INTERESTING EYE NEWS & CLINICAL PEARLS

Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science Lacritin is a naturally occurring glycoprotein produced in the lacrimal and meibomian glands that signal improved tear production.  According to this study: Lacritin is significantly reduced in the tears of SS patients. Topically administered lacritin has therapeutic potential for the treatment of aqueous-deficient dry eye disease.

American Journal of Ophthalmology : In this young adult population, myopic refractive error was inversely associated with objectively measured ocular sun exposure, even after adjustment for potential confounders. This further supports the inverse association between outdoor activity and myopia.

Clinical Ophthalmology : OP increases with intravitreal bevacizumab injection, reaching 50 mmHg or more in about one third of patients. A higher IOP is expected if no subconjunctival reflux occurs. The baseline IOP does not influence the incidence of subconjunctival reflux. The clinical relevance of these facts has yet to be clarified.

According to this article in Optometry Times : Fingolimod is an agent was FDA approved to treat relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). About .5% of patients taking fingolimod developed macular edema. It is dose dependent with all macular edema patients taking 1.25mg/day.   This occurs because fingolimod increases vascular permeability. Patients should undergo a baseline ophthalmic exam prior to initiation of fingolimod therapy, which includes a dilated fundus exam and amsler grid testing. patients should be warned to look for symptoms of macular edema. Follow-up is every 6 to 12 months.  Treatment is successful with discontinuation of the drug and typical macular edema treatments.