More Virtual CE Please

HOT TOPIC

Low Vision + Dry Eye

A recent University of Colorado study found that one-third of patients with low vision have dry eye. Researchers evaluated the occurrence of diagnosed dry eye disease (DED), meibomian gland dysfunction, and blepharitis among the low vision population. The overall prevalence of diagnosed DED was 38%, and patients ranged from 17 to 107 years of age. As expected, the prevalence of dry eye increased with age and was more common in women.

It is suspected that many of these patients’ dry eye is a result of their long-term use of topical glaucoma medications, in addition to the various ocular surgeries many have had to undergo. The researchers also pointed out that, “… visual impairment is associated with increased mental health burden and other systemic conditions where the systemic treatments utilized commonly cause or worsen DED through reduced tear secretions.”

According to the researchers, “These findings are meaningful as the ocular comfort of low vision patients should not be overlooked while managing their visual needs.” They further explain, “It is imperative for all professionals working with the low vision population to recognize the potential for DED and coordinate dry eye management for these individuals when appropriate.”

My Two Cents

This makes sense. Most of the patients with low vision whom I have encountered in my career also had significant dry eye. It should be noted that this study was based in Denver, Colorado, where individuals with DED appear to be more prevalent than the national average, perhaps leading to some skewed numbers.

OUTSIDE THE LANE

Foods Recalled for Lead-Laced Cinnamon

The FDA is screening cinnamon shipments from multiple countries for possible lead contamination. This preventive action comes after reports of illnesses potentially linked to lead in recalled fruit and applesauce pouches. The FDA recalled certain apple puree and applesauce products from three brands of fruit pouches: WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches, Schnucks cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and variety pack, and Weis cinnamon applesauce pouches.

Thus far, 34 reports of illnesses have been linked to these products, with cases identified in at least 22 states. The FDA believes that the cinnamon used in these recalled pouches is the likely source of contamination. Thankfully, no illnesses or elevated blood lead levels have been reported in connection with other products containing the popular holiday spice.

The pouches were sold at retailers including Amazon, Dollar Tree, Sam’s Club, Schnucks, and Weis stores. The FDA advises that these products not be served or eaten, as the lead level detected in the products was 2.18 parts per million—that’s 200 times greater than the action level the FDA had approved in previous guidance for products intended for infants and young children.

My Two Cents

Children, specifically those 6 years of age and younger, are particularly sensitive to lead poisoning, which can irreversibly damage their mental and physical development. It’s also important to note that accumulated lead exposure may be an important risk factor for the development of cataracts. Thus, it’s important for many reasons to reduce lead exposure in all populations, but especially in those most vulnerable.

CAN YOU RELATE

As the end of the year draws near, I like to double-check my continuing education credits to make sure everything I’ve submitted has been accounted for. It got me thinking just how archaic many of our state’s continuing education requirements are.

Working in an OD/MD clinic, one of my best friends (and one of our ophthalmologists) asked me recently, “Is it true that y’all can only get 1 hour of continuing education virtually?” Thankfully, this rule was recently altered by the Louisiana State Board of Optometry to allow us to get more hours virtually. However, it also made me wonder how the quality of virtual continuing education has improved after COVID. Numerous articles advocating for virtual education have been written by some of the best minds in optometry, and I fully agree with them.

I’ve tuned in to many excellent webinars throughout the year, and the ones with quizzes or surveys throughout the presentation tend to hold my attention incredibly well. Not only that, but I feel that the quality of education is consistent, polished, and very well thought out. As technology continues to improve, I hope that more state associations see the value in virtual continuing education and that we continue to see it flourish and grow.