Here are what the editors at HealthDay consider to be the most important developments in Ophthalmology for March 2018. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal articles, as well as the FDA approvals and regulatory changes that are the most likely to affect clinical practice.
Early Age-Related Macular Degeneration Linked to High HDL
FRIDAY, March 30, 2018 (HealthDay News) — There is a higher risk for early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in individuals with high plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, according to a study published online March 29 in JAMA Ophthalmology.
Novel Interstitium Has Been Identified in Human Tissues
THURSDAY, March 29, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A previously unrecognized interstitium has been identified in human tissues, according to a study published online March 27 in Scientific Reports.
EHR Usability Contributes to Possible Patient Harm Events
TUESDAY, March 27, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Electronic health record (EHR) usability may contribute to possible patient harm events, according to a research letter published in the March 27 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Ethical Duties ID’d for Short-Term Global Health Experiences
MONDAY, March 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — In a position paper published online March 27 in the Annals of Internal Medicine, ethical obligations have been detailed for physicians participating in short-term global health experiences (STEGHs).
Intravitreal Anti-VEGF Use Not Tied to Systemic Adverse Events
MONDAY, March 26, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment is not associated with increased risk of systemic adverse events for patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, or retinal vein occlusion, according to a review published online March 22 in JAMA Ophthalmology.
Lean Approach May Help Tackle Burnout in Health Care Providers
FRIDAY, March 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The Lean approach, which emphasizes reducing waste and improving customer value by focusing on the big picture, can be used to address physician burnout, according to a report published in Medical Economics.
Unique Risks Associated With Texting Medical Orders
THURSDAY, March 22, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Despite the popularity, convenience, and speed of texting medical orders, there are unique and alarming risks associated with the practice, according to a report published in Drug Topics.
Blueprint Being Developed to Address Physician Burnout
WEDNESDAY, March 21, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A new, three-pronged approach is being applied to develop a blueprint for addressing physician burnout, according to a report published in Medical Economics.
Personal Health Info Found in Recycling at Five Hospitals
TUESDAY, March 20, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A considerable amount of personal health information (PHI) and personally identifiable information (PII) was found in the recycling at five Canadian teaching hospitals, according to a research letter published in the March 20 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Prior Authorization Negatively Impacts Clinical Outcomes
MONDAY, March 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The burdens associated with prior authorization (PA) are high and include a negative impact on clinical outcomes, reported by 92 percent of physicians, according to the results of a survey conducted for the American Medical Association (AMA).
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Low Rate of Referral for Low-Vision Rehabilitation
MONDAY, March 19, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Few patients with irreversible vision impairment are referred for vision rehabilitation, according to a study published online March 15 in JAMA Ophthalmology.
Zika-Tied Birth Defects in 7 Percent of Infected Pregnant Women
WEDNESDAY, March 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Seven percent of pregnant women with symptomatic Zika virus (ZIKV) infection have birth defects possibly associated with ZIKV infection, according to a study published in the March 15 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Drug Copayments Often Exceed Prescription Drug Costs
WEDNESDAY, March 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Drug copayments frequently exceed prescription drug costs, with overpayments affecting 23 percent of all prescriptions, according to a research letter published in the March 13 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
U.S. Spends Twice As Much for Similar Health Care Utilization
TUESDAY, March 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Spending on health care is much higher in the United States than other high-income countries, but utilization rates are similar, according to a study published in the March 13 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Three-Pronged Approach Can Improve Physician Engagement
MONDAY, March 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — The three-pronged approach implemented by one practice successfully improved physician engagement, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
Cataract Surgery Less Likely With Small Social Support Network
MONDAY, March 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Medicare beneficiaries with small social support networks are less likely to receive cataract surgery, according to a study published online March 8 in JAMA Ophthalmology.
Over 5,100 Noncongenital Zika Cases Reported in U.S. in 2016
MONDAY, March 12, 2018 (HealthDay News) — A total of 5,168 noncongenital Zika virus disease cases were reported from U.S. states and the District of Columbia in 2016, with 95 percent of cases identified in travelers returning from Zika virus-affected areas, according to research published in the March 9 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Doctors Facing Challenge to Help Needy While Protecting Practices
FRIDAY, March 9, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Physicians are increasingly being challenged to protect their practice finances while helping patients without insurance, according to an article published in Medical Economics.
Repeated Ranibizumab Doesn’t Impair Macular Perfusion
WEDNESDAY, March 7, 2018 (HealthDay News) — For patients with diabetic macular edema, repeated ranibizumab treatment does not appear to be associated with impaired macular perfusion, according to a study published online March 1 in JAMA Ophthalmology.
Unmet Health Needs for Patients With Uveal Melanoma
FRIDAY, March 2, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Most patients with uveal melanoma have unmet health information and psychological needs, according to a study published online Feb. 22 in JAMA Ophthalmology.
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Retinopathy Associated With Accelerated Cognitive Decline
THURSDAY, March 1, 2018 (HealthDay News) — Retinopathy is associated with accelerated rates of 20-year cognitive decline, according to a study published online Feb. 28 in Neurology.
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