Highlights from the AAO-PAAO Joint Meeting 2009 Scientific Program for October 26th
October 28, 2009
Wet AMD Treatment May Increase IOP
Some patients with AMD develop elevated IOP following treatment with bevacizumab and/or ranibizumab, reports a Yale University School of Medicine study led by Ron A. Adelman, MD, MPH. Of 116 Yale study patients treated for wet AMD with either or both medications from 2006 to 2008, 3.45% (four patients) developed a significant and persistent rise in IOP.
The researchers note that this is the first study to document persistent ocular hypertension after intravitreal bevacizumab injections in patients with no personal or family history of glaucoma or ocular hypertension. This elevation sometimes happened with the first injection but more commonly with multiple injections and sometimes requires IOP lowering medications.
The researchers also reviewed a report by S.F. Bakri and colleagues on persistent OHT after ranibizumab treatment. Of eight OHT patients total in the two studies, four had received a YAG posterior capsulotomy prior to wet AMD treatment, which might have predisposed them to OHT.
Read the release here.
New Screening Method Could Mean Better Vision for Many
Looking for a low-cost solution to address the vast numbers of people with poor vision who cannot obtain eyeglasses, Thomas S. Shane, MD, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, developed a method that uses an auto-refractor, a vision chart, and pre-made eyeglasses.
Dr. Shane tested this method in high-poverty Mayan villages in southern Belize. Local health workers recruited people, and everyone over age 12 who came to the clinic within a five-day period was tested. In less than a minute per patient the auto-refractor assessed vision and reported the patient’s lens prescription. Of 385 villagers screened 79 needed eyeglasses. Each person received new, pre-made eyeglasses with the appropriate lens strengths; then vision was tested again. On average, vision improved from 20/60 without glasses to 20/25 with glasses.
This method may be helpful in parts of the world where the need for vision correction is great but the resources such as health care professionals are lacking.
Read the release here.
Comments
Jump down to form below to submit your own comments
