March is packed with eye health awareness!

• Save Your Vision Month: Focuses on the importance of regular eye exams and overall eye health.

• Workplace Eye Awareness Month: Educates employers and employees on eye safety and healthy practices for screen use.

• World Optometry Day (March 23): Celebrates optometrists and their role in vision care.

Catch the Eclipse, Not Eye Damage: Prevent Blindness Urges Safe Viewing for US Eclipses

Get ready for the solar eclipse happening on April 8th, 2024, gracing North America with its presence. While we'll all get a glimpse of the partial eclipse, some lucky folks within a 115-mile-wide path from Texas to Maine will experience the total eclipse. Just a friendly reminder, it's not safe to stare directly at the sun, except during the short total phase ("totality"). Be sure to have special-purpose solar filters for a safe viewing experience. Let's enjoy this cosmic spectacle responsibly together!

Enjoy live coverage of the Total Solar Eclipse (Great North American Eclipse) happening on April 8, 2024:

Frequently asked questions:

• What is a solar eclipse?

  • Ever wondered why sometimes the sun plays peek-a-boo with Earth? That's a solar eclipse! The moon gets in the way for a cosmic magic trick.

• Is it safe to look directly at a solar eclipse?

  • Never look at the sun directly, even during eclipses! Use certified solar filters for eyes, binoculars, telescopes, and cameras.

  • Briefly go filter-free only during totality (complete darkness), to see the amazing corona. But be quick, eye safety is key!

  • Protect your eyes during an eclipse! Staring at the sun, even during an eclipse, exposes you to harmful ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) rays, like tiny ninjas threatening your eyesight. Safety first, cosmic wonders second!

Eclipse Alert: Schools are Closed due to the Celestial Show!

With a solar eclipse on April 8th, several states are gearing up for a temporary twilight zone. Some schools are even taking a cosmic break for safety reasons! Remember, staring at the sun could lead to some seriously uncool eye damage, so protect those eyes! And hey, with crowds flocking in for the celestial show, roads might get as jammed as a jar of moon jelly! So, stay informed and enjoy the cosmic adventure!

The Path of Totality:

The moon's complete shadow, called the umbra, will travel across parts of North America. If you live within this path (totality zone), you'll experience a few minutes of complete darkness during the eclipse's peak. Check the table below to see if your city falls within the totality zone and the timings for different phases:

Safe and Unsafe Ways to View a Solar Eclipse:

Important Reminders:

• Reflections are risky: Don't peek at the sun through reflections on water, mirrors, or any other surface. They're just as dangerous!

• Sun protection matters: Don't forget sunscreen, a hat, and regular sunglasses (not eclipse glasses) for skin protection throughout the eclipse, even with the shade.

By following these simple steps, you can safely enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty of the total solar eclipse!

Next Solar Eclipses (According to NASA):

World Glaucoma Week

Sneaky Stealer of Sight? Fight Back During World Glaucoma Week!

Eye tech

Apple Vision Pro: Reality 2.0?

Buckle up tech lovers, Apple's here to rock our world with the Vision Pro! This futuristic headset, priced at $3,499, is like having a personal digital assistant that follows you everywhere. Imagine working out with a fitness app hovering in front of you, or having recipes appear magically while you whip up dinner! That's the idea behind "spatial computing"-the Vision Pro blends the digital world with your physical surroundings.

Apple's pretty gung-ho about it, their ads even show people wearing the Vision Pro all the time-work, laundry, you name it! They're aiming big-to seamlessly merge the digital and real world. Will the Vision Pro live up to the hype? Will you want to wear a headset all day? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure: Apple's pushing the boundaries of wearable tech, and that's exciting for anyone who loves gadgets! Check out the full review to see if this mixed-reality headset is the future for you!

Simulating Human Peripheral Vision: A Step Towards More Robust AI Perception

Researchers at MIT have developed a method to simulate peripheral vision in AI models, inspired by how humans perceive objects beyond their direct line of sight.

• MIT creates "peripheral vision" for AI, improving object detection and potentially aiding self-driving cars and user interfaces.

• While promising, AI still lags human performance, prompting further research.

• This study highlights the importance of peripheral vision in AI development for safety and interaction.

New launch

Good news for cataract patients in India!

Alcon just launched their latest intraocular lens (IOL) technology, called Clareon. This implant promises sharper vision and potentially less dependence on glasses after cataract surgery.

Here's the exciting part:

• Multiple options: Clareon comes in two versions - PanOptix aims for clear vision at all distances (near, intermediate, far), and Vivity focuses on improved near and intermediate vision.

• Proven technology: PanOptix is already the world's most implanted trifocal IOL, with 99% patient satisfaction and over 2.2 million successful procedures.

