The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) wrapped up its annual meeting in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in late April. Here, our clinical editors give you the highlights. Weve culled through all the conclusions, data, theories and contradictions contained in the vast number of posters, presentations and papers to bring to you the studies that will have the most significance in your day-to-day practice.
As we become increasingly responsible for the overall ocular health of our patients, we rely on ARVO to keep us informed of the changing standards of care in contact lens safety, glaucoma management, treatment of retinal disease, refractive surgery comanagement and the latest diagnostic technology. The faster we realize these innovations in our own practices, the better off our patients will be. Here is a rundown of what you will find in the following pages:
Cornea. Killing harmful bacteria was a top priority among ARVO researchers this year, as many studies focused on the new fourth-generation fluoroquinolone antibiotics. Associate Clinical Editor Joseph P. Shovlin, O.D., reports that not even these powerful agents are immune to some level of bacterial resistance. Other corneal studies looked at diffuse lamellar and herpetic keratitis, new theories on dry eye disease, and whether orthokeratology is safe.
Glaucoma. Again, central corneal thickness garnered much of the attention, as the impact from the Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study continues to shape the glaucoma world. Corneal thickness as a clinical factor is being measured in everything from progression of field loss to ethnicity to how medications perform. Studies also delve into comparisons of new diagnostics such as frequency doubling technology, the emerging importance of ocular blood flow, and the latest knowledge about medications. Im responsible for these picks.
Retina. Contributing Editor and Retina Quiz author Mark T. Dunbar, O.D., explains the retina worlds ongoing interest in photodynamic therapy (PDT). Many studies this year evaluated the addition of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide to PDT. This corticosteroid appears to have an anti-angiogenic effect that reduces subretinal fluid. New treatments for CRVO and macular holes are also discussed.
Refractive and Cataract Surgery. Innovative researchers continue to find new ways to implement wavefront technology. Contributing Editor and Research Review author Paul M. Karpecki, O.D., highlights studies that assess wavefront diagnostics in cataract evaluation, presbyopia, IOL implantation and contact lens wear. Surgical options for refractive complications are also presented, as are practical alternatives for patients facing the likelihood of penetrating keratoplasty.
