Low Vision: Concepts and Clinical Skills for Generalists
Given the vital role vision plays in every aspect of life, all optometrists—regardless of specialty—must be able to distinguish between visual problems that can be corrected with conventional interventions and those that cannot. Low vision, which interferes with everyday activities, cannot be fixed with glasses, contact lenses, or other standard treatment approaches. Therefore, it is critical that primary care optometrists understand how to support these patients in their practice, even if their role is limited to assessment and comanagement.
Dry Eye in Optometry: Trends, Habits and Hang-ups
After refractive error, dry eye is almost certainly the most common ocular issue you encounter at your practice. Just consider: 16 million Americans have been diagnosed with dry eye disease (DED) and as many as six million symptomatic individuals may go undiagnosed.1 With an ever-expanding roster of exam techniques and treatment options to consider, formulating a plan to manage such a heavy caseload can be a challenge. How is this pervasive problem addressed in optometric offices across the country? We surveyed our readers to get a glimpse.
The Dos and Don’ts of Binocular Vision Testing
Binocular vision disorders are prevalent in patients at all stages of life—from pediatric to geriatric—and especially in patients with developmental disabilities and a history of traumatic brain injury. They can significantly affect a patient’s quality of life and their ability to perform daily tasks. Given the prevalence and symptomatology, all practitioners, regardless of their clinical settings, should be well adept at binocular vision testing and understand what is considered normal—and what suggests a binocular vision dysfunction.
Unsafe at Any Speed
A 58-year-old Black female presented for a comprehensive ocular examination with a chief complaint of poor vision OD after being a passenger in an auto accident, during which she was struck in the face with an airbag. The patient denied any additional ocular history and reported a medical history of hypothyroidism, currently well-controlled with medication. The patient denied having any allergies to medications or environment. She is currently taking levothyroxine, lisinopril/hydrochlorothiazide, allopurinol, sertraline and ranitidine.
A New Wave
One of the most exciting aspects of cataract surgery is the continuous innovation in intraocular lens (IOL) technology. There are numerous companies working on the next generation of IOL platforms to improve both quality of vision and quality of life.
The News Feed
Good Metabolic Control Tied to DR Regression
Relatives of Glaucoma Patients Are Underscreened
Pediatric Myopia Predicts Final Refraction
CXL May Also Help Halt Myopia Progression
Visual Acuity Apps Score High Marks For Telehealth
COVID Causes Retinal Microvascular Changes
Corneal Density May Help Predict POAG
Wet AMD Eyes Face Risk of Legal Blindness at Two Years
COVID Encourages Digital Outreach in AMD Management
VF Loss Significantly Impacts Road Abilities
Mixed Results for OD Expansion into Glaucoma
Microbial and HSK Combo Leads to Poor VA, Complications
Poor Hazard Perception in Older Drivers With Eye Disease
Ganglion Cell Changes on OCT Anticipate VF Progression
Lubricant Targets Digital Eyestrain
Allergy Relief in an OTC, Nonpreserved Drop
Nerve Growth Factor Promotes Post-LASIK Success
Glaucoma Patients with Intact Central Vision Still Read Slower
Changes in Corneal Biomechanics Predict Visual Field Loss
Dysbiosis Precedes Bacterial Keratitis, Study Finds
Pain Questionnaires May Improve GP Candidate Selection
Cigarette Smoking Impairs Retinal Vasculature
Phaco Associated With Better Glaucoma Outcomes
How Red Wine Helps Combat Eye Disease
Glaucoma Docs Would Welcome ‘Smart’ EHR Tools
Epiretinal Membrane Linked to Older Age
Experts Debate Early vs. Late Amblyopia Screening
Conflict of Interest Disclosures in Med Journals Draw Criticism
AM Light May Improve Glaucoma Patients’ Sleep
Beta Irradiation Suitable for Smaller Pterygium
Phaco-related Macular Perfusion Culprit: Hyperemia
Stem Cells Show Promise for Stargardt’s Treatment
Two New AMD Biomarkers Identified
PACG Prevalence Anticipated to Rise
Combination Lenses Correct Exotropia in Young Children
Simple Vision Test Sheds Light on Driving Performance
ODs in Four States Get Green Light to Administer COVID Vaccine
High-dose Sex Steroids Improve Tear Parameters
Ocular Blood Flow An Early Indicator of Glaucoma
Muscle Thickening Elevates IOP Upon Upgaze
Atropine Penetration Minimally Affected by Preservatives
Patchy Corneal Staining Pattern May Indicate Inflammation
Blood Sugar and Diabetes Duration Predicts DR Risk
Zero G Conditions Distort the Posterior Globe
Poorly Fitting Face Masks Can Lead to VF Test Errors
Location of Iridotomy Matters in Visual Outcomes
Stereoscopic Cameras Superior in Glaucoma Screening
Alcohol Consumption Reduces Risk of Cataract Surgery
Undetected Glaucoma More Likely in Wet AMD
Look Inside The Current Issue
Features
An Action Plan For Assessing Double Vision
Breaking Down Visual Fields in Glaucoma
Navigating the Retinal Periphery
Take Macular OCT to a Whole New Layer
The Role of Eyelids in Health and Disease
Departments
A New Wave
A Twofold Effect
Blowing in the Wind
Can’t Get There From Here
It Takes Two to Manage Glaucoma
Light Therapy: Which is Better, One or Two?
Shout-out to the Staffers
Specificity is the Spice of Life
The Essential Eyelid Examination
The Unexpected Visitor
Unsafe at Any Speed
Weigh Your Options
Continuing Education
The Role of Eyelids in Health and Disease
Low Vision: Concepts and Clinical Skills for Generalists
A Modern Approach to Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
Antibiotics in Eye Care: A Balancing Act
Additional Publications
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VIDEO: Ptosis or a Different Diagnosis: Asking the Right Questions Before Treatment
Looking at the causes, impact and diagnosis of acquired blepharoptosis. Ophthalmic Product Guide - February 2021
VIDEO: Telemedicine Protocols Webinar: Dry Eye and Telemedicine
Pharmacologic Treatment of Acquired Ptosis: A Win-Win for Patients and Practices
2021 Conference Planner
Raising the Bar for Dry Eye Disease Therapy
Review of Cornea & Contact Lenses
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The Consequences of Corneal Endothelial Compromise
Optometrists must recognize the signs to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. -
Lessons from the Labs: GP Pros Share Their Best Tips
Learn what consultants wished they got from doctors when they order specialty lenses. -
Unpacking the BLINK study
Finally, solid data shows us an approach to multifocal contact lens use in childhood myopia management. -
A Rare Case of Megalocornea
Here’s how this patient’s condition made for an extremely unique specialty contact lens fitting. -
A New Era of Keratoconus Care
Learn how advances in diagnostics and treatment are turning the old paradigm on its head. -
Four Troubleshooting Pearls For Scleral Lens Success
Early training can help scleral patients avoid lens wetting issues, midday fogging and other common problems that can lead to dropout.
Women in Optometry
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Take Good Care of Yourself
You’ve taken the kids for their checkups and scheduled your parents’ doctor visits. You even went along to make sure they understand what was happening.
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WO Marketing Diamonds
Nikki Iravani, OD, is always on the lookout for a great marketing tip.
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Women In Optometry Theia Awards Recognized Nine ODs
Nine women ODs were honored during the fourth annual Theia Awards of Excellence from Women In Optometry magazine.
