From AI screening to invisible hearing aids: A recap of top news in eye care technology

Over the past month, Healio has reported on a variety of tech news in eye care, including embedded hearing technology in prescription eyeglasses and the accuracy of artificial intelligence when screening for diabetic retinopathy.

Here are our top stories:

Single TearCare treatment improved symptoms of meibomian gland dysfunction for 12 months

Controlled heat therapy in combination with manual meibomian gland expression reduced signs and symptoms of meibomian gland dysfunction for 12 months, according to a study published in Optometry and Vision Science.

“The published results of this procedure give me the confidence to tell patients that their condition will be improved and that benefit will last for over a year with minimal additional interventions,” Thomas Chester, OD, FAAO, study author and clinical director at the Cleveland Eye Clinic, told Healio. Read more.

Consider intense pulsed light therapy for midday fogging in scleral lens wearers

Intense pulsed light has been proven to be an effective treatment in meibomian gland dysfunction and ocular rosacea, specifically for patients with moderate to severe disease.

This procedure yields significant improvement in dry eye signs and symptoms, and for scleral lens wearers, the improvement in tear quality and reduction in inflammation reduces midday fogging, a common frustration for these patients. Read more.

VIDEO: Knowing how to scan, interpret OCT results is key for optimal eye care

Understanding how to use OCT and interpret the results is critical when diagnosing and treating patients with retinal disease, according to a presenter at the Optometry’s Meeting.

“OCT has really revolutionized and has been a paradigm shift in how we deal with retina disease,” Mohammad Rafieetary, OD, FAAO, of Charles Retina Institute in Germantown, Tennessee, said in this Healio video perspective. Watch here.

AI screening for diabetic retinopathy accurate, helps remove barriers to care

The use of artificial intelligence in screening for diabetic retinopathy led to accurate referrals in Rwanda with reportedly high patient satisfaction, according to a study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology.

“This study has the potential to make a big impact for patients with diabetes in Africa,” Wanjiku “Ciku” Mathenge, MBChB, MMed, PhD, medical advisor of global programs for the nonprofit organization Orbis International and the study’s principal investigator, said in a press release from the organization. “In the study, we found that most patients had not had a recent full eye exam despite worrying about their vision and knowing their risks for developing diabetic retinopathy.” Read more.

VIDEO: OD Immersion fills gap in IPL implementation training

It can be a struggle for doctors to implement intense pulsed light and off-label radio frequency in their practices without proper training, according to a speaker at Optometry’s Meeting.

“A lot of times doctors will realize the value of some of these devices and they’ll invest in the technology,” Shane Swatts, OD, co-owner of OD Immersion, said in this Healio video. “One of the pieces they oftentimes overlook is, once that lands in their office, how do they make it work?” Watch here.

Verséa Ophthalmics launches tear-based, point-of-care immunoassay kit for ocular disease

Verséa Ophthalmics announced the distribution of its T-POC Total IgE Immunoassay Kit, a tear-based point-of-care test for the diagnosis and management of ocular surface disease.

According to a company press release, the T-POC Total IgE Immunoassay Kit measures actual levels of IgE, a known biomarker linked to allergic conjunctivitis. The test, developed and manufactured by partner Axim Biotechnologies, is designed to help clinicians distinguish allergic disease from other conditions such as dry eye or infectious conjunctivitis. Repetition of the test after initiating treatment may help determine therapeutic response. Read more.

EssilorLuxottica pairs hearing solution, prescription eye wear in new product

EssilorLuxottica is developing a new product that will embed high-quality hearing technology into prescription eyeglasses, the company announced in a press release.

“Our proprietary hardware and software, combined with our design and manufacturing capabilities, will enable us to pair hearing solutions and prescription glasses into one groundbreaking product, and to bring it to market everywhere through our open network model,” Francesco Milleri, Essilor Luxottica CEO and chairman, and Paul du Saillant, the company’s deputy CEO, said in the release. “As we did in the vision space, we will be the first to remove the stigma of traditional hearing solutions, replacing it with comfort and style.” Read more.