INTERESTING EYE NEWS & CLINICAL PEARLS

Removal of biofilm from contact lens storage cases -- Wu et al., 10.1167/iovs.10-5796 -- Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science It has been conventional wisdom amongst eye doctors that most infections related to contact lenses actually originate from the contact lens storage case. I usually recommend rinsing the case after use and filling with fresh solution. However, it appears that thoroughly rubbing the inside of the case with clean fingers helps remove most of the biofilm on which the bacteria grow. I also usually recommend replacing one's case on a regular basis. I am surprised how many new patients come into my office with grimy, dirty contact lens cases. According to this study: "digital rubbing and rinsing, and/or wiping the lens cases with tissue are recommended. Air-drying and recapping the lens case lids after use without any additional cleaning methods or the use of antimicrobial cases should be discouraged."

SpringerLink - This study concludes: "Despite the shared risk factors associated with AMD and MIs, we found no increased risk of MI in AMD patients."

This article discusses the ocular manifestations of syphillis. In it's conclusion it says: "syphilis should be"considered in all patients with uveitis, scleritis, episcleritis, or optic neuritis, especially in men with high-risk sexual behavior."

The role of clinical parapapillary atrophy evaluation in the diagnosis To assess the risk of glaucoma, we primarily use eye pressure, corneal thickness, and optic nerve appearance (cupping) as indicators. Some have advocated the use of peripapillary atrophy as an additional risk factor. Peripapillary atrophy appears as a ring around the optic nerve as viewed from inside the eye. I've always been skeptical and not considered peripapillary atrophy much in my assessment of glaucoma risk. This article indicates that adding peripapillary atrophy to the list of risk factorrs does not improve the ability to distinguish glaucoma from ocular hypertension patients. To me, peripapillary atrophy is only a minor risk factor in terms of importance.

SpringerLink - This study shows that pressure in the eye does not change when normal patients drink caffeine, but it does rise in patients with ocular hypertension and glaucoma.