Peer Review Should Continue After Publication

Published: 2010-03-01

Most medical journals do not have a mechanism for producing well-written evidence-based medicine on a measured monthly basis. Some published articles are poorly written and some have few usable clinical tidbits. The temperament of different editors and editorial boards may vary from seeking sensational content that may be risky and shortly abandoned to publishing only methodical proven science. In fact, some view journals as a place to deposit only vetted and established work for posterity. The AJO, as do many journals, occasionally publishes controversial or novel topics and may provide an editorial to challenge the content, or offers readers the opportunity to challenge content through the correspondence section. In reality, most peer-reviewed journals seek more trust than debate and seek more science than sensationalism or entertainment, although we must sell subscriptions to continue our mission. We recognize that there are other current venues for less strict science reporting and more debating. Publication does not imply editorial support, as some articles in the same issue may have contradictory views. The medical literature, moreover, is a history of many ineffective and potentially dangerous treatments, which ultimately are supplanted by better science. At best, published articles represent provisional truth or a continuation of a hypothesis, and only a few articles survive as applicable information into the next decades.

Source: Peer Review Should Continue After Publication

Central Serous Chorioretinopathy: A Personal Perspective

Published: 2010-03-01

Although von Graefe described some of the clinical aspects of relapsing idiopathic detachment of the macula as early as 1866, it was more than 100 years later that Maumenee, using fluorescein angioscopy, noted that the detachment of the macula resulted from a leak at the level of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). The disorder at that time was commonly referred to as central serous retinopathy. Although numerous articles and name changes have been published in the ophthalmic literature, expanding our knowledge of its cause, clinical manifestations, natural course, and treatment, the pathogenesis of this condition remains poorly understood, little is known about the long-term natural course, and treatment is based on observational, uncontrolled studies.

Source: Central Serous Chorioretinopathy: A Personal Perspective

Current Research in Biostatistics

Published: 2010-03-01

In the 1950s and '60s, a doctoral student in biostatistics could be reasonably expected to acquire a fairly sophisticated knowledge of the whole field before completing the doctoral dissertation. This knowledge would include the fundamentals of probability and mathematical theory of statistical inference, as well as biostatistics properthat is, the theory and application of statistics to the life and health sciences. Today, biostatistics has grown to the point that no doctoral student in it can become an expert in all of it. Thus, our ambitious title notwithstanding, we can, in this limited space, only aspire to cover part of the current research in biostatistics.

Source: Current Research in Biostatistics

When do older drivers stop driving?

Published: Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:32:11 GMT

With 30 million drivers in the US aged 65 and over, we count on older Americans to recognize when they can no longer drive safely and decide that it's time to stay off the road. A newly released study finds that a decrease in vision function is a key factor in bringing about this decision. The Salisbury Eye Evaluation and Driving Study (SEEDS), conducted by scientists affiliated with Johns Hopkins University, looked at changes in vision, cognition and the general health status of more than 1,200 licensed drivers aged 67-87 in Salisbury, MD, a community with limited public transportation. SEEDS is unique, in that the scientists performed comprehensive tests of both vision and cognitive function........

Source: When do older drivers stop driving?

Atomic-resolution views suggest function of enzyme

Published: Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:32:11 GMT

An atomic-resolution view of an enzyme found only in the eye has given scientists at the University of Washington (UW) clues about how this enzyme, essential to vision, is activated. The enzyme, phosphodiesterase 6 (PDE6), is central to the way light entering the retina is converted into a cascade of signals to the brain........

Source: Atomic-resolution views suggest function of enzyme

Rural HIV care has economic and health implications

Published: Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:32:11 GMT

An Indiana University study observed that HIV care providers in rural Indiana report significant stigma and discrimination in the rural medical referral system surrounding issues of HIV and substance abuse. Providers felt that these factors impeded their ability to offer quality care to their patients........

