A safety review into Novartis’ new anti-VEGF drug Beovu has revealed that reported adverse events are consistent with the approved prescribing information after a group of US retinal specialists linked it to a series of vasculitis cases. Read more
Potential COVID-19 drug poses retinal toxicity risk
The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has warned that an autoimmune and malaria drug being investigated as a potential treatment for COVID-19 can cause permanent retinal damage. Read more
Opthea progresses DME trials despite COVID-19 disruption
Results are imminent in biopharmaceutical company Opthea’s latest clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of its lead drug candidate with Eylea in diabetic macular edema (DME) patients. Read more
Study examines ocular transmission of COVID-19
Researchers investigating links between COVID-19 and the eye have found there is a low risk of transmission via tears, after other studies established a link between the virus and conjunctivitis. Read more
Protein in blood a direct link to AMD
Scientists have identified a new protein that could help establish improved diagnosis and treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Read more
No genetic link between myopia and glaucoma
Australian researchers have featured prominently in research efforts that have determined no genetic link between myopia and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Read more
Survey: Device-dependence is altering visual behaviour
One in 10 Australians spend more than 10 hours per day looking at a screen, according to findings of a new Zeiss-commissioned study revealing the extent and risks of device dependence. Read more
Women and children feature prominently in record 10 million eye exams
New figures have revealed Australian optometrists performed a record number of Medicare consultations last year, while children’s vision assessments increased at a greater rate than population growth. Read more
AI predicts treatment outcome for diabetic vision loss
A new approach that uses an algorithm to analyse retinal images could help practitioners select the best treatment for patients with vision loss from diabetic macular edema. Read more
Myopia: Spectacles the most common approach for Aussie optometrists
Australia’s first myopia management survey has revealed single‐vision distance spectacles are the mainstay of myopia correction in school‐aged children, despite awareness among practitioners of the potential effectiveness of other interventions. Read more