Department of Ophthalmology /ophth/ Sat, 19 Apr 2025 19:19:42 +0000 en-US hourly 1 2025 黑料网 Eye Symposium: The Latest in Evidence-Based Ocular Care for a Record Audience of Experts & Learners /ophth/2025/04/12-unc-eye-symposium/ Mon, 14 Apr 2025 18:00:59 +0000 /ophth/?p=10772 On Saturday, April 12th, 黑料网 Ophthalmology faculty, trainees and ophthalmic techs joined eye care professionals from across the Southeast and beyond at the daylong 2025 黑料网 EYE Symposium in Chapel Hill, NC.

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On Saturday, April 12th, 黑料网 Ophthalmology faculty, trainees and ophthalmic techs joined eye care professionals from across the Southeast and beyond at the daylong 2025 黑料网 EYE Symposium in Chapel Hill, NC. At this annual forum, 黑料网 and distinguished guest eye specialists and ophthalmic APPs share knowledge-to-practice updates in evidence-based diagnostic and medical/surgical approaches to comprehensive eye care and treating ocular disorders and disease. The highly regarded 黑料网 EYE Symposium grows by the year in attendance and drew a record number of speakers, learners and other eye care professionals in 2025.

At this year’s Physician Sessions, 黑料网 Ophthalmology clinical faculty experts shared their expertise alongside a six-member panel of Distinguished Guest Speakers from academic medical centers across the U.S. Speakers discussed the latest in practice in all major areas of subspecialized eye care, including Glaucoma, Vitreoretinal Disorders,聽 Cornea/External Eye Disease, Cataract and Pediatric Ophthalmoloy, Oculoplastics and Reconstructive surgery and Neuro-ophthalmology.聽 Technician sessions at this year’s Symposium included topics on application-focused practice, such as how to work up common cornea patients and an introduction to ophthalmic ultrasound.

This year’s distinguished guest physician eye specialists from institutions across the U.S. included:


  • Rodgers Clark Endowed Chair in Ophthalmology
    Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology
    Medical Director – Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at Plantation

  • Professor of Ophthalmology
    Ophthalmology & Vision Sciences
    Tschannen Eye Institute
    University of CA – Davis

  • Glendenning Cogan Professor & Chair of Ophthalmology
    Harvard Medical School
    Massachusetts Eye and Ear – Ophthalmologist-in-Chief

  • Associate Professor of Ophthalmology
    Children鈥檚 Hospital of Philadelphia
    Perelman School of Medicine (UPenn)

  • Richard S. Ruiz Distinguished University Chair
    Professor & Chair of Ophthalmology
    UTHealth Science Center (Houston)

  • Professor of Ophthalmology
    Director – Ophthalmic Plastic, Reconstructive & Orbital Surgery
    Rutgers NJ Medical School

In 1963, the 黑料网 EYE Symposium was instituted as an annual staff meeting of the 黑料网 Department of Ophthalmology. At the point it grew into an CME conference for a wider audience of eye care professionals, the 黑料网 Eye Symposium was restructured to offer scholarly excellence and professional enrichment to meet the continuing medical education needs and interests of ophthalmologists, optometrists, technicians and other eye care professionals. In recent years, Symposium Course Director, 黑料网 Ophthalmology Chair and Kittner Family Distinguished Professor Donald J. Budenz, MD, MPH, and Co-Course Director and Residency Program Director Alice Zhang, MD, have led the extensive planning efforts invested in this growing event.

Reflecting on this year’s conference, Dr. Budenz noted: “The meeting was great thanks to everyone’s hard work. Kudos to to our Symposium coordinator Olivia Hall on her first time in overseeing so many details for a big event that ran smoothly and went VERY well. The marketing, registration, and other important tasks were also covered well and made a difference in increasing our attendance this year. All in all, it was a great team effort!”

Dr. Zhang added: “We were thrilled to see record-breaking attendance at this year鈥檚 黑料网 Eye Symposium. The event featured an outstanding blend of practical, subspecialty-driven talks, and the enthusiasm and engagement from our attendees gives us great hope for the future of ophthalmology.”

