Older adults who take statins for hyperlipidemia have a significantly lower risk (9%) of open-angle glaucoma, according to a retrospective study published in the June 21 online version of Ophthalmology. Other reports found similar results, so the authors of this article are calling for an interventional prospective study to look further into statins’ ability to prevent early glaucoma.
New hope for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS): A clinical Phase III trial of oral teriflunomide 14mg (Genzyme/Sanofi-Aventis) reduced relapses by 36.3% (vs. placebo) in more than 1,000 study participants with relapsing-remitting MS, the company reported. The drug also slowed progression of disability by 31.5%. The Food and Drug Administration accepted an application for marketing approval of teriflunomide for review in October 2011.
Ronald L. Hopping, O.D., M.P.H., was installed as President of the American Optometric Association during Optometry’s Meeting, recently held in Chicago. His installation marks the first time in the century-plus history of the AOA that a father and son have both served as president of the organization. His father, Richard L. Hopping, O.D., D.O.S., D.Sc., was AOA President in 1971.
According to VSP Vision Care’s first ever “Eye Health City Index,” residents in these major U.S. cities have their eyes examined the most frequently:
- Providence, RI
- Wichita, KS
- Raleigh, NC
- Birmingham, AL
- Denver
- Columbus, OH
- Dayton, OH
- San Jose, CA
- Oklahoma City
- Sacramento, CA