Eyes Get Upgrade

5-min Read

Good morning & Happy Friday! ☕️ A fantastic news for the hemophilia B community! The FDA has approved BeqvezTM, a revolutionary one-time gene therapy. This groundbreaking treatment empowers patients' bodies to produce their own clotting factor, potentially eliminating the need for frequent infusions and significantly reducing bleeding episodes. BeqvezTM marks a major leap forward in hemophilia care, offering patients a brighter future with greater freedom and improved quality of life. Read More….

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“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Eye care

New Bausch + Lomb Supplement Relieves Dry Eyes

A recent study shows Bausch + Lomb Corporation (NYSE/TSX: BLCO)’s new daily supplement significantly improves dry eye symptoms. Participants experienced better tear production, reduced inflammation, and less discomfort. Launching later this year as Blink™ NutriTears®, it could be a breakthrough for those seeking long-lasting relief. Read More….

Myopia Management Made Easy: New Online Resource Launched

The World Council of Optometry and CooperVision have teamed up to create a comprehensive online tool for understanding and treating myopia. This resource covers mitigation, measurement, and management strategies, making it a valuable asset for eye care professionals. Read More….

Vision Loss Linked to Crushing Loneliness

A new report reveals blind and vision-impaired individuals face alarming rates of isolation and loneliness. The study found low self-esteem and a sense of being forgotten contribute to this crisis. Fight for Sight / Vision Foundation is taking action by funding programs to increase support and social connection. Read More….

Soccer Star's Son Faces Vision Loss

Michael Owen shares his son James's struggle with Stargardt disease, a devastating eye condition that can lead to blindness. Images released by the Macular Society illustrate the heartbreaking loss of central vision experienced by those with the disease. Early diagnosis and reducing exposure to sunlight and Vitamin A may help slow the progression. Read More….

High Eye Pressure: What You Need to Know

Ocular hypertension means your eye pressure is higher than normal, increasing your risk of glaucoma and vision loss. This condition has no obvious symptoms, so regular eye exams are crucial. Causes include excess fluid production, poor drainage, medication side effects, and eye injuries. Read More….

Ocular Migraine: Is Your Vision at Risk?

Ocular migraines cause temporary vision loss in one eye and may increase your risk of permanent damage. They are often confused with visual auras that occur with regular migraines. Triggers can include stress, caffeine, and bright lights. If you experience sudden vision changes, get prompt medical attention to rule out serious eye problems or other health conditions. Read More….

Eye Patching and Family Stress

A recent study investigated whether eye patching for children with poor vision after cataract surgery causes stress for parents or hinders child development. The results showed no negative impact on family stress or child behavior and development. This supports continued use of patching therapy as recommended by doctors. Read More….

Vision Loss Limits Tech Access for Seniors

A recent study reveals older adults with vision impairment are less likely to own or know how to use smartphones, computers, and tablets. This digital divide could make it harder for them to access telehealth appointments and other online services. It highlights the need for better accessibility and tech support for this population. Read More….

Tech News

Phoenix-Micron Upgrades OCT with AI

Phoenix-Micron partners with ArtiKode Intelligence to bring AI-powered analysis to its eye imaging systems (OCT). This upgrade automates image interpretation, saving researchers time and improving accuracy. The new feature will streamline eye disease research, potentially leading to faster breakthroughs. Read More….

New Path for Retinal Implant Development

Science Corporation acquires Pixium's PRIMA retinal implant technology, expanding its efforts to restore vision with brain-computer interfaces. This acquisition combines promising research and offers hope for patients with severe blindness who lack treatment options. Read More….

Research Updates

Verana Health Launches Tool to Advance Thyroid Eye Disease Care

Verana Health's new Qdata TED module offers a massive dataset on thyroid eye disease (TED). This includes patient data and advanced diagnosis tracking from the American Academy of Ophthalmology. The tool promises to accelerate TED research and improve treatment outcomes. Read More….

