Smoking increases the oxidative stress in the lens by generating free radicals and reduces the plasma concentration of several antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid,” the researchers said. “Cigarette smoke also contains toxic metal ions, and cadmium can accumulate in cataractous lenses of smokers.” Cadmium affects anti-oxidative lens enzymes, which weakens the defense against oxidative damage and hastens cataract development.

Source:

http://www.medpagetoday.com/PrimaryCare/Smoking/43653

 

Implandata Ophthalmic Products GmbH says it has successfully carried out a pilot study on the first permanent intraocular pressure sensor implant for glaucoma patients.

 

The company believes it has demonstrated both the safety and functionality of the implant. What is more, it has collected some important information which will result in new versions of the product and in different implantation procedures. The implant was tested on six patients over a twelve-month period.

 

The micro-sensor allows the disease’s evolution to be followed closely, thus improving the effectiveness of treatments. Being able to obtain intraocular pressure data quickly allows physicians to adjust treatments and, by doing so, to reduce the risk of vision loss. Patients can take the readings themselves in the comfort of their homes and under normal daily living conditions.

 

“This is a major technology milestone and clinical breakthrough,” says Professor Robert N. Weinreb, scientific advisor to Implandata. “Glaucoma clinicians and researchers from all over the world are eagerly waiting since decades for applicable technologies to continuously measure real intraocular pressure. And apparently this technology is now available.”

Source:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/271107.php