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黑料网-NCSU Ocular Research Labs Team Up To Raise Awareness of MPS at the Raleigh Run for Rare 5K /ophth/2025/04/unc-ncsu-ocular-research-labs-team-up-to-raise-awareness-of-mps-at-the-raleigh-run-for-rare-5k/ Wed, 09 Apr 2025 17:28:05 +0000 /ophth/?p=10758 In late March, 黑料网-NCSU ocular research collaborators teamed up to participate in the Raleigh Run for Rare, an annual fundraising 5K that supports research and promotes awareness of Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS).

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Translational lab leaders from Carolina Eye Research Institute (CERI) and NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine equine ophthalmology labs have long collaborated on breakthrough studies that advance ocular drug delivery to treat, restore and preserve eyesight. In late March, these 黑料网-NCSU collaborators and friends teamed up to participate in the Raleigh Run for Rare, an annual fundraising 5K that supports research and promotes awareness of 聽 Known as a group of rare, inherited lysosomal storage disorders, MPS is characterized by the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in the eye and can lead to various ocular manifestations, including corneal clouding, retinopathy, and glaucoma.

CERI proudly sponsored the 2025 Raleigh Run for Rare 5K, and the 黑料网-NCSU team turned out a large group of walkers and runners. The team congratulates Ethan Sud, a Hirsch Lab member and 黑料网 undergraduate, for winning 1st place in his age category.

After this late March event, the National MPS Society noted to participants:聽 “Thanks to you, the 2025 Raleigh Run for Rare was an incredible success! With over 350 participants joining us both in person and virtually, we came together as a community to make a lasting impact. Your support helped us raise over $35,000!”

 

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Spring Has Arrived, Outdoor Recreation’s On the Rise & April is Sports Eye Safety Month! /ophth/2025/03/april-is-sports-eye-safety-month-2025/ Mon, 31 Mar 2025 17:04:38 +0000 /ophth/?p=10740 The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) has designated April as Sports Eye Safety Month!

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Every sport involves degrees of rigor and skill, and every sport carries a degree of injury risk.聽 Of the nearly 30,000 ER visits for sports-related eye injuries each year, an astounding 90% could be avoided by wearing protective eyewear.聽 Youth and adults alike state a range of reasons for not wearing sports eye protection: 鈥They鈥檙e cumbersome 鈥 It compromises my peripheral vision 鈥 Sports goggles fog up and I can鈥檛 see.鈥 From community recreation to pro leagues, it is critical to protect one鈥檚 eyes against sports-related injuries that carry any potential to cause low- to high-impact ocular trauma.

Between April and August, outdoors recreation peaks to highest levels. Accordingly, the recognizes April as Sports Eye Safety Month. This month, the AAO emphasizes several preventive actions that active Americans can employ to greatly reduce their risk for eye injury while engaged in sports play.

  • START EARLY: Parents, coaches and others involved in organized youth sports can set a standard through requiring protective eyewear for youth playing sports that carry a higher risk of eye injury. Those who use protective eyewear consistently (every time) from an early age are far more likely to maintain such practice over the life course of engagement in a higher-risk sport.
  • OPTICIANS ARE HIGHLY TRAINED TO ASSIST CHOICE OF PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR
    • The AAO recommends shatterproof plastic protective glasses (polycarbonate lenses) for mainstream sports such as basketball, tennis, racquet ball, soccer and field hockey. Opticians can review options with active individuals who want to make protective eyewear a consistent part of their injury-preventing sports gear.
    • Eyeglasses are no substitute for protective eyewear: Opticians are trained to assist eyeglasses and contact lens wearers choose the right pair of prescription protective goggles to participate in their sport. Visit the 黑料网 Optical Shop at 黑料网 Kittner Eye Center (2nd floor) or call their team (984-974-2039) with questions on recommended protective eyewear for your sport.
  • KNOW THE RISK OF OCULAR INJURY IN YOUR CHOSEN SPORT: Injury is inherent to ALL sports. The sports that carry the greatest risk of head and musculoskeletal trauma go hand in hand with highest risk of ocular trauma. Athletes involved in close contact sports or others with higher rates of blunt force trauma stand the greatest risk of ocular injury in such sports.
    • Basketball carries the highest rate of sports-related eye injuries in the U.S. Boxing and full-contact martial arts also pose an extremely high risk of serious, even eye-blinding injuries. Activities involving projectiles that can veer directly into the eye鈥檚 orbit pose the greatest risk for temporary or permanent loss of eyesight.
  • SPORTS-RELATED CONCUSSIONS CAN IMPACT VISION: Concussions in contact sports can cause temporary or long-lasting damage to eyesight. Results from on-the-field visual tests post-incident greatly aid eye specialists in assessing any concussion-related damage to a patient鈥檚 vision. If you have suffered a recent concussion, check with your diagnosing physician to ensure you have a timely referral to an ophthalmologist if any negative effects on vision are suspected.
  • SPECTATORS CAN ALSO BE AT RISK. The odds of eye injury at sporting events with flying balls and other projectiles are far lower for spectators; nonetheless, misdirected kicks, pop-fly balls, and projectiles can end up in spectator stands at any time. Keep your eyes on the game and watch the fast-flying action involved in ice hockey, baseball, tennis and soccer and other sports where spectator eye injuries have occurred.

