Eye Health News
Blood Pressure Variability Linked to Glaucoma Progression
Fluctuations in blood pressure over an extended period, along with their interaction with mean blood pressure or intraocular pressure, are associated with a more rapid visual field progression in patients with suspected or confirmed glaucoma.
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Patients with nAMD
Patients with nAMD diagnosed by their family doctor or general practitioner had a threefold higher risk for nonadherence than those diagnosed by the physician treating their nAMD.
Glaucoma Stats 2022
In 2022, an estimated 4.22 million people in the United States had glaucoma, with a prevalence of 1.62% and 2.56% among all adults and those aged 40 years or older, respectively.
MG: Early Ocular Signs
50-60% of patients with Myasthenia Gravis present initially with only ocular symptoms, droopy eyelids, double vision, weakness at closing the eyes
Researchers explore possible Blood Test for Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Of three blood metabolites, hypoxanthine may act as a potential free radical generator and an indicator of hypoxic conditions.
Efficacy and Safety of Anti-VEGF Injections and Surgery for Age-Related Macular Degeneration-Related Submacular Hemorrhage
Both anti-VEGF and surgery treat SMH in AMD with similar VA outcomes but different safety profiles. Anti-VEGF is preferred for less severe hemorrhage, whereas surgery is suited for extensive hemorrhage. Despite uncertain comparative VA outcomes, treatment should be guided by clinical judgment and patient factors.
Ophthalmology Retina. Vol 9, Issue 1, Jan 2025
Shaheem A, et al
Monkeypox: Key Guidelines for Eye Care Professionals”
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox a global health emergency due to its spread in multiple countries, including the U.S. To protect both patients and healthcare providers, the CDC recommends using personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, protective eyewear, gowns, and N95 masks. Additionally, patients with suspected mpox should be seen in isolated exam rooms, and all surfaces should be disinfected thoroughly after the visit.
Zhao, Z., et al. (2024). “Keeping an Eye Out for Mpox.” Frontiers in Medicine. Accessed September 17, 2024.
Oral Antioxidant and Lutein/Zeaxanthin Supplements Slow Geographic Atrophy Progression to the Fovea in Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Oral micronutrients supplementation with Zinc, Copper, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and lutein/zeaxanthin and diet, slows geographic atrophy (GA) progression toward the central macula, likely by augmenting the natural phenomenon of foveal sparing.
Two drugs have received FDA approval. Pegcetacoplan (a C3 complement inhibitor) and Avacincaptad pegol (a C5 complement inhibitor) with the limitations of been intravitreal injections, modest efficacy, side effects and cost.
GA is noncentral at onset in approximately two thirds of eyes. GA progression into the central macular area is substantially slower than progression in the more peripheral macula, leading to the beneficial phenomenon of foveal sparing.
Keenan T, et al. Ophthalmology 2025;132:14-29
In our practice we also include Meso-Zeaxanthin, the third pigment found in the macula.
Association Between Xanthelasma Palpebrarum with Cardiovascular Risk and Dyslipidemia
Xanthelasma palpebrarum was not associated with increased rates of dyslipidemia or CVD. This questions the extent to which XP serves as an indicative marker for heightened systemic risk.
Lustig-Barzelai Y, et al. Ophthalmology 2025; 132 (2):164-169
Cytomegalovirus (CNV) Retinitis in HIV Patient
A 34-year-old woman with HIV infection presented with a 3-day history of a blind spot in the right eye. Fundoscopy revealed dense areas of retinal necrosis and hemorrhage in both eyes.
One week before the current presentation, the HIV viral load was 57 copies per milliliter (reference value, <20) and the CD4 cell count was 81 per cubic millimeter (reference range, 500 to 1500). On eye examination, visual acuity was 20/50 in the right eye and 20/20 in the left eye.
To confirm a viral retinitis, anterior chamber paracentesis was performed, and a high viral load of cytomegalovirus (CMV) was found on quantitative polymerase- chain-reaction assay. A diagnosis of CMV retinitis was confirmed. Treatment with intravenous foscarnet and intravitreal ganciclovir was initiated. One month after the completion of treatment, retinal detachment occurred in both eyes. Four months after surgical repair of the retinas, the patient’s visual impairment had
stabilized.