Researchers from the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA) in Melbourne are conducting a world-first human trial of an over-the-counter vitamin supplement to treat glaucoma, a disease of the optic nerve which affects 60 million people worldwide.
Read moreNew Research: Exercise May Reduce the Risk of Glaucoma
People who are doing moderate to vigorous physical activity may significantly lower their risk of glaucoma, according to research presented at the 121st Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). Tseng et al from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) reported a 73% lower incidence of glaucoma among the most physically active study participants, compared with the least active.
Read moreDry Eye Assessment
Dry Eye occurs when there is inadequate tear film to protect the ocular surface. Symptoms include scratchy, gritty irritated eyes. Life expectancy, longer working careers, increased screen time, low humidity, metropolitan environment and diet are increasing the incidence of dry eye. Diabetes, smoking, contact lenses, eye surgery and medications can exacerbate symptoms. Mild dry eye can be annoyingly uncomfortable, and severe symptoms can limit activities such as work, socialising or travel, significantly reducing quality of life.
Read moreVisual Hallucinations are real
Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) is the rather strange phenomenon of complex visual hallucinations in people with vision loss with no neurological or psychiatric problem. These experiences can be alarming for patients and their families - ‘Mum is seeing monkeys in trees’ will get our attention.
Read moreMacular Degeneration Trigger Enzyme Discovered
The discovery of a crucial trigger for dry macular degeneration (AMD) – an enzyme called cGAS – could lead to the development of a drug to prevent disease progression.
This discovery, at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, was a surprise. Drs. Jayakrishna Ambati and Nagaraj Kerur had determined that cGAS plays an important role in the body's immune response to infections detecting foreign DNA, but its role in dry AMD was unexpected.
Read moreAdvanced Glaucoma Training
Currently Claire is one of four optometrists completing Advanced Glaucoma Training with the University of Auckland. The course is designed to give experience in glaucoma management and collaborative care with ophthalmologists (eye specialists).
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