黑料网 Ophthalmology joins several other 黑料网 departments and divisions in sharing disciplinary expertise with the University’s designated physician group for treating, rehabilitating and preventing injury in 黑料网 athletes — 黑料网 Division of Sport Medicine. 黑料网 Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology Michael Mendsen, OD, consults with the 黑料网 Sports Medicine’s athletic trainers on prevention-focused programming and investment in protective eye wear. Dr. Mendsen works routinely with 黑料网 men’s basketball team trainers and presents an annual lecture to this group entitled, “Ophthalmologic Considerations for Athletic Trainers.”

Dr. Mendsen noted: “The athletic trainers for every [University of North Carolina] team do an excellent job of ensuring that the players have the necessary eye protection. When serious ocular trauma occurs, our 黑料网 Oculofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery group provides swift and comprehensive treatment and follow-up, working closely with both athletic trainers and the injured athlete [him/herself].”

黑料网 Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology Chris Hwang, MD, specializes in Oculofacial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Hwang noted: 鈥淭he orbital bones that surround and protect the eye within the brow, nasal, and cheek often absorb most of the damage from a forceful impact, sparing the eye of serious injury. If forceful enough, however, impact to the eye and/or surrounding areas can result in fractures of the orbital and facial bones, as well as damage to the eye that may result in vision loss, and, in the worst cases, rupture and loss of the eye itself. 聽The eye is particularly susceptible to injury from high velocity objects small enough to fit into the orbit and deliver a direct impact to the eye. Wearing the proper eye protection while playing sports can help prevent serious eye injuries.鈥

If you have experienced an eye injury that necessitates follow-up treatment post emergency care, call 984-974-2020 to schedule an appointment with one of 黑料网 Ophthalmology鈥檚 Periocular and Facial Trauma specialists. Our 黑料网 Ophthalmology subspecialists who treat ocular injuries emphasize a proper recovery timeline for safe return to activity as equally important to treating the injury itself.

#SportsEyeSafetyMonth聽 @AcademyEyeSmart

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March 23rd is World Optometry Day! /ophth/2025/03/march-23rd-is-world-optometry-day-2025/ Mon, 24 Mar 2025 20:34:46 +0000 /ophth/?p=10726 Every year, the eye specialist community celebrates World Optometry Day on March 23rd to recognize the vital role of optometrists in expanding and reinforcing the reach of comprehensive eye care across the globe. This year, the World Optometry Council has designated “Eyes to the Future: Optometry Improving Global Wellness” as the theme of World Optometry … Read more

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Every year, the eye specialist community celebrates World Optometry Day on March 23rd to recognize the vital role of optometrists in expanding and reinforcing the reach of comprehensive eye care across the globe. This year, the World Optometry Council has designated “Eyes to the Future: Optometry Improving Global Wellness” as the theme of World Optometry Day 2025. This year’s theme emphasizes the impact of optometry as a vital healthcare profession and key pillar of global health in promoting overall wellness, disease prevention, and the diagnosis of health conditions that affect more than just the eyes.

