Prostaglandin analogues, drugs which lower intraocular pressure, are often prescribed to people with glaucoma. However, a recent study found that they are not harmless.

 

It was already known that prostaglandin analogues (PGAs) could produce certain side effects, such as blurred vision, dryness or changes in eye colour. A new study, recently published in PLOS ONE, describes other side effects, namely the loss of periorbital fat in the upper and lower lid and the presence of ptosis (the drooping of an organ due to slackening of the muscles or ligaments that support it). Ptosis of the upper lid could aggravate visual field loss.

 

The researchers studied 343 patients over 7 months in 2011. “Because PGAs are a first line of treatment for glaucoma, these results provide physicians with one reason to reconsider when they should be added in new patients, particularly those where the aim is to prevent glaucoma such as in ocular hypertension patients or glaucoma suspects,” said Dr. Louis R. Pasquale, director of the Glaucoma Service at Massachusetts Eye and Ear.

Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130521121505.htm

 

German scientists have recently discovered that rats move their eyes in opposite directions in both the horizontal and the vertical plane when running around.

 

This surprising discovery means that it’s impossible for these animals to fuse the visual information into a single image, like humans do. Their eye movements, however, enable them to  see the space above them at all times. This could be an adaptation to help them deal with the threat from predatory birds, which most rodents face.

 

In humans, the eyes must continually be aligned in the same direction in order to be able to focus on an object. A deviation of less than a single degree of the field of view is enough to cause double vision. In rats, the opposing eye movements between left and right eye mean that the line of vision varies as much as 40 degrees in the horizontal plane and up to 60 degrees in the vertical plane.  

 

The researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics claim that, although these movements prevent the two visual fields from fusing, and thus the perception of a clear, 3-dimensional image, the permanent visibility in the direction of a potential attack from the sky greatly improves the animal’s chances of survival.

 

Source: http://www.alphagalileo.org/ViewItem.aspx?ItemId=131503&CultureCode=en

A visual test recently showed that the brains of people with high IQ scores process sensory information differently.

 

According to the authors of a paper published in Current Biology, the brains of these people are automatically more selective when they perceive objects in motion, and are more likely to suppress larger background motion.

 

“It is not that people with high IQ are simply better at visual perception,” explains Duje Tadin of the University of Rochester. “Instead, their visual perception is more discriminating. They excel at seeing small, moving objects but struggle in perceiving large, background-like motions.”

 

The authors believe that it is not a conscious strategy but instead something automatic and fundamentally different about the way their brains work. This skill could be practical in a world filled with more information than we can absorb. This would explain why some brains are more efficient than others.

 

Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/260966.php

 

 

The first successful cornea transplant with donor endothelial tissue preloaded by an eye bank was performed at Massachusetts Eye and Ear in Boston.

 

Dr. Roberto Pineda used endothelial tissue that was prepared and pre-loaded into EndoGlide™ cartridges from Angiotech Pharmaceuticals, at the Lions Eye Institute for Transplant & Research in Tampa, Florida. According to Dr. Pineda, this technology may minimize potential damage to the endothelial cells and, thus, lead to better outcomes for the patient. 

 

In a pre-clinical study conducted in 2012, the pre-loaded corneal tissue sustained 9.07% endothelial cell damage, compared to 36.2% damage for the tissue that was loaded into the insertion system on site.

 

“Reducing any variables that could interfere with a patient’s ability to successfully regain sight after surgery is significant. The ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life for our patients,” said Dr. Pineda.

Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130507195811.htm   

 

 

Next to cosmetic contact lenses, eyelash extensions cause ophthalmologists the most worry.

 

Do any of your clients use eyelash extensions? If they do, they are at risk of developing grave side effects. The American Acadamy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recently issued a warning about the risks, particularly the following:

• Infection of the cornea,
• Infection of the eyelid,
• Swelling of the eyelid, and
• Permanent or temporary loss of eyelashes.

 

Earlier in the year, an article published in Consumer Reports discussed such issues. It reported that several patients had experienced infections and allergic reactions to formaldehyde-based adhesives used in eyelash extensions.

 

The AAO also offered some advice, which eyecare professionals could pass on to any clients who use these products:

• Ensure that the aesthetician is certified and working at a reputable establishment.
• Check that the aesthetician practices adequate hand washing and proper hygiene.
• Check the eyelash adhesive ingredients before use.

 

This advice could prevent some of your patients from taking the old adage to the extreme: “No pain, no gain!”

Source: http://www.aao.org/newsroom/release/20130508b.cfm

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2013/05/eyelash-extensions-can-pose-health-risks/index.htm