New Medication Delivery Systems for Glaucoma

 

There is still no cure for glaucoma, but the past year has brought new advances in the treatment of Glaucoma.

It is estimated that 50% of glaucoma patients do not take their medication as prescribed, which has long been a challenge in terms of adherence and compliance.

Sustained-release glaucoma medications can improve treatment efficiency and adherence.

• Durysta-This is an FDA-approved dissolvable ocular implant that helps lower eye pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or elevated intraocular pressure. One implant can provide several months of control over intraocular pressure.
• iDoseTR This is another FDA-approved treatment that also lowers eye pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or high eye pressure. iDoseTR allows for long-term control of elevated intraocular pressure by continuously releasing medication directly inside the eye. The device is placed through a tiny incision smaller than that used for cataract surgery. For most patients, the procedure is painless and performed on an outpatient basis, typically resulting in a quick recovery. Patients can usually return to their regular activities within one to two days after the procedure.

With both devices, patients no longer need to worry about whether they have administered their eye drops.

Sources:

www.glaucomafoundation.org

www.durysta.com

www.idosetr.com

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Did You Know? Inauguration Edition

1. The first Inauguration for President, George Washington was supposed to take place March 4th, 1789, but didn’t take place until April 30th, to allow for finalizing the ballot count and then travel time for Washington to travel from Mount Vernon, Va. To New York City at that time was the nation's capital.

2. In 1857, James Buchanan announced in his inauguration address that he would not seek a second term.

3. When Andrew Johnson was inaugurated as Vice President in 1865, he was completely drunk.

4. The ratification of the 20th Amendment in 1933 made January 20th officially inauguration day at 12 o clock noon.

5. For his 2nd inauguration Theodore Roosevelt wore a ring containing a lock of Abraham Lincoln’s hair.

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Elton John’s Vision Loss

 

Vision problems can affect anyone, regardless of their fame or fortune. Iconic classic rock singer and songwriter Elton John recently revealed that he has lost vision in his right eye. 

At the age of 77, John faces an increased risk of prolonged infections, as the body's healing processes tend to slow down with age. Although the exact type of infection that has affected his eyesight is still unclear, it has left him with limited vision in one eye. John noted, "It is an extremely slow process, and it will take some time before sight returns to the affected eye," expressing the patience and hope needed in his journey toward recovery.

Infections can originate from various sources, including bacteria, fungi, parasites, or viruses, and they can result from several everyday actions—such as sustaining an injury, sleeping with contact lenses, or unintentionally rubbing the eye with unclean hands.

I've often posted about the critical importance of maintaining good hygiene to safeguard our vision. Emphasizing simple yet effective practices, I advocate consistent handwashing and proper care of contact lenses.

It is all too easy for anyone to occasionally overlook these vital hygiene habits, which can lead to serious repercussions. It is essential for everyone to prioritize these practices consistently, as even a brief lapse can lead to significant and lasting consequences for one's eyesight.

Sources:

www.fortune.com

www.rollingstone.com

www.foxnews.com

Photos:

File:Elton John in Norway 1.jpg

Raph_PH, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

File:Glasto2023 (419 of 468) (53009098414) (cropped).jpg

Raph_PH, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

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Service Dog Etiquette Review

 

In recent weeks, there has been significant news in Pittsburgh regarding service dog etiquette. On December 17th, an employee at Jimmy John's was attacked by two men when he refused to allow them to pet his service dog. In light of this incident, it's important to review the proper etiquette concerning individuals and their service dogs. Service dogs are assistance animals specifically trained and bred to aid people with disabilities. Service dogs undergo up to two years of training, and only the most obedient and mild-mannered dogs pass.

Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• **Do Not Distract the Dog**: Please refrain from touching, talking to, feeding, or otherwise distracting the dog while it is wearing its harness or vest. It's essential for the dog to remain focused on its work for the safety of its handler.

• **Respect the Working Dog**: Do not treat the service dog as a pet; recognize that it is a working animal deserving of respect.

• **Communicate with the Handler**: Speak to the handler, not the dog. While some handlers may permit petting, always ask for permission first. If allowed, avoid patting the dog on the head; instead, stroke the dog on the shoulder.

• **Understand "No"**: If the handler declines your request to pet the dog, do not take offense. They may be having a challenging day or might be in a hurry. Remember, a service dog is as crucial to a person with a disability as a wheelchair or cane would be, and you wouldn't ask to pet those items.

• **Avoid Giving Commands**: Do not give the dog commands; allow the handler to do so.

• **Right of Way**: Guide and service dog teams have the right of way in public settings.

• **Assistance Upon Request**: Do not try to take control in situations that might be unfamiliar to the dog or handler. Instead, offer assistance if the handler requests it.

• **Walking Etiquette**: When walking alongside a guide or service dog team, do not position yourself on the dog's left side, as this may confuse or distract the dog. Ask the handler where you should walk; they may prefer you to walk ahead of them on their right side or behind them at their right shoulder.

• **Avoid Grabbing**: Never attempt to grab or steer the person while the dog is guiding. If the handler needs help, ask if you can help and, if so, offer your left arm.

• **When the Dog First Arrives Home**: Be patient and encouraging when the handler first introduces their new dog. Avoid being overprotective. Understand that building a harmonious relationship takes time.

• **Avoid Table Scraps**: Do not feed the dog table scraps. It's important to respect the handler's desire to maintain the dog's balanced diet and healthy habits.

• **Prevent Abuse and Teasing**: Ensure that no one teases or mistreats the service dog and allow it to rest undisturbed.

• **Supervision with Other Pets**: Don't let your pets challenge or intimidate a service dog. Introduce them on neutral territory while supervising closely.

• **Set Boundaries**: A service dog should not jump on furniture or enter areas of the home that haven't been agreed upon by the family or handler. You can ask the handler to correct any inappropriate behavior.

• **Supervise the Dog Outdoors**: Never let the dog outside unsupervised and ensure that all doors and gates are securely closed to prevent it from leaving your property.

By following these guidelines, we can better support individuals with service dogs and ensure a safe and respectful environment for everyone.

Sources:

www.guidedog.org

www.guidedogsofamerica.org

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