Optometry Times

03/14/2025

A recent retrospective cohort study has called into question the effectiveness of glaucoma referrals among adults aged 18 to 40 years, which may indicate the need for standardized referral guidelines. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, found that only 8.2% of patients who were referred and received a glaucoma evaluation were diagnosed with glaucoma. Additionally, Black and Hispanic patients were found to be at a higher risk for not receiving glaucoma evaluation after referral.

Read more: https://www.optometrytimes.com/view/new-study-finds-low-diagnostic-rates-for-patients-with-glaucoma-referrals

03/14/2025

⚠️ Ignoring ocular surface disease can compromise surgical success. Join Chistopher Starr, MD, FACS, as he breaks down why aggressively treating conditions like Demodex blepharitis before cataract surgery can enhance outcomes and boost patient satisfaction.

Watch Here: https://ow.ly/NCTO50VaeSM

03/14/2025

At SECO 2025, Ian Ben Gaddie, OD, FAAO, shared key insights on diagnosing and managing ocular surface disease, including the clinical benefits of cyclosporine 0.1% ophthalmic solution (Vevye; Harrow). Learn how he streamlines patient evaluation, improves compliance with diagnostic tools, and optimizes treatment strategies for dry eye, meibomian gland disease, and blepharitis.

Watch the full interview: https://hubs.li/Q03bTRJF0

03/13/2025

"As eye care providers in an era of rapid therapeutic advancement, we must consider how formulation science shapes treatment outcomes in presbyopia management. This consideration becomes particularly crucial as presbyopia represents one of the most significant visual changes our patients will experience in their lifetime, often coinciding with their peak career and family responsibilities. The emergence of pharmacologic agents for refractive correction for presbyopia represents more than just a new treatment modality; it reflects a deeper understanding of how precise formulation can enhance both efficacy and patient experience while supporting increasingly demanding lifestyles," write Jacob R. Lang, OD, FAAO, and Jaclyn Garlich, OD, FAAO.

Read more: https://www.optometrytimes.com/view/the-science-of-formulation-advancing-presbyopia-treatment-through-optimized-design

03/13/2025

A comprehensive eye exam is more than just a vision check; it’s a vital tool for early disease detection and overall eye health. Stay informed on the latest research, clinical insights, and expert perspectives with Optometry Times.

Click here to explore our comprehensive eye exam coverage: https://hubs.li/Q03bLPKV0

03/12/2025

A modified transconjunctival lower blepharoplasty (TCLB) performed to address lower eyelid symptoms also benefits the upper eyelid with improved results, according to Takayuki Kubo, MD, PhD, who is a plastic surgeon in private practice in Tokyo.

Aging changes affect both the upper and lower eyelids, such as thinning of the periobital skin resulting in droopy upper eyelids or wrinkles. The lower eyelids can become baggy (anterior herniation of the lower orbital fat compartment [LOFC]), and tear trough deformities, nasojugal grooves, and dark circles can develop, according to Kubo.

Read more: https://www.optometrytimes.com/view/eye-opening-effects-caused-by-modified-transconjunctival-lower-blepharoplasty

03/11/2025

Okyo Pharma has filed an application for Fast Track designation with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for urcosimod (formerly known as OK-101) for the treatment of neuropathic corneal pain (NCP).

Read more: https://www.optometrytimes.com/view/okyo-pharma-files-fast-track-designation-application-with-the-fda-for-urcosimod-for-the-treatment-of-ncp

03/11/2025

BREAKING: The FDA has accepted the New Drug Application (NDA) submitted by Sydnexis for SYD-101, a low-dose atropine drop indicated for myopia management, with a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) target action date set for October 23, 2025. If approved, the atropine drop will be the first and only pharmaceutical option for the treatment of progression of pediatric myopia in the United States.

Read more: https://www.optometrytimes.com/view/fda-accepts-nda-for-low-dose-atropine-from-sydnexis

03/10/2025

In a recent webinar, The Vision Council gave an overview of some of the most significant implications that the latest round of tariff rollouts from the Trump administration has on the optical industry. The webinar was held on March 6, the same day that President Donald Trump signed executive actions that place tariffs on all products from Mexico and Canada covered by the USMCA free trade treaty on delay for nearly a month. If implemented, the tariffs would increase costs on a wide range of imported goods and materials necessary for eyewear manufacturing and distribution, according to The Vision Council’s news release.

For Chinese-origin materials, a 20% duty tariff has been added (10% effective on February 5, 2025, with another 10% made effective on March 4, 2025) to the previously existing China 301 tariffs and regular duties, ranging from 7.5% to 25%. Some products also face duties as high as 50% to 100%, according to Rick Van Arnam, regulatory affairs counsel for The Vision Council. These tariffs have been imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act due to concerns regarding fentanyl imports. Subsequently, China has retaliated with tariffs on US coal, liquefied natural gas, crude oil, agricultural machinery, cars, and key agricultural products, as well as export controls on critical metals.

