Eyecare

Early Signs of Dementia Revealed Through Vision Tests

A groundbreaking study reveals that a simple vision test could predict dementia a decade before diagnosis. Researchers found that subtle changes in visual sensitivity were significantly linked to later dementia development. This non-invasive eye test could revolutionize early detection, potentially enabling earlier intervention and better outcomes. These findings highlight the powerful connection between vision and brain health.

Rethinking Fasting Glucose: CGM Reveals Variability

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) unveils significant day-to-day variability in fasting glucose levels, even in nondiabetic individuals. Recent study found that 40% of participants initially classified as having normal fasting glucose would be reclassified as prediabetic based on subsequent CGM readings. These findings highlight the potential of CGM technology to refine diabetes diagnosis and underscore the need to reconsider reliance on single fasting glucose measurements.

Blinking Beyond Moisture: A Hidden Ally in Seeing the Big Picture

Forget everything you thought about blinking! A new study reveals it's not just about keeping your eyes moist. Blinking actually helps you see better, especially for big, gradual changes in your surroundings. Researchers found that blinking alters light patterns reaching the retina, sending a different kind of visual signal to the brain. This "blink boost" improves our ability to perceive the overall scene, like noticing the shift in light when moving from a bright room to a hallway. This challenges the traditional view of vision as purely passive. Blinking, like eye movements, seems to be an active part of how we process visual information.

Tiny Bumps on Your Eyelid? Don't Panic! It Might Be Milia

Ever notice little white bumps around your eyes? They could be milia, tiny cysts that are harmless but can be a cosmetic concern. Milia, also known as “milk spots”, form when dead skin gets trapped under the surface. While they often go away on their own, a dermatologist or ophthalmologist can safely remove persistent ones, especially those near your eyes.

Contact Lenses on the Go: Pack Smart, See Clear on Your Travel

Packing for a trip with contact lenses? No worries! Prep for clear vision with these essentials: solution, a backup case, extra lenses, and your glasses (don't forget TSA rules!). Consider daily disposables for hygiene, and always prioritize clean hands and your usual routine. Skip swimming with lenses in, shield your eyes with sunglasses (UV protection for contacts is a bonus!), and remember - if your eyes feel off, ditch the lenses, see a doctor, and follow their guidance. Most importantly, avoid the temptation of buying unprescribed contacts, no matter how tempting the deal!

Bausch + Lomb Diverts Over 84 Million Contact Lens Units from Landfill

Bausch + Lomb's innovative recycling programs have diverted over half a million pounds of contact lenses, eye care, and lens care materials from landfills. The company's ONE by ONE and Biotrue® Eye Care Recycling programs offer easy ways for consumers and eye care professionals to reduce waste and protect the environment. To date, these programs have collected over 84 million units for repurposing.

Eat for Eye Health: The Mediterranean Diet

Want healthier eyes? Embrace the Mediterranean diet! Studies link this vibrant eating style, rich in fruits, vegetables, and fish, with a lower risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Ditching processed foods and red meat may provide additional protection for your vision.

New Product Launch

FDA Approves Formosa/AimMax Ophthalmic Steroid for Post-Surgery Relief

Taiwan's Formosa Pharmaceuticals and US-based AimMax Therapeutics gain FDA approval for clobetasol propionate ophthalmic suspension 0.05%, a novel steroid eyedrop treating post-surgery inflammation and pain. This powerful formulation offers a convenient dosing schedule and rapid relief, entering a large market with potential for widespread use.

Tech News

See Clearly with Robotic Arms: Eye Surgery Gets a Futuristic Upgrade

Imagine having cataract surgery with a surgeon controlling tiny robotic arms from a distance! This sci-fi scene became reality at a recent medical conference. Dr. David Chang, a leading cataract surgeon, used ForSight Robotics' groundbreaking ORYOM platform to perform a complete procedure on a pig eye, all while sitting 20 feet away. This minimally invasive technique has the potential to revolutionize eye surgery, making it more precise and potentially more accessible worldwide. ForSight's platform uses AI and robotics to assist surgeons, aiming to improve outcomes and expand access to sight-saving procedures.

AI Docs in Training: Chatbots Tackle Eye Exams

Can AI chatbots ace eye exams? Researchers tested Google's Gemini and Bard on ophthalmology practice questions, and both scored a decent 71%! They even explained their answers (though not always correctly). Interestingly, the chatbots performed slightly differently depending on the country they "visited" online. While promising, it seems AI in medicine still needs some fine-tuning.

Research Updates

Retinal Changes and Biomarkers in Recovered COVID-19 Patients

A recent study reveals persistent changes in retinal blood flow and oxygen metabolism, alongside altered blood plasma markers, in patients who recovered from moderate to severe COVID-19 infection. These findings suggest potential long-term ocular effects and highlight the value of retinal assessment in understanding COVID-19's systemic impact.

Eye Dryness Relief: New Study Shows Promise of Eye Drops!

Feeling like your eyes are turning into deserts? A new study offers a glimmer of hope! Researchers investigated how different eye drops impacted "tear film osmolarity," a fancy term for how concentrated your tears are. Turns out, all the tested drops (5 popular brands) helped reduce tear concentration within 15 minutes, compared to no drops at all. One brand, Siccafluid, even emerged as a superstar, bringing down concentration the most. This could be a game-changer for those battling Dry Eye Disease!

Marmoset Vision: A Tiny Key to Big Vision Questions

Scientists are unlocking the secrets of sharp primate vision by studying the fovea, a tiny but powerful region in the eye. This research, using marmosets, a primate with ancient evolutionary ties, as a model, reveals a surprising similarity in foveal cells across different primates. This paves the way for better understanding of human vision and eye diseases.

