👋 Spread the word! If you find this Eye Care News roundup helpful, share it with your friends, colleagues, and anyone interested in the latest advancements in vision health!

Eyecare

Eye Health and Mental Well-being: A Vital Link

Ophthalmologists stress the importance of open communication about mental health for effective eye care. Eye conditions can significantly impact mental well-being, and vice versa. By addressing both physical and emotional aspects, doctors can provide holistic treatment and build stronger patient relationships. Read more

Key Risk Factors for Hydroxychloroquine Retinopathy Identified

A new study reveals that older age, female sex, chronic kidney disease, and tamoxifen use are associated with an increased risk of developing hydroxychloroquine retinopathy. This finding may help guide personalized treatment decisions and screening strategies for patients taking this medication. Read more

Recreational UV Light Exposure Triggers Photokeratitis

A case series reported in JAMA Ophthalmology highlights the potential risk of photokeratitis, a painful eye condition, in individuals exposed to recreational UV light displays at outdoor events. The study details eight patients who developed photokeratitis after attending an outdoor event with UV lights, experiencing symptoms like eye pain, redness, and tearing. The findings emphasize the importance of eye protection when exposed to such displays. Read more

New Product Launch

FDA Authorizes 1st AI-powered At-Home Eye Monitoring for Wet AMD

The FDA has authorized SCANLY, the first at-home retinal imaging device for patients with wet AMD. Powered by AI, this user-friendly device allows for self-imaging and remote monitoring, potentially transforming the way this leading cause of blindness is managed. Read More

Glenmark's Generic Glaucoma Treatment Approved by FDA

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals has received FDA approval for its generic version of Combigan, a popular ophthalmic solution for open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. This move is expected to increase access to affordable treatment for these common eye conditions, with the brand-name drug generating nearly $290 million in annual sales. Read more

Tech News

Temperature-Stable Smart Contact Lens Could Detect Glaucoma Early

Researchers have developed a prototype smart contact lens with dual pressure-sensing circuits that accurately measure eye pressure across a wide range of temperatures. This innovation could enable continuous and comfortable monitoring of eye pressure, facilitating early detection of glaucoma and potentially preventing vision loss. Read more

Research Updates

Promising Drug Combo Tackles Resistant Corneal Infections

A new study shows a combination of polymyxin B/trimethoprim and rifampin successfully eliminated all tested strains of bacteria causing keratitis, including multidrug-resistant ones. This breakthrough could offer a new treatment option for this common and potentially sight-threatening corneal infection. Read more

First-Eye IOP Spike Predicts Second-Eye Spike

Experiencing an IOP spike after cataract surgery in one eye significantly increases the risk of a similar spike in the other eye, independent of other known risk factors. This finding underscores the need for heightened vigilance and proactive management in patients with prior IOP spikes. Read more

Early Genetic Testing Reduces IRD Diagnostic Costs

A new study reveals that early genetic testing for inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) can significantly reduce healthcare costs compared to delayed testing. Early diagnosis enables timely interventions and personalized treatment plans, potentially improving patient outcomes. More read

Clinical Trial Updates

EyePoint's DURAVYU™ Shows Promise in Diabetic Retinopathy Trial

EyePoint Pharmaceuticals' DURAVYU™ demonstrated potential in slowing the progression of non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) in a Phase 2 trial, while maintaining a favorable safety profile. Further analysis of the full 12-month data is expected to clarify DURAVYU's future in NPDR treatment. Read more

Pegcetacoplan Shows Long-Term Efficacy and Safety in Geographic Atrophy

Apellis Pharmaceuticals Inc. presented data at ARVO 2024 (abstract 380) from a 36-month study, demonstrating the sustained efficacy and safety of pegcetacoplan in slowing the progression of geographic atrophy (GA), a leading cause of vision loss. This promising treatment offers hope for patients with GA by reducing lesion growth and the risk of severe visual impairment. Read more

HanAll Launches Phase III Trial for Dry Eye Disease Treatment

HanAll Biopharma has initiated a Phase III trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tanfanercept, a novel topical anti-inflammatory treatment for moderate to severe dry eye disease. Building on promising results from earlier studies, tanfanercept targets TNF and could offer a new therapeutic option for this common condition. Read more

Aurion Biotech Completes Dosing in Phase I/II Corneal Edema Trial

Aurion Biotech has finished dosing all participants in its Phase I/II clinical trial for AURN001, an allogeneic cell therapy for corneal edema due to endothelial dysfunction. The trial aims to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and effectiveness of this one-time injection therapy, offering a potential new treatment option for this vision-threatening condition.

Ocugen's OCU410ST Gene Therapy Dosing Complete in Stargardt Disease Trial

Ocugen has successfully completed dosing in the second cohort of its Phase 1/2 clinical trial evaluating OCU410ST, a novel gene therapy for Stargardt disease. With a promising safety profile and no serious adverse events reported, the company is now proceeding to the final high-dose cohort, bringing hope to patients with this currently untreatable inherited retinal disease. Read more

CRISPR Gene Editing Shows Promise in Treating Inherited Retinal Degeneration

A phase 1-2 study of EDIT-101, a CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing therapy, showed a promising safety profile and improvements in visual function in patients with inherited retinal degeneration caused by a specific genetic mutation. This groundbreaking research supports further exploration of CRISPR gene editing as a potential treatment for various genetic eye diseases. Read more

What Else to Skim

Scleral Fixation IOLs: Diverse Techniques, Similar Outcomes

Various scleral fixation techniques for secondary IOL implantation offer comparable visual outcomes and safety profiles, but all come with inherent risks and complications. While sutureless techniques have reduced complication rates, challenges still exist in developing an optimal method that is easy to learn, affordable, and minimizes complications. Read more

Complement Inhibition in Aging Eyes: Balancing Benefits and Risks

The complement system plays a crucial role in maintaining retinal health, but its overactivation can also contribute to age-related conditions like geographic atrophy (GA). While inhibiting complement activation may slow GA progression, this approach requires careful consideration due to the system's complex role in normal retinal function and the removal of senescent cells. Read more

And for a laugh...

“Have you heard the joke about yoga. Nevermind its a bit of a stretch.”

“What time is it when the clock strikes 13? Time to get a new clock.”

Hope you enjoyed.

More news is coming your way next week! 😄