Imaging Clues Predict Growth of Eye Disease Lesions

A new study reveals how specific eye images can predict the growth rate of geographic atrophy (GA) lesions. Researchers found links between GA growth and patient characteristics like age and the presence of certain eye structures. These findings could help doctors personalize treatment for this form of age-related macular degeneration. Read More….

Eye Fluid Protein Database Launched

Scientists at the Medical College of Georgia have created a groundbreaking database to accelerate the study of vision loss. This resource maps proteins found in eye fluid, offering clues to diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration. The publicly accessible database will empower researchers worldwide to make discoveries and potentially develop new treatments. Read More….

Retinoblastoma Breakthroughs Offer Hope

Researchers are unraveling how childhood eye cancer, retinoblastoma, develops. This breakthrough has revealed the specific cell type where the cancer originates and the stages it progresses through. These discoveries may lead to new treatments and improved diagnosis, offering hope for children with this rare disease. Read More….

Clinical Trial Updates

Red Light Therapy Slows Kids' Nearsightedness

A recent study suggests daily exposure to red light may help slow the progression of myopia (nearsightedness) in children. Researchers found kids who used the red light therapy had less worsening of their eyesight over a year compared to those who didn't. No safety concerns were found. Read More….

Eyenovia Updates Mydcombi™ and Clobetasol

Eyenovia announces positive results from a study on its FDA-approved mydriatic spray, Mydcombi. The low-dose spray was effective in dilating pupils while minimizing side effects. The company also plans to launch a new steroid eye drop, offering a potential breakthrough in ophthalmic treatment. Read More….

HORA-PDE6b: 2-Year Results at ARVO 2024

eyeDNA Therapeutics reports positive long-term results from its gene therapy trial for retinitis pigmentosa (RP). The study suggests this treatment could potentially restore vision in patients with this inherited eye disease. This data will be presented at the upcoming ARVO conference. Read More….

What Else to Skim

AMD Linked to Increased COVID-19 Risk

New research suggests a genetic link between age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and severe COVID-19 complications. This shared risk factor could open doors to new treatments targeting AMD and serious COVID-19 outcomes. For more details……

Insurance Gaps Delay Diabetes Eye Care

A study reveals uninsured and underinsured patients face higher rates of severe diabetic eye disease. This leads to increased healthcare costs compared to those with Medicare/Medicaid. The findings highlight the need for better insurance access to prevent complications. Read More….

Student Researcher Wins Award for Patient Care

Glaucoma UK honors Zainab Alrikabi for her exceptional commitment to supporting patients involved in her research study. Alrikabi's dedication earned her the 'Excellence in Glaucoma Care Award'. This award highlights the importance of patient-centered research in the fight against glaucoma. Read More….

Business

National Vision Insiders Scoop Up Over $1 Million in Stock

Insiders at National Vision Holdings (NASDAQ:EYE) are bullish, significantly increasing their stock holdings over the past year. This signals confidence in the company's future, despite no recent transactions. Analyst forecasts may offer further insight. Read More….

RevOpsis Secures Funding to Fight Blindness

Biotech startup RevOpsis raises $16.5 million to develop its innovative eye disease treatment. Their new drug targets multiple causes of vision loss and could potentially reduce treatment frequency for conditions like macular degeneration. This advancement is made possible by their groundbreaking Rev-Mod Platform. Read More….

Bioengineered Corneas One Step Closer

Pantheon Vision secures additional $1.8 million to develop bioengineered corneas, reducing the need for limited donor tissue. This breakthrough could bring affordable relief from corneal blindness to millions worldwide, especially in underserved areas. Read More….

And for a laugh...

“My grandfather has the heart of a lion and a lifetime ban at the zoo.”

“My yoga instructor is so flexible, they can tie their own shoelaces with tongue.”

Hope you enjoyed.

More news is coming your way next week! 😄