Read more: https://www.optometrytimes.com/view/the-vision-council-webinar-discusses-significant-tariff-implications-on-optical-industry

03/09/2025

Slogging through spring? Enjoy our weekly recap to put some pep back into your step: https://www.optometrytimes.com/view/takeaways-from-this-week-in-optometry-march-3---march-7

03/08/2025

On International Women's Day, we celebrate the innovations and achievements of women in optometry that are impacting the lives of patients and advancing the industry forward.

03/07/2025

International ophthalmology company Nicox SA highlighted pre-planned analysis from its NCX 470 Mont Blanc Phase 3 clinical trial in a poster presentation given at the 2025 American Glaucoma Society (AGS) Annual Meeting, held from February 26-March 2 in Washington. The poster titled “Diurnal Intraocular Pressure Control Responder Analysis with NCX 470 Vertsus Latanoprost in the Phase 3 Mont Blanc Trial” presented data that demonstrates that more patients on NCX 470 0.1% achieved an intraocular pressure (IOP) of less than or equal to 18 mmHg compared to latanoprost 0.005%, according to a news release.

Read more:
https://www.optometrytimes.com/view/nicox-releases-new-analysis-on-mont-blanc-phase-3-trial-for-ncx-470-for-patients-with-oag

03/06/2025

When it rains, it pours. When our eyes water, our nose runs too. Rhinoconjunctivitis, the combined allergic conjunctivitis and allergic rhinitis, which is caused by immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated inflammation from environmental allergens such as pollen, dust, and dander, is a leading cause of watery eyes, runny nose, and postnasal drip.

The functions of our nasal passages are to warm and humidify the air we breathe, filter out allergens, dust, and microbes, regulate airflow, and produce nitric oxide, which helps dilate blood vessels to increase oxygenation in the blood. Postnasal drip is essentially any drainage of mucous from the nose or sinuses down the throat, contrasted with a runny nose, rhinorrhea, which is fluid running out the nostrils. There are other causes of a runny nose, including the common cold, cold air, or anything that irritates the nasal passages. Tissues (and maybe still handkerchiefs) are a necessity, but what happens when this lasts all day or even longer? There are many nasal spray options that we will review.

Read more:
https://www.optometrytimes.com/view/keeping-allergies-at-bay-could-be-as-simple-as-a-spray

03/05/2025

Italian investigators, led by coauthors Chiara De Gregorio, MD, and Sebastiano Nunziata, MD, reported that ocular surface system failure (OSSF) is responsible for the dissatisfaction expressed by patients after successful cataract surgery, despite 20/20 vision.1 Drs. De Gregorio and Nunziata are from the Ophthalmology Complex Operative Unit, Ophthalmology Campus Bio-Medico University, and Ophthalmology Operative Complex Unit, Campus Bio-Medico University Hospital Foundation, both in Rome.

The team of researchers explained that these patients measure the success of cataract surgery by both the restoration of visual acuity and subjective improvements in vision quality and overall satisfaction.

Read more: https://www.optometrytimes.com/view/patient-dissatisfaction-following-successful-cataract-surgery-it-s-more-than-just-the-iol

03/05/2025

Don’t overlook the ocular surface! Christopher Starr, MD, FACS, shares how a systematic approach to evaluating and treating ocular surface disease before cataract or refractive surgery is key to better outcomes and happier patients.

Watch Now: https://ow.ly/bpAs50Vae1K

A panelist discusses how evaluating and treating ocular surface disease before cataract or refractive surgery through a systematic algorithm improves surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction.

03/04/2025

Chinese researchers led by first author Ke Song, MD, found that patients diagnosed with allergic conjunctivitis possess very little knowledge about the disease and that providing them with targeted educational interventions can improve their attitude toward and management of their disease. The team of investigators were from the Ophthalmology Department, Eye Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing.

Read more: https://www.optometrytimes.com/view/measurement-of-patient-knowledge-attitude-and-practices-regarding-allergic-conjunctivitis

03/03/2025

The idea of using food as medicine dates back to ancient civilizations. Jumping forward to the present day, this concept has gained renewed interest as health care professionals, scientists, and policy makers recognize the critical role that nutrition plays in maintaining health and preventing disease. With chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity on the rise, particularly in the US, there is a growing understanding that food can either contribute to disease or serve as a powerful tool for healing.

Read more: https://www.optometrytimes.com/view/food-as-medicine-the-role-of-nutrition-in-eye-health

03/02/2025

We've had an eventful, conference-filled week! Check out our highlights here: https://www.optometrytimes.com/view/takeaways-from-this-week-in-optometry-february-24---february-28