In March 2024, the World Council of Optometry (WCO) launched the Competency Framework for Optometry as an outline for optometrists worldwide to deliver vision correction and eye disease detection and treatment services in under-resourced global healthcare settings most effectively. A year later, the framework continues to guide optometrists working in under-resourced communities with limited access to eye specialists and an aging population to optimize their roles as primary eyecare providers within collaborative healthcare models and communities.

黑料网 Kittner Eye Center’s optometry lead and Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology Michael Mendsen, OD, noted: “Optometrists play a critical role in the diagnosis and management of many eye diseases and disorders of the visual system. Optometrists make up a much larger portion of the eye care workforce which helps provide comprehensive eye exams and plays an integral role in the patient鈥檚 primary healthcare team.”

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黑料网-NCSU Team Discovers Genetically Engineered Pathway to Decrease Rejection of High-Risk Corneal Transplantation /ophth/2025/03/unc-ncsu-discovery-genetically-engineered-pathway-decreased-rejection-corneal-transplantation/ Tue, 18 Mar 2025 19:31:16 +0000 /ophth/?p=10694 A cross-disciplinary 黑料网-North Carolina State University (NCSU) team with collaborative ties in developing ocular drug delivery systems has recently discovered a genetically engineered pathway to reduce corneal blindness via decreasing rejection of high-risk corneal transplantation (CT).

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Jackie Bower, PhD聽 (黑料网-CH)


Matt Hirsch, PhD聽 (黑料网-CH)

Brian Gilger, DVM聽 (NCSU)

A cross-disciplinary 黑料网-North Carolina State University (NCSU) team with collaborative ties in developing ocular drug delivery systems has recently discovered a genetically engineered pathway to reduce corneal blindness via decreasing rejection of high-risk corneal transplantation (CT). In the November 6th, 2024 , two 黑料网 Ophthalmology basic scientists — Research Assistant Professor Jackie Bower, PhD, and lead study author Associate Professor Matt Hirsch, PhD — collaborated with NCSU Professor of Ophthalmology Brian Gilger, PhD — in publishing a study entitled, “A chimeric anti-vascularization immunomodulator prevents high-risk corneal transplantation rejection via ex vivo gene therapy.”

In this study, adeno-associated virus (AAV) ex vivo gene therapy was employed to establish immune tolerance in the corneal allograft to prevent high-risk CT rejection. Building on prior research that demonstrated human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G)-boosted ocular immune privilege, the research team engineered a single-chain immunomodulator (scIM) mimicking the structural conformation and function of the potent HLA-G homodimer complex. In this study, AAV-scIM was injected to the subconjunctival space to reduce trauma induced corneal vascularization and fibrosis in a murine model. Then, ex vivo AAV-scIM gene delivery to corneal allografts reduced high-risk CT rejection in a leporine model.

Study data collectively demonstrate that scIM gene therapy prevents corneal neovascularization, reduces trauma-induced corneal fibrosis, and prevents allogeneic CT rejection in a high-risk large animal model. The results also promote further study and discovery of therapeutic tissue engineering mechanisms for treating corneal blindness, a disease that affects more than five million individuals worldwide. This work was supported by the NIH and Bedrock Therapeutics, Inc. a 黑料网 spinout biotech company co-founded by Drs. Gilger and Hirsch that is advancing these promising results towards a Phase I clinical trial.

Dr. Hirsch, an AAV-gene delivery engineering expert, added, 鈥淲hile the work herein demonstrates Proof-of-Concept for ex vivo scIM gene therapy to prevent corneal transplant rejection, our optimism is growing towards broader applications to prevent immunological rejection of other organs including the heart, liver, and kidneys.鈥

To read more on this 黑料网-NCSU collaborative study, refer to the .

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Join Us at the 2025 黑料网 Eye Symposium! /ophth/unc-eye-symposium/ Fri, 28 Feb 2025 20:44:29 +0000 /ophth/?p=10403 Register today to join 黑料网 Ophthalmology the 2025 黑料网 Eye Symposium on Saturday, April 12th, 2025, at the William & Ida Friday Center for Continuing Education! This annual conference updates Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Ophthalmic Technicians, and Photographers on the latest evidence-based diagnostic and medical/surgical approaches to comprehensive eye care and treating ocular disorders and disease.

