Alternative To Eye Drops Being Developed

Eyenovations has developed an alternative to eye drops for patients with glaucoma. Co ntact lenses can deliver drugs to the eye for a month or more. Researchers from Children’s Hospital Boston and the Massachusetts Eye And Ear Infirmary modified contact lens materials to carry medication then developed a hydrogel lens with a polymer film inside that contains the medication. The rate of release of the medication can be controlled by altering the properties of the polymer film and lens. Eyenovations is developing contact lenses using materials approved by the FDA that can deliver drugs for up to 30 days (the FDA limit for single use contact lenses).

Cataract Surgery Poses no risk of progressive macular degeneration

Cataract Surgery Poses no risk of progressive macular degeneration
The frequency of neovascular age-related macular degeneration, geographic atrophy and congenital geographic atrophy did not differ between patients who had cataract surgery and those who did not. Physicians at the National Eye Institute reviewed data from the Age-Related Eye Disease

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)

CVS is a term used to describe a collection of symptoms caused by prolonged computer use. The eyes and brain react differently to words on a computer screen than th ey do to printed text. Characters displayed on a computer screen are made up of several small dots, or pixels. The eyes cannot easily focus on pixels, so they must work harder to see the computer screen clearly. The constant struggle to focus leads to fatigue and tired, burning eyes. To compensate many people try to compensate by leaning forward or by tipping their head to look through a portion of their glasses which can result in a sore neck, sore shoulders and sore back. Computer glasses are lenses designed to allow patients to work comfortably on a computer

Tailored dry eye treatment for each patient

Dry eye is a chronic disease that requires adjustments to treatment, follow-up, re-testing, monitoring of progress, and changes in medication. Managing eyes that sometimes are irritated, red, burning, stinging, itching, dry, blurred, sensitive to light or watering requires consistent treatment. The treatment can include eye drops, nutritional supplements, punctal occlusion, environmental management, etc. but might have to modified along the treatment course.

Age related changes in eye color

Age related changes in eye color do occur among 10-15 percent of Caucasians. The eyes become lighter as a result of the progressive decrease in the number of pigment granules in the connective tissue (stroma) of the front layer of the iris. In children eye color changes in about 43 percent of patients between the ages of 3 months and six years as the iris is exposed to light to which the pigment granules react. In rare cases eye color changes can also accompany diseases of the eye, including macular degeneration, pigmentary glaucoma and Horner’s syndrome.

FDA approves first human embryonic stem cell study

The FDA has approved Geron (biotechnology company) to utilize embryonic stem cells to coax them into making spinal cord tissue, heart muscle, cartilage and other organs and tissues. The injections will be made into the spine at the site of the damage of patients who have been paralyzed within 14 days of their injury. Previous studies on animals have shown that once the injected cells mature they will repair what is essentially a lack of insulation around damaged nerves, and also pump out substances that nerves need to function and grow.

Coping with computer vision syndrome (CVS)

Coping with computer vision syndrome (CVS)
If you are having trouble with your eyes while using a computer, the following tips are worth a try:
- consider a pair of computer glasses
- blink, breathe and break
- use artificial tears for dry or irritated eyes
- reduce screen glare by adjusting light levels
- increase font size on your computer screen

Allergic Eye Disease

Allergic disease is the 5th leading chronic disease in the United States. It is the 3rd most common chronic disease among children under 18. A nationwide survey found that more than half (54.6%) of all Americans tested positive to one or more allergens, of these, 83% suffer ocular (eye) symptoms.

In general, allergy is a complex disorder. Simply put, an allergic response is an unwarranted overreaction of the body’s immune system to foreign substances (allergens), which the body perceives as a potential threat. The process is set in motion by IgE antibodies that are fixed to the surface of mast cells. When the IgE encounters the allergen the cell membrane of the mast cell ruptures causing degranulation of the mast cells. The mast cell dumps chemical markers, known as histamine, into nearby tissues stimulating a variety of changes. To use a football analogy, the “quarterback” in the allergic reaction is the mast cell. The type of histamine receptors in the eye and adnexa (surrounding tissue) that stimulates dilated arterioles and veins (red eye) is called H3. The H1 receptor mediates itching and some vasodilation (redness).

Allergic eye disease is typically divided into five primary subcategories:
1) Seasonal allergies
2) Perennial allergic conjunctivitis- year round symptoms because the causative allergens are always present.
3) Atopic keratoconjunctivitis- patient usually has a history of eczema that has persisted since childhood.
4) Vernal keratoconjunctivitis- primarily a disease of childhood that is seen predominately in boys and young men ranging from 3-20 years of age.
5) Giant papillary conjunctivitis- not a true allergy however it is classified as an allergy because it is caused by the mechanical irritation and is aggravated by an allergy. It is usually associated with contact lenses, ocular prosthesis, exposed sutures and other “foreign bodies”.

Treatment is usually “aimed” at stabilizing the mast cells and preventing the release of histamine. Ocular allergy treatment often requires a multi-prong approach:
1) Avoid allergens
2) Treat topically
3) Avoid over the counter (OTC) vasoconstrictors
4) Target topical treatment

Ocular allergy is a highly prevalent eye disease, one that patients often self-diagnose and self medicate. While the disease process itself is rather complex, the treatment is rather straightforward and highly successful, particularly for seasonal and perennial allergic conjunctivitis.

Risk Factors for Macular Degeneration (AMD)

In a study of twins regarding AMD it was found that 5.6% of the 12,126 twins surveyed had reported AMD. The director of the study, Johanna M. Seddon, MD, ScM, stated that family history and genetic factors play a large role. Modifiable factors also contribute. Smoking 25 cigarettes a day increases risk 2.4 times, and a past history of smoking increases it twofold. About 29% of AMD has been attributed to smoking. Overall and abdominal obesity increases risk, while healthy eating and exercise reduce it.

Playing Video Games May Cause Eyestrain

Playing Video Games May Cause Eyestrain
Playing video games for extended amounts of time can cause children to experience many of the same symptoms seen in “computer vision syndrome” in adults. These symptoms include eye discomfort, fatigue, blurry vision and headaches. Prolonged game play without significant breaks can cause eye focusing problems, as well as eye irritation. If your children enjoy playing video games, encourage them to take frequent breaks. Set a timer for 20 minutes, have them do something else for 5 minutes when the buzzer sounds. In addition, make sure your children sit as far as possible from the video screen. The minimum recommended distance in the case of console games is 6 feet.

Top 4 Reasons to Have an Eye Exam

Top 4 Reasons to Have an Eye Exam
1)Visual Acuity- headaches or general fatigue are often caused by slight over or under correction
2)Eye Disease- many eye diseases often have no symptoms (for example glaucoma is known as the “sneak thief of sight”.
3)Developmental problems- uncorrected vision problems in children often cause learning and reading difficulties or contribute to other medical problems
4)Eye fashion trends- primary reason for visiting your eye doctor should always be eye health, but there is nothing wrong with a little fun