Diseases and Conditions
Pediatric keratoconus prevalence higher than believed, may change care approach
Sensitive screening in pediatric populations can help promote early diagnosis and intervention, ultimately saving vision, improving patients’ quality of life and preventing the need for corneal transplantation surgery.
Making blurry vision clear
February is Low Vision Awareness Month. Take note of considerations for enhancing success with near magnification.
Unblurring the lines
As Americans grow older, the eyes show their age, too. The lens loses elasticity, causing a slow decline of accommodation. And patients, in a sense blindsided by this natural sign of aging, head to their doctor of optometry to help preserve their quality of life at work, home and play. Doctors of optometry are in a unique position to help patients preserve their quality of life and independence as presbyopia advances. Fortunately for patients and doctors, there have never been more options for managing presbyopia.
Appreciating optometry’s value to patients with diabetes and their primary care physicians
The American Diabetes Association® (ADA) reported, in time for National Diabetes Month in November, that total annual costs of diabetes in 2022 was $412.9 billion, most of it in direct medical costs. How can doctors of optometry help in the fight to lower the prevalence of diabetes?
Educate Your Patients
As the nation’s primary eye health care providers, doctors of optometry must inform patients on how a comprehensive eye exam is a critical part of overall health maintenance. Use these resources to educate patients.
9 benefits of introducing laser procedures into your practice
Doctors of optometry should consider the benefits of adding office-based laser procedures, such as YAG capsulotomy (after cataract surgery) or selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT, for glaucoma), to their practice.
5 considerations if you’re thinking about adding laser procedures to your practice
Doctors of optometry are performing office-based laser procedures in 11 states, as AOA affiliates have seen historic scope expansion wins in the past four years and momentum continues to build. Doctors of optometry are pursuing legislation in other states that would allow them to serve their patients at the highest level of their education and training. Some of these optometrists, who have performed hundreds of laser procedures, share key considerations in providing this care to patients.
Optometrist-performed YAG capsulotomies shown effective, safe and beneficial for patients
Currently, licensed doctors of optometry in 10 states perform YAG laser capsulotomy and a new study provides further evidence to support its use in optometric practice.
Solving the myopia mystery
Significant clinical studies on atropine for myopia control show conflicting results for doctors of optometry seeking a solution to myopia progression. More research is needed on atropine dosage and why results were different among children living in the U.S. and Asia.
For 128 million U.S. presbyopes, doctors of optometry can provide treatment options
Presbyopia is an eye condition that affects the vast majority of Americans over age 45. Treatment options include glasses, contact lenses, eye drops and surgical interventions. Educating the public is key, the AOA’s Health Policy Institute reports.
What’s up, doc? Can a dietary supplement reverse patient cataracts?
Considerations on how to advise a patient who may want to use alternative forms of treatment for their cataracts, such as non-FDA-approved dietary supplements. Learn more in the latest AOA Ethics and Values case study.