Eyecare Innovations Today: An Ophthalmic Education

In this episode, Robert J. Noecker, MD, reviews the role of preservatives, particularly benzalkonium chloride (BAK), in ophthalmic medications. While BAK effectively prevents bacterial growth, its inherent toxicity poses challenges with prolonged use, leading to symptoms associated with ocular surface diseases. Dr. Noecker emphasizes the importance of exploring alternatives like preservative-free formulations or less toxic oxidizing preservatives, which should ensure effective glaucoma treatment without compromising ocular health. This activity is supported by an independent medical education grant from Théa Pharma.

In this episode, Miriam Kolko, MD, PhD, shares her vision for preservative-free eye care. Dr. Kolko strongly advocates for patient education regarding the benefits and limitations of preservative-free alternatives, encouraging tailored treatment strategies. Ultimately, she envisions a future where BAK-free alternatives take precedence in eye care, promoting better patient outcomes and adherence to treatment regimens. This activity is supported by an independent medical education grant from Théa Pharma.

In this episode, Nathan Radcliffe, MD, discusses the widespread use of benzalkonium chloride (BAK) in the US ophthalmic market. Dr. Radcliffe acknowledges concerns about its long-term effects, such as exacerbating dry eye and impacting the success of incisional glaucoma surgery. Preservative-free formulations are favored in Europe, and Dr. Radcliffe highlights the growing recognition among US eye care clinicians regarding the need for BAK alternatives. This activity is supported by an independent medical education grant from Théa Pharma.

In this episode, Anton Hommer, MD, discusses the European perspective on adopting preservative-free pharmaceuticals, highlighting challenges like health care professionals’ reluctancy to change, diverse reimbursement systems, and higher costs. He compares single-use and multiuse drugs, considering factors such as environmental impact and cost-effectiveness. Dr. Hommer emphasizes the superior efficacy of preservative-free medications, especially in treating chronic conditions such as glaucoma, and anticipates an increase in their use to protect ocular health and enhance chronic disease management. This activity is supported by an independent medical education grant from Théa Pharma.

Zaina Al-Mohtaseb, MD, and Douglas D. Koch, MD, delve into the realm of optics and aberrations. They cover a range of topics, including spherical and chromatic aberrations, ABBE numbers, and residual refractive error. Additionally, they explore various intraocular lens (IOL) designs, emphasizing the impact of these designs and manufacturing processes on visual quality. This activity is supported by independent medical education grants from Alcon, Johnson & Johnson Vision, and STAAR Surgical.

Zaina Al-Mohtaseb, MD, and Douglas D. Koch, MD, delve into the potential benefits and drawbacks of incorporating light filters into lens designs, focusing specifically on blue and violet filters. As they explain the science behind these filters, Drs. Al-Mohtaseb and Koch discuss how they are revolutionizing our understanding of intraocular lenses (IOLs) and influencing the overall visual experience for patients, moving beyond theoretical considerations to practical implications. This activity is supported by independent medical education grants from Alcon, Johnson & Johnson Vision, and STAAR Surgical.

Cathy McCabe, MD, and Karl Stonecipher, MD, discuss how factors such as lens design, material, and haptics influence the selection of intraocular lenses (IOLs) and affect patients’ long-term visual outcomes. They also delve into the management of posterior capsule opacification (PCO), emphasizing the importance of achieving patient satisfaction. This activity is supported by independent medical education grants from Alcon, Johnson & Johnson Vision, and STAAR Surgical.

Cathy McCabe, MD, and Karl Stonecipher, MD, delve into the intricacies of different lens designs, discussing how they impact both patient outcomes and surgeon experience. The conversation also explores the significance of patient education and emphasizes the value of making well-informed decisions based on factors such as corneal health and refractive history. Looking ahead, Drs. McCabe and Stonecipher shed light on forthcoming innovations while conveying their expectations for future developments in lens technologies. This activity is supported by independent medical education grants from Alcon, Johnson & Johnson Vision, and STAAR Surgical.

Julie M. Schallhorn, MD, MS, and John A. Vukich, MD, discuss the impact of lens materials, design, and manufacturing processes on optical quality. They also explore the importance of considering additional factors such as dysphotopsias, refractive index, and aberrations in the decision-making process to ultimately achieve patient satisfaction. This activity is supported by independent medical education grants from Alcon, Johnson & Johnson Vision, and STAAR Surgical.

Julie M. Schallhorn, MD, MS, and John A. Vukich, MD, explore various types of intraocular lens (IOL) materials, including acrylic, silicone, and collamer, and discuss their pros and cons, highlighting differences in manufacturing processes and performance in the eye. The conversation also touches on the importance of proper training in handling different types of lenses and anticipates future developments, particularly in the realm of accommodating IOLs. This activity is supported by independent medical education grants from Alcon, Johnson & Johnson Vision, and STAAR Surgical.