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March is Workplace Eye Wellness Awareness Month! /ophth/2025/02/march-is-workplace-eye-wellness-awareness-month-2025/ Wed, 26 Feb 2025 20:19:14 +0000 /ophth/?p=10649 Five years past the outset of the pandemic, working remotely has become the norm for millions of Americans who work part- or full-time in their homes. As a result, remote and desk job office workers alike deal increasingly with digital eye strain from extended periods in front of screens. Though no association exists between digital … Read more

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Five years past the outset of the pandemic, working remotely has become the norm for millions of Americans who work part- or full-time in their homes. As a result, remote and desk job office workers alike deal increasingly with digital eye strain from extended periods in front of screens. Though no association exists between digital eye strain and irreparable damage to one鈥檚 vision, it is imperative for all who work for extended periods on a computer to remain attuned to the prospect of developing low-level eye pain, headaches, and dry, red eyes. Equally so, those working in industrial settings must stay vigilant and protect their eyes from hazards that can cause damage or even permanent loss of vision.

To emphasize the simple practices that both desk/computer and industrial setting workers can adopt to keep eyes well-protected on the job, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) has designated March as Workplace Eye Wellness Awareness Month. In March, desk-sitting professionals to review the AAO’s tips for preventing digital eye strain when facing extended screen time. The are equally critical for professionals whose are employed at higher-risk worksites, where avoidable accidents can cause permanent damage to vision, even blindness, when protective eyewear is not worn.

Workplace Eye Wellness

1) Taking breaks is good eye health. It鈥檚 standard practice for professional desk sitters to break up long sedentary periods with a stretch break and wellness walks to clear the head. When you disengage from staring at a screen, giving your eyes a rest is just as vital to whole body health as motion intervals are to musculoskeletal health.

2) Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Set a timer as a reminder to look 20 feet away every 20 minutes for 20 seconds. This can be as simple as looking away from your computer screen or out the window. If virtual meetings keep you in your seat for extended time, shut your eyes for 20 seconds.

3) Practice eye ergonomics. Sit 18 to 25 inches away from your computer screen, about an arm鈥檚 length. Adjust screen brightness and contrast so that it feels comfortable.聽 Position the screen so your eyes gaze slightly downward, not straight ahead or up.

4) Use eye drops. Artificial tears are the answer for many individuals whose quality of life is challenged by dry eye discomfort. Discuss recommended types and brands of over-the-counter eyedrops that can be purchased without a prescription.

  1. Humidifiers = moisture. If you work or live in a low moisture setting, buying a humidifier is a wise investment. 聽These small misting devices are ideal to help people who live in high pressure cold areas or use indoors heaters that can create exceptionally dry indoor environments.
  2. Discuss computer glasses with your eye specialist. If you have trouble seeing your screen, talk to your optometrist or the optical shop about computer lenses, which are specifically designed for focusing on screens 20 to 26 inches away. Skip the blue light-blocking glasses. No scientific evidence has shown that blue light from a screen causes digital eye strain or damages the eye.
  3. Wear protective eyewear higher-risk worksite jobs: In construction, manufacturing and other industrial workplaces that carry a higher risk of injury, wearing appropriate eyewear on the job is critical for all workers. Nationwide, protective eyewear has been estimated to prevent more than 90% of serious eye injuries in industrial settings. An estimated $300 million annually in lost productivity, medical treatment and worker compensation has been avoided by increased compliance with wearing goggles, protective glasses and other eye wear necessary to protect against chemical, environmental, radiological or mechanical irritants and other commonplace hazards.

If your job carries a risk of eye injury and you need to acquire protective eyewear, call the 黑料网 Optical Shop at 984-974-2039, or stop by 黑料网 Kittner Eye Center (2226 Nelson Highway, Suite 200 / Chapel Hill, NC 27517 – 2nd floor) to discuss the options that can help keep your eyes safe in a hazardous workplace!

