Ocular Hypertension

Two of five people with Graves’ disease worldwide have thyroid eye disease, with higher rates among Asian populations vs. other ethnicities, according to a meta-analysis published in Clinical Endocrinology.

The accompanying cover story is a good summary of the current microinvasive, or minimally invasive, glaucoma surgery devices.

Nicox has enrolled the first 12 patients in a phase 3 clinical trial evaluating NCX 470, a novel second-generation nitric oxide-donating bimatoprost analog.

In the past 20 years, a number of new tonometers have become available. With several of these new alternatives, the benefits offered have mostly related to portability and convenience.

Researchers observed a link between office-hour IOP and peak nocturnal IOP in a group of patients with primary open angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension, according to a study published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology.

The recent paradigm shift in the treatment of glaucoma moving toward earlier intervention, better managing patient compliance and a refocus on addressing the actual pathology continues to move forward with the approval of Durysta, a 10 µg bimatoprost implant for intracameral administration.

IOP screening may improve detection rates of glaucoma among a younger population and increase awareness of the disease, according to findings from a recent study.

Durysta, the first intracameral biodegradable sustained-release implant designed to lower IOP in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension, has been approved by the FDA, Allergan announced in a press release.

A multicenter, real-world, observational study showed safety and efficacy of a fixed-dose combination of preservative-free tafluprost and timolol in clinical practice. Patients who did not sufficiently respond to previous therapies achieved significant IOP reduction at 6 months, with the added benefit of decreased ocular surface side effects.

ORLANDO, Fla. – As patients learn more about alternative therapies, one glaucoma specialist still recommends medication first, then elevating low systemic blood pressure – and then supplements.