Always Something to Learn
Studying nonhuman eye tissue can lead to insight into how vision develops and the mechanisms that make vision possible. Sometimes, this research leads to new tools or it uncovers novel cellular processes in the eye. Two research projects, one at New York University (NYU) discovered new cells types in the visual system of fruit flies, […]
Stopping the Damage From Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy occurs when there is damage to the blood vessels in the retina, and it is the leading cause of blindness for adults in the U.S. Since diabetes causes this and a host of other complications, scientists are working to learn more about what causes diabetic retinopathy in the hopes of developing treatments and […]
Turmeric & Stem Cells
The search for treatments to improve outcomes for many eye diseases and conditions is ongoing. Sometimes what can end up being used to treat an eye condition is surprising and sometimes it isn’t. First the surprising development. Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a treatment for uveitis in dogs using turmeric. Don’t worry you […]
There’s a Right Way and a Wrong Way to Use Social Media
It’s very easy to point the finger at teenagers these days. If they are not dressed oddly, then they are talking in slang or, the horror, posting inappropriate content on social media. Well, it isn’t just teenagers who are guilty of posting the wrong things on social media, adults can do that, as well. I’m […]
To Be or Not to Be a Practice Owner
It seems like independent eye doctors had it made back in the 1960s, 1970s or 1980s. The way the older doctors talk, it sounds like all they had to do was graduate from medical school, hang out a shingle and the patients would stream in. Not so fast. While the business and clinical parts make […]
Make Time for Learning—Even if CEUs aren’t Involved
Doctors of optometry and ophthalmology attend classes either online or in person to keep up with the latest advances in eye care. These classes reward attendees with the continuing education units they need to keep their certification. In addition to CE, what others kinds of learning or just reading do you do? Like most people, […]
Longevity in Optometry/Ophthalmology
You may have heard the riddle about a man and his son who are involved in a car accident. The man dies instantly. The son survives but is seriously injured. He is rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery. The old doctor sees the boy being wheeled into the operating room and says “I can’t […]
Omega-3 Supplements—Are They Beneficial For Your Eyes?
Omega-3 are polyunsaturated fats that are found in cold water fishes, such as salmon and mackerel, as well as nuts, like walnuts and flaxseed. These fats help prevent cardiovascular disease and may help keep eyes healthy. Yet, there is a limit to their benefits. A study sponsored by the National Eye Institute (NEI) suggested that […]
Rephrase the Jargon for Greater Comprehension
Recently, we were approached by a doctor at the 2016 American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) conference with a request to create a model that would explain the causes of dry eye, as well as how it is diagnosed and treated. You can learn more about the model here. Of course, the medical […]