#WorkplaceEyeWellnessMonth @academyeyesmart
#ophthalmology #eyes

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Match Day 2025: 黑料网 Ophthalmology Welcomes the Class of 2029! /ophth/2025/02/match-day-2025-welcoming-our-class-of-2029/ Wed, 05 Feb 2025 22:18:17 +0000 /ophth/?p=10568 Match Day 2025 has arrived and we’re thrilled to present the four highly achieved M4s who comprise 黑料网 Ophthalmology’s Class of 2029! Our newest class of next-generation ophthalmologists will commence their four-year training experience at 黑料网 in July when they begin their internship with 黑料网 Internal Medicine mid-year. Residency Program Director Alice Zhang, MD, stated: … Read more

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Match Day 2025 has arrived and we’re thrilled to present the four highly achieved M4s who comprise 黑料网 Ophthalmology’s Class of 2029! Our newest class of next-generation ophthalmologists will commence their four-year training experience at 黑料网 in July when they begin their internship with 黑料网 Internal Medicine mid-year.

Residency Program Director Alice Zhang, MD, stated: “We are so thrilled to welcome four brilliant medical students to the Tar Heel Ophthalmology family. Through a highly competitive selection process, we are so glad to have matched with an outstanding group of future ophthalmologists. Our program is dedicated to providing a rigorous and comprehensive training experience. Under the mentorship of our distinguished and dedicated faculty, our residents will gain the skills, knowledge, and experience to become leaders in the field. Welcome!”

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February is Age-Related Macular Degeneration Awareness Month! /ophth/2025/01/february-is-age-related-macular-degeneration-awareness-month-2025/ Sun, 19 Jan 2025 02:38:16 +0000 /ophth/?p=10489 The leading cause of vision loss and blindness in Americans ages 65 years and older — age-related macular degeneration (AMD) —听 is frequently overshadowed by two leading causes of blindness — cataract and glaucoma — that affect all age groups worldwide. Elderly adults routinely narrow their focus to watch for signs of cataracts and glaucoma. … Read more

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The leading cause of vision loss and blindness in Americans ages 65 years and older — —听 is frequently overshadowed by two leading causes of blindness — cataract and glaucoma — that affect all age groups worldwide. Elderly adults routinely narrow their focus to watch for signs of cataracts and glaucoma. Lost in the messaging mix among the elderly population, however, is awareness that AMD diminishes the ability to read, write and recognize faces, and more severely, causes rapid decline of an elderly individual’s central vision.

Nearly two million Americans have AMD. Dry AMD (atrophic AMD) affects 8 out of 10 sufferers and is caused by the slow deterioration, or thinning, of the macula over time. Wet AMD (advanced neovascular AMD), or late-stage AMD, is a less common, but more serious form of AMD. At this stage, quicker vision loss occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow in the back of the eye and damage the macula.

The has designated February as Age-Related Macular Degeneration Awareness Month. During February, the AAO encourages senior adults to take time to learn more about AMD as a serious degenerative eye disease that leads to irreversible vision loss or blindness if left untreated.聽 The AAO has outlined preventive practices that can help seniors reduce their risk of developing AMD and recognize the subtle, often easy-to-miss signs when this disease develops.

Lifestyle

  1. Reduce Alcohol Consumption: A found that moderate to high alcohol consumption was linked to a higher incidence of early AMD, compared with occasional or non-alcohol consumption. Once Dry January has ended, aging adults should aim to continue low- to no-alcohol consumption moving into the second month of the year.
  2. Nutrition: In 2013, the National Eye Institute published results of the , which found a multi-vitamin formula (antioxidant Vitamins C and E, lutein, beta carotene, and zinc) reduced risk in dry AMD patients of progression to advanced AMD. Eating a vitamin-rich diet with leafy greens, colorful vegetables and fatty fish gives aging adults an ace in the hand in preventing or slowing advancement of degenerative eye diseases like AMD.
  3. Exercise: Hypertension, high cholesterol, and heart disease are all risk factors for AMD. As adults reach their 60s and older, staying active remains critical for reducing the likelihood of a degenerative eye diseases like AMD that primarily affect senior adults.
  4. Quit or Avoid Smoking. Studies show smokers are twice as likely to develop AMD in comparison to non-smokers. Quitting smoking is the best step smokers can take toward lowering risk of developing AMD. People who quit smoking 20 years ago have the same risk of developing AMD as those who have never smoked.

