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First day of PCON New York Symposium spotlights glaucoma
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NEW YORK -- The Third Annual Primary Care Optometry News Symposium opened here today to nearly 300 registered attendees. The topic of the day was glaucoma: current research, prostaglandins, new diagnostic technologies and complications management.
Bruce E. Onofrey, OD, RPh, FAAO, addressed a question from the audience on prostaglandins and Restasis (cyclosporine 0.05% ophthalmic emulsion, Allergan). He said the two agents work via different mechanisms, so, theoretically, using them together should not be a problem. However, new research is looking at anti-inflammatories for managing dry eye. “In the case of a significant dry eye with chronic inflammation, I would not put that patient on a prostaglandin,” he said. “Theoretically there is no conflict, but I believe it would exacerbate the inflammatory phase.”
J. James Thimons, OD, FAAO, told the audience that all of the latest diagnostic instruments are most useful for early or moderate glaucoma to track progression. Commenting on the GDx (Laser Diagnostic Technologies, San Diego) and the HRT II (Heidelberg Engineering, Vista, Calif.), Dr. Thimons said that the instruments are synergistic, each providing different information to the practitioner.
Murray Fingeret, OD, FAAO, and Dr. Onofrey joined Dr. Thimons to conclude the day by discussing specific cases of glaucoma complications.
The next 2 days will provide updates on refractive surgery, ocular therapeutics, dry eye, retina and contact lenses. See the December issue of Primary Care Optometry News for full coverage.