Some people are confusing the eye conditions called “dry eye disease” and “dry age-related macular degeneration” (dry AMD). The confusion is understandable, but the two conditions are nothing alike. Dry eye disease occurs when tears are not sufficient enough to provide necessary lubrication for the eyes. This problem can lead to inflammation and damage of […]
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: […]
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- […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
The federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has created the OMB disability survey and invites individuals with disabilities, their families, services providers, and others to share what federal resources they have found most helpful, frustrating, or that have made a significant difference. The survey is anonymous but provides an option to share an email address for those […]
Patients receiving continuous injections of anti-VEGF drugs for treatment of wet age related macular degeneration (wAMD) can take comfort in knowing that they are keeping their initial visual acuity long term. As reported in the September 29 issue of Ophthalmology Retina, the LATAR study found that 293 eyes not only maintained their original visual acuity, […]
Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced their analysis of the Phase 2 FILLY study investigating intravitreal pegcetacoplan (APL-2) for the treatment of geographic atrophy (GA), also known as advanced dry macular degeneration. The post hoc analysis found that the monthly treatment reduced the rate of progression to GA by 39 percent in areas of the retina outside of […]
The American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) has announced the launch of a new audio and video podcast series providing consumers with critical information about the signs, symptoms and risk factors of retina disease and the importance of seeing a retina specialist for specialized care. “ASRS’s Retina Health for Life from the President’s Corner” features […]