Our experts in cornea, retina, cataract and refractive surgery, and glaucoma have pored through hundreds of posters, papers and presentations from the annual Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) meeting in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.—mindful of the unique needs of practicing optometrists in a variety of settings. Our thought leaders have compiled synopses of the data and insights that are most relevant to you.
In Review’s 13th Annual ARVO Report, their customized information capsules will update you on the latest clinical advances, studies, office-based treatments and surgical procedures in the following areas:
• Cornea. Associate Clinical Editor Joseph P. Shovlin, O.D., editor of our “Cornea and Contact Lens Q+A” column, discusses how to reduce the risk of microbial keratitis through improved contact lens case hygiene. He also reviews the evaluation of limbal and scleral changes created by contact lenses and the effects of contact-lens-induced mechanical force on central corneal sensitivity. Among numerous advances in dry eye disease, Dr. Shovlin reports that protein biomarkers for the condition were identified in post-menopausal women by using label-free quantitative proteomics. He also focuses on host immune response, anti-inflammatory agents and other treatments that should be considered when managing meibomian gland dysfunction. Finally, Dr. Shovlin provides new insights on posterior lamellar surgery and other corneal procedures.
• Retina. Contributing editor Mark T. Dunbar, O.D., author of our “Retina Quiz” column, adds to the growing body of data spawned by last year’s Comparison of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treatment Trials (CATT) by discussing new insights on the effect of retinal anatomy on outcomes. He also reviews the implications of genetic predisposition to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), based on CATT data. In addition, he comments on encouraging new findings on anti-VEGF Trap-Eye research (intravitreal aflibercept, [Eylea, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals]) related to the care of patients with AMD and diabetic macular edema. Not so encouraging, though, is the news he has to share on the MARINA and ANCHOR follow-up studies. Meanwhile, a variety of new and worthwhile perspectives on vitreo-retinal care are unveiled.
• Cataract and Refractive Surgery. Clinical and Education Conference Director Paul M. Karpecki, O.D., coauthor of our “Research Review” column, explores penetrating procedures that appear to optimize visual outcomes while treating diseased corneas. He addresses improvements in more conventional refractive surgical procedures. Dr. Karpecki also reviews novel ideas for preventing cataracts, offers updates on the femtosecond laser and suggests new strategies for managing your postoperative patients.
• Glaucoma. Co-chief clinical editor Robert Cole III, O.D., reviews the differences between generic and brand-name prostaglandin analogues. He also provides insightful discussions of 24-hour intraocular pressure control, peak morning IOP, patient adherence to prescribed regimens, ocular surface health, exercise and prevention, structure, function, monitoring, assessing nerve rim, blood flow and diagnostic technologies.
To view any of the abstracts cited in the ARVO report that follows, go to
www.arvo.org.