Recent reporting in Optometric Management’s e-newsletters presents a wealth of insights into optical coherence tomography (OCT), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis (SLK), burning eye syndrome (BES), virtual scribes, and more. Below are several examples (and for more, visit our website at optometricmanagement.com/newsletters ).

• BES: Prevention is best

Prevention of BES, “a subset of dry eye disease representing a systematic or localized neuropathic pain disorder” is critical: “Once the pain begins, treatment is a much more challenging process than it is for many other dry eye patients,” writes April Jasper, OD, FAAO, in Eyelid & Ocular Hygiene. One key prevention step is to educate patients on the importance of a consistent home-based treatment regimen.” Once a patient knows there is a reason for their symptoms and is aware of the importance of breaking the cycle as soon as possible, they are more likely to be compliant with their treatment and have better outcomes,” writes Dr. Jasper. See bit.ly/OMeyelid .

• AMD and inner retinal layer changes

In June’s AMD Clinical Insights E-newsletter editor Joseph J. Pizzimenti, OD, FAAO, writes, “While the clinical hallmarks of the condition are characterized by outer retinal involvement, recent evidence has also shown inner retinal layer changes. Thinning of the retinal nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell layer (GCL), inner plexiform layer (IPL) and ganglion cell complex3 has been shown in eyes with AMD.” Dr. Pizzimenti presents research that demonstrates the inner retinal layer is thinner in the central macula and in the superior parafovea in eyes with subretinal drusenoid deposits or conventional drusen. See bit.ly/OMamdinsights .

• Tips for superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis diagnosis

To discern SLK when a patient’s symptoms overlap with other conditions, don’t neglect the superior cornea, superior bulbar conjunctiva, or the superior palpebral conjunctiva, writes Selina R. McGee, OD, FAAO, in Ocular Surface News. “Patients with SLK will often have a papillary reaction of the superior palpebral conjunctiva that can only be seen upon lid eversion during biomicropscopy,” writes Dr. McGee. “Often, hyperemia of the superior bulbar conjunctiva, superior superficial punctate keratoconjunctivitis (SPK) and pannus and corneal filaments can also be present upon evaluation.” See bit.ly/OMocularsurface .

• A virtual solution to staffing challenges

Have labor shortages, staffing headaches, or increasing wages and schedule demands touched your practice? If so, one of the changes to consider is hiring a virtual scribe, writes Gina M. Wesley, OD, FAAO, in Tip of the Week. In Dr. Wesley’s office, the virtual scribe has taken on other tasks, such as patient communications. “The best part? She’s reliable, she works the schedule we need her to, and her pay is far less than my in-house staff,” writes Dr. Wesley. Staff members have also found benefits: They have more time with patients and can take on more valuable tasks, as the virtual scribe takes away the burden of tasks that can be completed off-site. See bit.ly/OMtipoftheweek . OM