Also in the News…

From the introduction of a new smart wireless contact lens for measuring intraocular pressure (IOP), to the ocular impacts of vaping and electroretinography (ERG) developments, these are the trailblazing studies that caught our attention this week…

International Society of Dacryology and Dry Eye 2024. At this year’s International Society of Dacryology and Dry Eye (ISD-DE) congress, renowned clinicians from around the world will be presenting on a range of topics around the ocular surface, the lacrimal system, and the cornea. The congress will run from May 29–31 at County Hall, London, UK. Find out more

Smart predictions. A new research paper, published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, has introduced a smart wireless measuring contact lens (WMCL) that can accurately measure intraocular pressure (IOP), even when internal temperature variations exceeded 10 °C. The Beijing-based research team posit that this technology – with its accuracy and sensitivity for IOP monitoring in porcine eye in vitro – could present a viable method for accurate early detection and monitoring of glaucoma in the future. Link

Vape gets in your eyes. A new systematic review published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine has indicated that vaping can have a negative impact on the ocular surface. The study looked at both intended (vaping) and non-intended (explosions or damaged products) exposures to electronic cigarette components, concluding that the “impact of vaping on the ocular surface is not benign.” Given the findings, the Canadian-based team recommends that future studies concentrate on focusing on the long-term effects of vaping on the ocular surface. Link

Electroretinography (ERG) developments. Scientists from Waseda University in Japan have created a new multi-electrode device that can measure the electrical potentials of the retina at different points simultaneously, without the need for placement of hard contact lenses. Wrapping gold mesh electrodes around a commercially available soft disposable contact lens soaked in monomer 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) solution, the team were able to circulate a current through this solution so that the the monomers formed an entangled polymer (PEDOT), resulting in a flexible, highly transparent system for taking ERG measurements that fits a patient much like an ordinary disposable contact lens. Link

Event horizon. A new JAMA Ophthalmology report has investigated how UV radiation displays used in recreational outdoors events might be linked to photokeratitis in those attending the event. The report looked at a case study of eight participants who had all attended the same event, all presenting with photokeratitis symptoms around approximately nine hours after exposure to the UV lights. The report found that, though there was no anterior chamber reaction in these patients, all eight experienced eye pain and were affected bilaterally, suggesting that this proven association could act as useful guidance for future studies. Link