Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Ophthalmology for July 2017. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal articles, as well as the FDA approvals and regulatory changes that are the most likely to affect clinical practice.
Stent Surgery Could Benefit Select Glaucoma Patients
MONDAY, July 31, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Stent surgery using a 6-mm-long stent made of gelatin material seems promising for patients with glaucoma, according to a report from the University of Michigan.
Switching to Generic Eye Meds Could Save Medicare Millions
FRIDAY, July 28, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Prescribing generic drugs for seniors’ eye problems could save the U.S. government hundreds of millions of dollars a year, according to a study published recently in Ophthalmology.
Significantly Higher Serum Melatonin in Human Myopes
FRIDAY, July 28, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Human myopes exhibit significantly higher serum melatonin (Mel) concentration than non-myopes, according to a study published online July 18 in Ophthalmic & Physiological Optics.
2016 Saw Increase in Number of Physicians Since 2010 Census
THURSDAY, July 27, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Census reports have demonstrated an increase in the number of physicians and in the actively licensed U.S. physician-to-population ratio from 2010 to 2016, according to a study published in the Journal of Medical Regulation.
Health Benefits of Healthy Lifestyle Quantified in U.S.
WEDNESDAY, July 26, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For people age 50 years and older, having a favorable behavioral profile is associated with increased life expectancy and delayed onset of disability compared with the whole U.S. population, according to a study published online July 19 in Health Affairs.
Greater Engagement for Patients Who Read Visit Notes
TUESDAY, July 25, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Greater engagement is reported by patients who read notes and submit feedback, according to a study published in the July issue of the Journal of Medical Internet Research.
Average Increase in Physician Compensation 2.9% in 2016
MONDAY, July 24, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The AMGA 2017 Medical Group Compensation and Productivity Survey reports that 77 percent of physician specialties experienced increases in compensation in 2016, with an overall weighted average increase of 2.9 percent.
Lasting Damage After Monolateral Acute Primary Angle Closure
MONDAY, July 24, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Significantly greater structural and functional damage occurs in eyes with monolateral acute primary angle closure (APAC) compared with fellow eyes, and more than half of fellow eyes develop chronic angle closure glaucoma (CACG), according to research published online July 19 in Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology.
YAG Laser Vitreolysis Can Help Reduce Eye Floaters
FRIDAY, July 21, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Laser treatment can effectively reduce symptomatic vitreous floaters, according to research published online July 20 in JAMA Ophthalmology.
Educational Intervention Doesn’t Up Hand, Stethoscope Hygiene
FRIDAY, July 21, 2017 (HealthDay News) — An intervention including education is not associated with an increased rate of hand hygiene or stethoscope hygiene, according to a study published in the July 1 issue of the American Journal of Infection Control.
High Court Rules Against Interstate Medical Liability
TUESDAY, July 18, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The Washington State high court has ruled against interstate medical liability, according to a report from the American Medical Association.
Multi-Luminance Mobility Test Identifies Visual Impairment
TUESDAY, July 18, 2017 (HealthDay News) — A multi-luminance mobility test (MLMT) can differentiate normal-sighted from visually-impaired subjects, according to a study published online July 11 in Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology.
Patient-Centered Communication Could Help Reduce Burnout
MONDAY, July 17, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Better patient-physician communication can improve care and reduce burnout, according to a report published by the American Medical Association.
Infants With Potential Zika Exposure Should Have Eye Exam
MONDAY, July 17, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Infants exposed to the Zika virus in utero should have their eyes examined for possible virus-related abnormalities, according to research published online July 17 in JAMA Pediatrics.
Opioids Often Overprescribed in Patients Undergoing Surgery
MONDAY, July 17, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For patients undergoing common elective procedures, opioids are often overprescribed, according to a study published online July 10 in the Annals of Surgery.
Early Career Burnout Can Be Contagious Via Social Networks
FRIDAY, July 14, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For early career teachers (ECTs), social network members’ burnout levels are associated with increased burnout levels, according to a study published in the August issue of Teaching and Teacher Education.
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New Vaccines Show Promise in Protecting Fetus From Zika
THURSDAY, July 13, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Two experimental vaccines might help protect human fetuses against the Zika virus, according to a study published in the July 13 issue of Cell.
Education Can Boost Knowledge, Cut Anxiety in Glaucoma
WEDNESDAY, July 12, 2017 (HealthDay News) — For newly diagnosed glaucoma patients, a patient-centered glaucoma-related educational intervention can improve knowledge and reduce anxiety, according to a study published online July 9 in Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology.
Medicaid Enrollees Are Satisfied With Their Health Care
WEDNESDAY, July 12, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Medicaid enrollees are largely satisfied with their health care, and most are able to access the care they need when they need it, according to a research letter published online July 10 in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Visual System Changes Could Indicate Parkinson’s Disease
TUESDAY, July 11, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Changes in vision may be an early sign of Parkinson’s disease, according to research published online July 11 in Radiology.
Health Service Use Unchanged From 1996-1997 to 2011-2012
TUESDAY, July 11, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Utilization of health services was largely unchanged from 1996-1997 to 2011-2012, but expenditures increased, according to a study published in the July/August issue of the Annals of Family Medicine.
Patients Are Often Recording Doctor’s Visits
TUESDAY, July 11, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Patients may be recording office visits, with or without permission, according to an opinion piece published online July 10 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
American Adults Without Health Insurance Rises by Two Million
TUESDAY, July 11, 2017 (HealthDay News) — The number of American adults without health insurance has increased by about two million so far this year, according to a new Gallup-Sharecare Well-Being Index poll.
Rod, Cone Function Down for Children Born Extremely Preterm
FRIDAY, July 7, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Children born extremely preterm have reduced rod and cone function compared with children born at term, according to a study published online June 29 in JAMA Ophthalmology.
Market Competition Linked to Change in Generic Drug Prices
THURSDAY, July 6, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Market competition levels are associated with changes in the price of generic drugs, according to a study published online July 4 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
AMA: Doctors Should Make Sure Their Online Info Is Accurate
THURSDAY, July 6, 2017 (HealthDay News) — In a technologically advanced society, physicians need to take advantage of the internet to reach patients and exercise caution in their online presence, according to a report published by the American Medical Association.
Risks Linked to Soft Contacts No Higher for Children Than Adults
THURSDAY, July 6, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Soft contact lenses are as safe for children and teens as they are for adults, according to a review published in the June issue of Optometry and Vision Science.
Educational Level, Age Linked to Eye Health Knowledge
WEDNESDAY, July 5, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Education level, income, and mental health are among factors associated with eye disease knowledge and eye health information exposure among Hispanics/Latinos, according to a study published online June 29 in JAMA Ophthalmology.
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