 

Awareness

  1. Heredity: AMD often runs in families, and genetics can play a role in up to 70 percent of AMD cases. To discuss with their eye specialist at their next comprehensive exam, aging adults should talk to close relatives to learn family history of AMD and other age-related ocular diseases.
  2. Routine Eye Exams: Getting a comprehensive eye exam by age 40 permits ophthalmologists/optometrists to screen for all age-related eye diseases such as AMD that cause vision loss, frequently before symptoms occur. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends all healthy adults get a comprehensive eye exam by age 40 to screen for blinding eye diseases.

Multiple factors are at play that increase our risk for developing a degenerative eye disease as we age. 聽黑料网 Department of Ophthalmology encourages asymptomatic adults to have a comprehensive eye exam by age 40. By age 65, a routine eye exam is recommended every year.聽 黑料网 Ophthalmology encourages all aging patients to follow guidelines for scheduling a first-time or recurring comprehensive eye exam at 黑料网 Kittner Eye Center (984-974-2020). To learn more about degenerative ocular diseases that primarily affect elderly adults, visit the page.

 

#AMDAwarenessMonth
#ophthalmology #eyes @AcademyEyeSmart

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Check Out the Winter 2024 黑料网 EYE Magazine! /ophth/2024/12/winter-2024-unc-eye-magazine/ Mon, 16 Dec 2024 20:13:46 +0000 /ophth/?p=10356 黑料网 Department of Ophthalmology is excited to share our Winter 2024 issue of 黑料网 EYE. This patient care-themed issue contains multiple features that highlight 黑料网 Ophthalmology’s service to citizens statewide and beyond as the State of North Carolina’s designated provider of quality eye care. In this issue, learn more about the role of comprehensive eye … Read more

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黑料网 Department of Ophthalmology is excited to share our Winter 2024 issue of 黑料网 EYE. This patient care-themed issue contains multiple features that highlight 黑料网 Ophthalmology’s service to citizens statewide and beyond as the State of North Carolina’s designated provider of quality eye care. In this issue, learn more about the role of comprehensive eye care in detecting and treating eye disease, community health partnerships in glaucoma outreach, and 黑料网’s no-cost, medical student-led eye care clinic for the underserved. Each issue of 黑料网 EYE highlights 黑料网 Ophthalmology’s excellence in patient care, education, research and other areas and that demonstrate our strength as a leading department of academic ophthalmology.

 

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In Festive December, Just Remember: Protect Your Eyes! /ophth/2024/12/december-2024-holiday-eye-safety/ Mon, 02 Dec 2024 16:19:51 +0000 /ophth/?p=10323 It’s December and the holiday season has arrived. When year-end merry-making leads adults and youth to engage in careless behavior, the risk of eye injury increases considerably. In a month loaded with gift-giving and celebratory occasions, individuals are at risk of ocular trauma in the path of high-speed, shooting projectiles, from newly opened toys to … Read more

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It’s December and the holiday season has arrived. When year-end merry-making leads adults and youth to engage in careless behavior, the risk of eye injury increases considerably. In a month loaded with gift-giving and celebratory occasions, individuals are at risk of ocular trauma in the path of high-speed, shooting projectiles, from newly opened toys to holiday party champagne corks released from highly pressurized bottles.

Fittingly, the has designated December as Safe Toys and Celebrations Month. During December, the AAO highlights several common sense, preventive practices to help individuals keep risk of eye injury at bay in settings or situations where eye injuries commonly occur over the holidays.

