An article on orthokeratology

I found a great article on orthokeratology online that is worth reading. It explains how orthokeratology works, potential side effects, a brief comparison to LASIK, estimates of cost etc. I still think one of the greatest advantages is for children who can be correction free during the day. Check our the article here.

Multifocal lens options for Cataract Surgery

The New York Times (5/15, Jaret) updated its Times Essentials: Reporter's File section on cataracts, which can "occur when the eye's natural lens becomes cloudy with age." While "cataracts don't harm the eye," they "can progressively impair vision." During cataract replacement surgery, "cloudy lenses can be removed and replaced with artificial lenses designed to correct a range of vision problems." Currently, "patients can now choose from a wide range of artificial lenses." While "monofocal lenses, which have long been in use and are covered by insurance, remain the most common choice of replacement lens," now "multifocal lenses are growing in popularity." But, "because these so-called premium lenses are not considered medically necessary, they aren't covered by Medicare or private insurance," and "the additional cost can run up to $3,000 per eye." Yet "another new artificial lens design, called a toric lens, corrects astigmatism, which is caused by an abnormal curvature of the cornea." They too "are considered premium lenses and aren't covered by most insurance plans."(courtesy AOA)

Orthokeratology Video

Diet can affect risk of Macular Degeneration

In the New York Times (5/7) Well blog, Tara Parker-Pope observed that, according to a study published in the May issue of Ophthalmology, "eating a diet rich in leafy vegetables, nuts, and fish and low in starchy carbohydrates appears to lower risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of severe vision loss in people over 50." For the study, researchers from the Tufts University Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging collected data "from 4,003 participants in the ongoing Age-Related Eye Disease Study." The investigators found that "the dietary nutrients linked with lower risk for macular degeneration are vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, zeaxanthin, and the omega-3 fatty acids known as DHA and EPA. Notably, the nutrient often associated with eye health, beta carotene, was not linked with lower risk for macular degeneration," and "the greatest benefit was seen among participants who regularly consumed a combination of the protective nutrients as part of a low-glycemic index diet."(courtesy AOA)

Lucentis can help with wet AMD

MedPage Today (5/6, Susman) reported that, according to a study presented at a vision research meeting, "the ability to read a newspaper or even prepare a meal -- functions that require near-vision abilities -- appear to improve when patients with the 'wet' form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) undergo treatment with ranibizumab (Lucentis)." For the study, researchers at Sweden's Linkoping University recruited 30 patients. After using ranibizumab, the patients "achieved a 50 percent improvement in their ability to read newspapers and a 30 percent improvement in all types of near-vision activities." The authors concluded that "ranibizumab offers a most valuable treatment for wet" AMD. Emily Chew, MD, of the National Eye Institute, who was not involved with the study, "noted that while the ability to perform near activities improves quality of life, treatment with drugs such as ranibizumab also control eye disease and can prevent progression of age-related macular degeneration." (courtesyAOA)