Source: Rural HIV care has economic and health implications

BIG Buttons - Amplified - Hearing Loss Answering Machine

Published: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:54:59 GMT

The Amplified Big Button Telephone is a full digital talking photo dial phone that is perfect for use in home or office settings, and is ideal for those with hearing and/or vision loss.

Source: BIG Buttons - Amplified - Hearing Loss Answering Machine

Adults With Low Vision Discover One Day Program in Denville

Published: Fri, 12 Feb 2010 22:25:28 GMT

Adults with low vision can bring their friend or family member along to learn coping skills and helpful techniques that can reduce the risk of falls and injuries and boost independence through NJFFB'S innovative One Day Essential Low Vision Program.

Source: Adults With Low Vision Discover One Day Program in Denville

Jane Greenwald Named Trustee Of NJ Foundation for the Blind

Published: Fri, 12 Feb 2010 22:08:34 GMT

Jane Greenwald of Short Hills, NJ, has been named a member of the Board of Trustees of NJ Foundation for the Blind, a vision rehabilitation program for adults with vision loss.

Source: Jane Greenwald Named Trustee Of NJ Foundation for the Blind

Treat Ocular Hypertension Early (CME/CE)

Published: Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:13:10 +0100

Patients at high risk for glaucoma because of ocular hypertension appeared to benefit from early drug treatment, researchers said. (Source: MedPage Today Ophthalmology)

Source: Treat Ocular Hypertension Early (CME/CE)

Smoking Linked to Eye Inflammation (CME/CE)

Published: Sat, 06 Mar 2010 13:43:10 +0100

A history of smoking appears to be a risk factor for uveitis, a retrospective, case-control study showed. (Source: MedPage Today Ophthalmology)

Source: Smoking Linked to Eye Inflammation (CME/CE)

Estrogen Replacement Linked to Cataract Risk (CME/CE)

Published: Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:13:08 +0100

Women who receive hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to counter the drop in estrogen levels after menopause are more likely to suffer from cataracts, a new Swedish study found. (Source: MedPage Today Ophthalmology)

Source: Estrogen Replacement Linked to Cataract Risk (CME/CE)

Lack of Information on Leading Cause of Blindness Could Leave Some Americans in the Dark

Published: Mon, 2 Feb 2009 10:16:34 CST

But despite the severe damage AMD can cause to sight, the public is still relatively unfamiliar with chronic eye disease.

Source: Lack of Information on Leading Cause of Blindness Could Leave Some Americans in the Dark

New Report Lists 62 Medicines in Development for Age-Related Eye Diseases

Published: Wed, 7 Jan 2009 13:38:30 CST

"Medicines in Development for Older Americans" lists 62 medicines in development for eye disorders. These include medicines to combat age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.

Source: New Report Lists 62 Medicines in Development for Age-Related Eye Diseases

Eye Disease Continuing to Increase Among Americans

Published: Wed, 2 Apr 2008 16:37:32 CST

Millions of Americans are currently living with age-related eye disease and, according to the latest research from Prevent Blindness America and the National Eye Institute, that number is continuing to climb. With more than 130 million Americans aged 40 and older, more than 30 million suffer from leading causes of vision loss such as cataract, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and glaucoma.

Source: Eye Disease Continuing to Increase Among Americans

Mar 12, Lutein Dosage

Published: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 19:29:42 GMT

My mother has wet macular degeneration and she is 82 years old. I have no signs of it yet - but want to try to prevent or delay it. How much lutein should

Source: Mar 12, Lutein Dosage

Mar 12, Charles Bonnet Syndrome, Visual Hallucinations, Macular Degeneration Symptoms

Published: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:43:22 GMT

Charles Bonnet Syndrome can often by experienced by those with macular degeneration.

Source: Mar 12, Charles Bonnet Syndrome, Visual Hallucinations, Macular Degeneration Symptoms

Mar 12, Eye Floaters Treatment, Treatment for Eye Floaters, Vision Floaters

Published: Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:58:41 GMT

Eye Floaters Treatment - what is best for you.

Source: Mar 12, Eye Floaters Treatment, Treatment for Eye Floaters, Vision Floaters