Have Trouble Reading in Dim Light?

HOT TOPIC

OK-101 Advances to Phase 2 Study

Earlier this month, Okyo Pharma announced receiving FDA clearance on its first investigational new drug (IND) application for OK-101 to treat neuropathic corneal pain (NCP). The initial IND submission proposed an open-label design for the clinical trial; however, based on positive feedback from the FDA, the phase 2 study will now be designed as a double-masked, randomized, 12-week placebo-controlled trial comparing OK-101 to placebo in patients with NCP. The study will enroll 54 patients with NCP confirmed via confocal microscopy, and the primary endpoint will be measured using visual analog scale pain relief scores. According to Okyo Pharma, these protocol changes will enable a statistically valid demonstration of the actual drug effect of OK-101 on NCP symptoms.

The trial will be a single-center trial led by Pedram Hamrah, MD, of Tufts Medical Center. Dr. Hamrah is one of the leading experts in NCP, is the co-inventor of OK-101, and owns the patent on the drug. OK-101 recently completed a phase 2 trial to treat dry eye and demonstrated favorable tolerability and statistically significant improvement in dry eye syndrome symptoms, such as stinging/burning and blurred vision. In addition, OK-101 was shown “in a cutting-edge mouse model” of NCP to reduce ocular neuropathic pain significantly. The phase 2 trial for NCP is expected to begin in Q2 2024.

My Two Cents

As I read this news brief, dozens of my patients with NCP popped into my head. These are patients for whom I have no treatment, and many have found little to no relief no matter what methods I try. NCP has no FDA-approved therapy and, in my opinion, is a significant unmet medical need in eye care. I find it interesting that the doctor who owns the patent on the product will be doing some of the testing. I assume phase 3 trials will occur in other clinics and labs without affiliation with the company or molecule.

OUTSIDE THE LANE

Do Blue-Eyed People See Better in Low Light?

A preliminary study by anthropologists at Liverpool John Moores University in England suggests that eye color may influence reading ability in dimly lit conditions. The researchers, Kyoko Yamaguchi, PhD, and her student Faith Erin Cain conducted a 30-second eye test with 39 adult volunteers under decreasing light intensities. The eye colors were self-reported by participants and then verified by the researchers as either blue or brown.

The results demonstrated that blue-eyed individuals could read codes depicted on a wall under significantly less light (0.7 lux on average) than their brown-eyed peers (0.82 lux on average). It is hypothesized that this supports the theory that the loss of pigmentation in the iris was selected in some populations to maximize vision in low-light environments.

As with all small and non-peer–reviewed studies, further research is needed to confirm and verify these findings. (Read more here and here.)

My Two Cents

I always assumed darker eyes were used to minimize light sensitivity in brighter environments, as darker eyes are often found in warmer, more tropical environments. The hypothesis that light-colored eyes allow the individual to read and function better in low-light environments makes sense, as these lighter-colored eyes are often found in more northern climates. Pretty cool!

CAN YOU RELATE

As I write this, Mardi Gras is officially over here in Louisiana. Carnival has come to an end, and the time for revelry and partying has passed. As a predominantly Catholic state, Louisiana has now entered a period called Lent, which anyone can appreciate, regardless of their religious persuasion. During this time (Ash Wednesday, February 14 – Holy Thursday, March 28), Catholics around the world take 40 days to pray, fast, and offer almsgiving, with many choosing to either “give up” a vice, such as soft drinks, or make a more concerted effort to do something. I, for example, will be working out for at least 1 hour on 6 of the 7 days of the week as my Lenten effort to better myself while attempting to meditate each morning.

I ask everyone reading this column to consider what you can do to improve your clinical and professional well-being. Perhaps you could make an effort to remind each patient that you are here for them for all of their eye care, including emergencies, refractive care, ocular health, etc. What about asking patients for a review so that you can better share your gifts with the world and let more people know about your high level of care? Maybe write a note reminding each staff member how much they’re appreciated and valued? Or maybe simply make an effort to walk into each exam room with a smile on your face and a warm welcome?

Whether you are religious or not, consider using the remaining days of Lent to be a light to your patients and your community.

IMAGE OF THE WEEK

Rose bengal staining in a patient with ocular surface squamous neoplasia.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“During Lent, let us find concrete ways to overcome our indifference.”

— Pope Francis