This episode highlights a consensus statement that was published in a joint CME/CE publication in CRST and Modern Optometry in April 2023, in which 12 optometrists and ophthalmologists convened to discuss and vote on the importance of the optical correlation between pupil size and depth of focus, range of vision, and other visual outcomes.  Drs. Douglas K. Devries and Jaclyn Garlich discuss the impact of aperture size on vision and the importance of putting it into practice now that technologies like presbyopia-correcting eye drops and small-aperture technologies are available. Drs. Devries and Garlich emphasize the need for more research and experience in this area to establish clear guidelines for patient and treatment selection. This activity is supported by unrestricted educational grants from AbbVie, AcuFocus, Orasis Pharmaceuticals, and Visus.

This episode highlights a consensus statement that was published in a joint CME/CE publication in CRST and Modern Optometry in April 2023, in which 12 optometrists and ophthalmologists convened to discuss and vote on the importance of the optical correlation between pupil size and depth of focus, range of vision, and other visual outcomes.  Drs. Douglas K. Devries and Jaclyn Garlich emphasize the importance of managing patient expectations and optimizing ocular surface health, and the impact of these interventions on patients who are myopes, pseudophakic, or have irregular corneas.  This activity is supported by unrestricted educational grants from AbbVie, AcuFocus, Orasis Pharmaceuticals, and Visus.

Drs. Elizabeth Yeu and William Wiley discuss the importance of understanding presbyopic patients’ needs and expectations as well as considering factors that can impact visual outcomes and patient satisfaction when using pharmacological or small-aperture optics interventions. Drs. Yeu and Wiley highlight the significance of a comprehensive evaluation to guide the decision-making process. Supported by unrestricted educational grants from AbbVie, AcuFocus, Orasis Pharmaceuticals, and Visus.

Drs. Elizabeth Yeu and William Wiley explore the fundamentals of small-aperture optics for presbyopia patients, focusing on the impact of pupil size, aperture size, refractive error, and residual accommodation on surgery and visual outcomes. Drs. Yeu and Wiley emphasize the importance of considering these factors during refractive evaluations and pharmacological and small-aperture optics interventions. This dialogue builds upon a conversation involving 12 optometrists and ophthalmologists previously published in a collaborative CE/CME supplement to CRST and Modern Optometry in April 2023. Supported by unrestricted educational grants from AbbVie, AcuFocus, Orasis Pharmaceuticals, and Visus.

Douglas K. Devries, OD, and Walter O. Whitley, OD, MBA, FAAO, discuss the signs and risk factors of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and the methods that can be used to assess the structure and function of the glands. You will learn about the importance of daily lid hygiene and what treatment options are currently available for patients with MGD. Supported by unrestricted educational grants from Alcon, Bausch + Lomb, Johnson & Johnson Vision, RVL, Sight Sciences, Tarsus, Théa Pharma, and Trukera Medical.

Douglas K. Devries, OD, and Walter O. Whitley, OD, MBA, FAAO, discuss the signs and risk factors of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and the methods that can be used to assess the structure and function of the glands. You will learn about the importance of daily lid hygiene and what treatment options are currently available for patients with MGD. Supported by unrestricted educational grants from Alcon, Bausch + Lomb, Johnson & Johnson Vision, RVL, Sight Sciences, Tarsus, Théa Pharma, and Trukera Medical.

Douglas K. Devries, OD, and Leslie O’Dell, OD, FAAO, discuss the incidence of dry eye disease and its impact on patients’ quality of life, especially when considering patients for cataract surgery. Throughout this episode you will also learn the criteria and point-of-care tests currently used to differentiate and diagnose different ocular surface disease categories. Supported by unrestricted educational grants from Alcon, Bausch + Lomb, Johnson & Johnson Vision, RVL, Sight Sciences, Tarsus, Théa Pharma, and Trukera Medical.

Douglas K. Devries, OD, and Leslie O’Dell, OD, FAAO, discuss the incidence of dry eye disease and its impact on patients’ quality of life, especially when considering patients for cataract surgery. Throughout this episode you will also learn the criteria and point-of-care tests currently used to differentiate and diagnose different ocular surface disease categories. Supported by unrestricted educational grants from Alcon, Bausch + Lomb, Johnson & Johnson Vision, RVL, Sight Sciences, Tarsus, Théa Pharma, and Trukera Medical.

Marc R. Bloomenstein, OD, FAAO and Selina R. McGee, OD, FAAO, describe how to evaluate the lids and diagnose Demodex blepharitis and blepharoptosis. You will learn the risk factors for these diseases and how to manage them with current treatment options as well as how to effectively communicate with patients. Supported by unrestricted educational grants from Alcon, Bausch + Lomb, Johnson & Johnson Vision, RVL, Sight Sciences, Tarsus, Théa Pharma, and Trukera Medical.

Marc R. Bloomenstein, OD, FAAO and Selina R. McGee, OD, FAAO, describe how to evaluate the lids and diagnose Demodex blepharitis and blepharoptosis. You will learn the risk factors for these diseases and how to manage them with current treatment options as well as how to effectively communicate with patients. Supported by unrestricted educational grants from Alcon, Bausch + Lomb, Johnson & Johnson Vision, RVL, Sight Sciences, Tarsus, Théa Pharma, and Trukera Medical.