This article was originally published in a sponsored newsletter.
On the flight back to Nevada from Optometry’s Meeting in Nashville, I reflected on all the incredible services and products that we can provide our patients. Specifically, the education offered at the meeting included information on current technology — from laser procedures, myopia control, soft contact lenses and scleral contact lenses, to management of presbyopia, glaucoma and ocular surface disease — as well as products in the developmental pipeline. I am so encouraged by the new treatment and diagnostic options that are being introduced, and I’d like to review them this month.
Let’s start with new medications. The drugs in the pipeline will give us many more options to treat ocular surface disease. Many have new mechanisms of action that work high in the destructive cascade of dry eye and ocular surface disease. Others have familiar molecules with enhanced methods of delivery that give the same molecules greater efficacy.
Products also continue to go through amazing ease-of-use development. For example, punctal plugs are getting a resurgence as both delivery systems for drugs and methods of tear retention. Technology is also in development for liquid plugs that can change phase to conform to the canaliculus and return to a liquid state with a hydrostatic application of a different temperature liquid.
Corneal nerve treatments are also evolving to not only treat reactively, but also to monitor nerve health and potentially administer prevention measures before serious problems arise. This concept is active in the research and developmental pipeline.
I believe it’s essential that we find a balance between traditional staple treatments (e.g., lid hygiene, nutraceuticals and warm compresses) and continuing to embrace new technology, such as what has been discussed here and the many other advancements showcased at this meeting. It’s certainly a great time to be an eye care provider.