Melanoma Breakthrough: Light Therapy Now Targets Dark Tumors

New hope for treating melanoma! Researchers developed a powerful light therapy that uses melanin, the pigment that darkens skin, to kill cancer cells. This innovative approach overcomes a major hurdle in treating dark tumors, paving the way for a minimally invasive treatment option.

Clinical Trial Updates

Bright Outlook for Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment with AXPAXLI™

Exciting news for people with diabetic retinopathy! Ocular Therapeutix just announced promising results from their early-stage study (Phase 1) on AXPAXLI™. This potential treatment showed positive signs in improving vision and appears to be well-tolerated by patients. Based on these positive results, Ocular Therapeutix plans to move directly to larger Phase 3 trials to confirm AXPAXLI's effectiveness for diabetic retinopathy. This is great news for people seeking new treatment options, and hopefully, AXPAXLI can become a valuable tool in the fight against vision loss from diabetic retinopathy.

Dry Eye Breakthrough? New Drug Shows Promise in Early Trials

Promising news for dry eye sufferers! Palatin Technologies presented results from a successful Phase 3 trial for their new drug, PL9643. The drug showed statistically significant improvement in pain and other symptoms within just two weeks, with the benefits continuing over a 12-week treatment period. Notably, it also had a good safety profile. The company plans to meet with the FDA later this year to discuss next steps for bringing this potential treatment to market.

Positive Results for Ocular's Glaucoma Implant

Ocular Therapeutix reports promising Phase 2 data for its PAXTRAVA glaucoma implant. The single implant consistently lowered eye pressure (IOP) up to 6 months, providing a potential alternative to daily eye drops with fewer side effects. Ocular plans to discuss next steps with the FDA.

Positive Results for Oculis OCS-01 Eye Drops

Oculis reports promising Phase 3 data for OCS-01, a novel, once-daily eye drop designed to treat inflammation and pain after cataract surgery. Positive results and a favorable safety profile could simplify post-surgical care. Oculis anticipates a potential NDA filing upon completion of its second Phase 3 trial this year.

What Else to Skim

Remote Eye Exams? PolicyWatch Charts the Course!

Keeping up with regulations for remote eye exams can be a hassle. The Vision Council launched PolicyWatch, a one-stop shop for eye care professionals to track state-specific laws and ensure they deliver quality care to patients everywhere.

Why Annual Eye Exams Matter

Annual eye exams are more than just checking your eyesight. They're a crucial investment in your long-term health. These exams can detect silent eye diseases early for better outcomes, uncover hidden health problems, and ensure you have the best possible vision. Don't wait-prioritize your eye health today! Don't underestimate the power of an annual eye exam-it's a simple step that can have a profound impact on your long-term health.

Patching in Unilateral Cataract: Impacts on Children & Families

A recent study examined the potential impact of continued patching in children who had poor visual outcomes after unilateral congenital cataract treatment. Results suggest that patching, even at extensive levels, was not associated with increased parenting stress or negative effects on child development or self-perception. These findings support current patching practices for this population.

SalioGen Advances Novel Treatment for Stargardt Disease

SalioGen Therapeutics is driving innovation in genetic medicine with its selection of SGT-1001 as a development candidate for Stargardt disease. This potential one-time therapy for the inherited retinal disease utilizes SalioGen's breakthrough Gene Coding™ technology, capable of seamlessly integrating large genes without viral vectors. Preclinical data suggests SGT-1001 could slow or halt vision loss for Stargardt patients, addressing a critical unmet need.

Red Light Therapy for Myopia: Promise or Risk?

Red light therapy shows potential in slowing childhood myopia, but experts warn of risks from unregulated devices. While some studies suggest benefits, long-term safety remains a concern, and FDA-approved alternatives exist.

Business

New Leadership at Ocular Therapeutix™

Dr. Pravin U. Dugel, MD, is stepping up as the new President and CEO of Ocular Therapeutix™, bringing fresh energy to the company's mission. With a passion for innovation and patient well-being, Dr. Dugel is set to lead Ocular into an exciting phase of growth, focused on revolutionizing how we treat retinal diseases. It's a new chapter for Ocular, and Dr. Dugel's vision promises to make a real difference in people's lives.

Eyenovia Seeks Growth and Shareholder Value

Eyenovia is pursuing multiple paths to enhance shareholder value. The company's primary focus is its MicroPine program, targeting the vast $1.8 billion pediatric progressive myopia market. An interim analysis is planned for late 2024, with a potential NDA filing in 2025. Simultaneously, Eyenovia is advancing the commercialization of Mydcombi and preparing to launch clobetasol, representing significant multi-million-dollar opportunities. To maximize value creation, the company is actively exploring strategic alternatives while reducing operating expenses to drive meaningful growth.

LEP Biomedical Secures Pre-Seed Funding for Glaucoma Innovation

Ireland-based LEP Biomedical is thrilled to announce the successful closure of its initial pre-seed funding round with Enterprise Ireland. This €100,000 investment fuels our mission to revolutionize glaucoma surgery outcomes with our proprietary HyaGuard™ platform. It will accelerate crucial regulatory and reimbursement milestones, paving the way for full seed investment. We extend our sincere gratitude to Enterprise Ireland for their unwavering support.

And for a laugh...

A man tells his doctor, "Doc, help me. I'm addicted to Twitter!" ...

The doctor replies, "Sorry, I don't follow you."

Hope you enjoyed.

More news is coming your way next week! 😄