AAO Eye Health Holiday Guide to Children’s Gift-Giving聽

    1. Avoid purchasing toys with sharp, protruding, or projectile parts that can cause eye injuries, such as BB guns, hard and foam pellets shooters, wall dart sets, slingshots and bow/arrows and other projectile-launching toys. Blunt force ocular trauma due to shooting toys commonly causes corneal abrasions and ocular hyphema (intraocular bleeding). Used recklessly, shooting toys can cause retinal detachment and ruptured eyeballs. If you are supervising children who are ready to use their new toy shooters, review safety precautions that will prevent eye injuries with them first. Reference the AAO’s for ideas of gifts for children with low to no risk of eye injury.
    2. Toy laser products – In 2013, the Food and Drug Administration issued a new rule — — to define and require children’s toy “Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation” (LASER) products to be within International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Class 1 emission limits.聽 Given no federal regulations developed for what constitutes children鈥檚 toy laser products, this 2013 FDA rule equips parents with a decision-making safety guide in choosing minimal-risk toy laser products. If purchasing laser toys for your child(ren), just remember to choose those where levels of radiation and light do not exceed the limits for Class 1 emission, the IEC’s lowest level in regulated products. (FDA Reference:  
    3. Recommended, protective eyewear should be purchased as part of the gift. Safety goggles, polycarbonate lenses and impact-resistant shooting glasses have preserved the eyesight of countless children and adults who play sports that carry higher risk for eye injuries.
    4. Outdoor-focused gifts are best. Snow gear, roller skates/blades, a safety-netted trampoline, binoculars, or the classic bicycle all encourage healthy outdoor play and pose significantly lower risk for eye-related injuries. Parents are encouraged to reference AAO’s that can pose higher risk of causing traumatic eye injuries.
    5. Screen-free gifts reduce risk of prolonged eye strain in children. Learn more from the on “digital eye strain” caused by excessive screen time. Also known as computer vision syndrome, symptoms of this condition include blurry vision, headaches, nausea, sore eyes and other pronounced effects of excessive screen time.

AAO Eye Health Holiday Guide to Safe Celebrations

Pressure within a champagne bottle ranges from 70鈥90 pounds per square inch (psi). A cork can fly up to 50 mph as it leaves the bottle, fast enough to shatter glass. If the cork hits an eye, it can cause bleeding, abrasions and even glaucoma. Reference the AAO’s 鈥 page for preventive tips in protecting the eyesight of all present at holiday celebratory gatherings.


For a more detailed read on celebrating safely and minimizing risk for blunt force ocular trauma over the holidays and year-round, learn more at the AAO’s here.

@AcademyEyeSmart #dangeroustoys #SafeToysAndCelebrationsMonth
#SafeToysMonth #eyesafety #eyehealth #holidayshopping

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黑料网 Ophthalmology Welcomes Neuro-Ophthalmologist Dr. Christopher Morais /ophth/2024/11/welcoming-neuroophthalmologist-christopher-morais/ Wed, 20 Nov 2024 16:58:57 +0000 /ophth/?p=10269 In October, 黑料网 Ophthalmology was pleased to welcome Christopher ("Chris") Morais, MD, a Neuro-Ophthalmology specialist, to the department's clinical faculty team.

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黑料网 Ophthalmology is pleased to welcome Christopher (“Chris”) Morais, MD, a Neuro-Ophthalmology specialist, to the department’s clinical faculty team. Dr. Dr. Morais completed neuro-ophthalmology and cataract surgery fellowships at two renowned eye specialty institutes: 1) Neuro-Ophthalmology: Bascom Palmer Eye Institute (Miami, FL); and 2) Cataract Surgery: Instituto de Catarata de Brasilia (Brasilia, Brazil). Dr. Morais spent his early ophthalmology career in both private practice (Vision Oftalmologia) and in academia at a renowned specialty eye care hospital (Instituto de Catarata de Brasilia) in Brasilia, Brasil. In the U.S., he served as Chief Medical Officer at Rheumagen in Denver, Colorado.

Dr. Morais’ research interests are centered around optic nerve disease, retinal mitochondrial function in patients with multiple sclerosis, optic nerve imaging, neuro -ophthalmic conditions, non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy risk factors, and idiopathic intracranial hypertension. In outpatient care, he treats optic nerve disease and acquired binocular diplopia. He additionally provides optic nerve imaging, and other care related to neuro-ophthalmic conditions. His future scope of practice at 黑料网 Ophthalmology will involve cataract patient care. Call 984-974-2020 to discuss a referral or directly scheduled appointment with Dr. Morais at 黑料网 Kittner Eye Center.

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