Beware UVC Lamps as COVID-19 Disinfectant

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 disease, consumers’ interest in ultraviolet-C (UVC) lamps has increased for use in disinfecting surfaces in the home or similar spaces. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received reports of skin and eye burns resulting from improper use or installation of UVC lamps. Such lamps fall into four categories: [Read More]

How well are you adapting to visual impairment?

How can you tell if you are adapting as well as possible to the most important facets of your everyday life?  A new self-survey is helping visually impaired and blind individuals score how well they are adapting. It is similar to a needs assessment questionnaire used by rehabilitation specialists, but it is designed for self- [Read More]

Lucentis Substitute In Phase 3 Trials

Samsung Bioepis is reporting first year results from their phase 3 study of a proposed lucentis biosimilar (SB11).  A biosimilar is a biological product (derived from a living organism)  that shows no clinically meaningful differences from another biologic (eg. Lucentis). This study has shown that, at 52 weeks, primary end points were met for visual [Read More]

Vitamin D3 and Omega-3 Offer No Protection Against AMD

Observational studies have suggested that higher intake or blood levels of vitamin D and marine omega-3 fatty acids may be associated with lower risks of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A recent large randomized trial (VITAL), however, has concluded that supplementation with vitamin D3 and marine omega-3 fatty acids actually had no significant overall effect on [Read More]

Smoking and Wet AMD Treatment

It has long been known that cigarette smoking reduces levels of plasma antioxidant, which protects retinal cells. It is also suspected as a contributor to cataract formation, restriction of night vision, and amblyopia (“lazy eye”). As reported in the September 2020 issue of the journal, Retina, a research team has confirmed the effect of smoking [Read More]