Susan E. Marren, OD FAAO

Practitioners must consider refractive errors in children differently than refractive errors in adults. Treating myopia in infants is usually unnecessary, but children can be corrected with spectacles or contact lenses. While hyperopic children may become less hyperopic as they age, they should be monitored for other potential visual problems.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — "Optometrists may unwittingly miscommunicate that laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is perfect," said Arthur A. Medina Jr., OD.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — According to Douglas D. Wallin, OD, clinical director of refractive surgery here at Ophthalmology Limited, a thorough eye exam and a thorough understanding of the patient’s expectations are the most import ant aspects of the preoperative assessment for photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).

ST. LOUIS - New patients fitted with rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses after instillation of a topical anesthetic reported greater satisfaction and dropped out less frequently, according to a study conducted by practitioners at four schools of optometry.

PHILADELPHIA - Health food stores and many grocery stores have aisle after aisle of nutritional supplements with labels that make such sweeping claims one wonders why people need a medical doctor at all. Unfortunately, these items may be attractive to diabetics.

Fitting with a conventional contact lens: Trying to give a normal peripheral fit will result in steepness centrally, a physiologic compromise unless a very high Dk material is used.

ST. CLOUD, Minn. - Although most new technology involves significant financial investment, corneal topographers are a valuable addition to optometrists' practices. Even former skeptics agree.

A good refraction is essential to effectively prescribing low vision aids. The primary care physician most likely has all the necessary tools to refract these special patients. Our low vision experts shared their favorite refracting methods, addressing eccentric fixation, contrast and cylindrical errors.

TORONTO - A few conjunctival or corneal cells suffer an insult, and neurons fire. The brain receives the signal, and the message reaches consciousness that the eyes are "dry." But is the original sensation a stinging, burning, sandy or gritty feeling? Do the eyes ache, or feel a piercing pain? Are they sticky, gunky or just dry? Contact lens patients may say, "My eyes feel dry." What is happening?

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Have you hesitated to begin using therapeutics? This allergy season, why not try treating itchy eyes? It can be gratifying to treat seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC) because it tends to be intermittent and self-limited. Jimmy Bartlett, OD, FAAO, says SAC is a good place to start, because "Many of the drugs are non-toxic and available over the counter. You don't have to worry too much about side effects," he said.