This innovative technology is a game-changer, aiming to significantly improve patients' vision and quality of life after cataract surgery. This advancement could significantly improve the quality of life for cataract patients in India.

Eye See Relief: New Eye Drop Approved for Post-Surgery Pain and Inflammation

After eye surgery, many people experience pain and inflammation as their eyes heal. But there's some good news! The FDA recently approved a new eye drop called APP13007, developed by Taiwan-based Formosa Pharmaceuticals, to help manage this discomfort.

Here's why this is a significant development:

• First new option in 15 years: First new eye drop in 15 years for post-surgery pain and inflammation: AAPP13007, which is a novel clobetasol propionate eye drop for inflammation and pain relief.

• Effective relief: Studies show APP13007 works better than a placebo (fake drops) at reducing pain and inflammation.

Research Finding

Glaucoma Risk Factors: New Insights into Gene Variants Affecting African Americans

Scientists discovered unique clues in the genes of over 11,000 African Americans that raise their risk for glaucoma, a disease stealing sight. This is important because African Americans are more likely to develop this condition. Understanding these genetic factors paves the way for better detection and treatment options, potentially saving vision for many.

"Lazy Eye" in Childhood Linked to Higher Risk of Adult Diseases

A recent UK study in eClinicalMedicine reveals that adults with childhood "lazy eye" (amblyopia) have elevated risks of health issues later on. Compared to those without the condition, they face a 29% higher risk of diabetes, 25% higher risk of high blood pressure, and a 16% higher risk of obesity.

Interestingly, the increased risk was present even in individuals whose vision was successfully corrected. The study also revealed structural differences in the retina of both eyes in people with amblyopia.

While the exact link remains unclear, Amblyopia (lazy eye) linked to higher risks of diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity, even with corrected vision. Early eye exams for kids are crucial!

Clinical Trial

Eyes on the Prize: New Eye Drop Shows Promise!

Have you ever woken up with your eyes feeling like they went a few rounds with a boxing glove? Well, there might be some relief on the horizon!

A company called Kiora Pharmaceuticals just released some exciting results from their study on a new eye drop called KIO-101, a potent, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent. This little wonder seems to be adept at tackling eye inflammation, both in healthy people and in those who already have symptoms. Imagine it as a tiny firefighter for your eyes!

One-Time Gene Therapy in Sight for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Exciting news for millions battling age-related macular degeneration (AMD), especially geographic atrophy (GA), a severe form affecting over 1 million Americans and a staggering 266 million globally. GA attacks the macula, impairing central vision, impacting tasks like reading and driving.

The good news? A biotech company called Ocugen is developing a one-time gene therapy treatment called OCU410. This could be a major breakthrough compared to current treatments that require frequent injections. Early trials are underway to see if OCU410 is safe and effective. This could be a game-changer for millions struggling with GA and AMD!

Legal

South Dakota Expands Eye Care: Optometrists Can Now Offer In-Office Procedures

This new law, signed by Gov. Kristi Noem on March 5th (House Bill 1099), marks a significant victory for eye care access in South Dakota. Becoming the 12th state to do so, South Dakota now authorizes doctors of optometry to perform specific in-office procedures like laser treatments and injections. This allows easier care for common issues like post-surgery blurry vision or clogged eye ducts, prioritizing safety through optometrists' additional training and monitoring.

Business

Surface Ophthalmics Appoints Dr. Lindstrom as a New Leader

Surface Ophthalmics appoints Dr. Richard Lindstrom, a respected ophthalmologist and innovator, as Founder & Chairman. Leveraging his extensive experience, they aim to pioneer solutions like Kera Sol™ Tears and Mycosol to address the widespread issue of dry eye. Their goal is to provide comprehensive relief and advance treatment options for millions affected by this condition.

Apellis Pharmaceuticals Welcomes Dr. Philip Ferrone as Chief Medical Retina Advisor

Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. appoints Dr. Philip Ferrone, esteemed retina specialist and former president of the American Society of Retina Specialists, as their chief medical retina advisor. With expertise in GA treatments, Dr. Ferrone will contribute to advancing care for geographic atrophy patients, building on his experience with SYFOVRE alongside Dr. Caroline Baumal.

J B Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals: Riding High on Profit Surge!

Looks like India's J B Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals is on a winning streak, with its sixth consecutive quarter of profit rise! With a consolidated net profit of 1.34 billion rupees (almost $16 million) for the quarter ended Dec. 31, it seems they're hitting the jackpot. And hey, it's not just luck—strong demand in both domestic and international markets, plus some savvy acquisitions and snazzy new product launches, have all played a part. Keep slaying, J B Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals!