The cornea provides more than two thirds of the eye’s total refractive power and, when healthy, assuming the rest of the eye is also healthy, is remarkably clear and stable, providing precise vision for daily activities. However, when the cornea is unhealthy or lacks clarity or stable shape, a variety of consequences can occur. As optometrists, this is when we must step up, embrace our calling, and use medicine, technology, and any other appropriate devices to nurse the cornea—and the rest of the eye, if necessary—back to health.
This issue of Modern Optometry focuses on advancements in diagnostic technology and treatments for disorders of the cornea and anterior segment, offering optometrists insights into ways to improve and, at times, save the vision of their patients. Corneal disease can be and often is one of the more difficult conditions that optometrists encounter in their clinics each day. Sam Lee, OD, and Kuniyoshi Kanai, OD, FAAO, discuss one of the most challenging conditions that present to our clinics: infectious keratitis. They take us through a step-by-step approach in the diagnosis of various types of infectious keratitis and review the most up-to-date studies surrounding treatment of this vision-threatening condition. At times, however, what appears to be infectious, isn’t. The corneal nerve plexus plays a crucial role in the corneal layer’s health, and when damage occurs, the cornea is unable to heal itself and may begin to break down. Tim Poirier, OD, dives deep into the diagnosis and management of neurotrophic keratitis and neuropathic pain.
When discussing the anterior segment, we would be remiss to not mention the affect that contact lenses have on the anterior segment. Not only are they a tool to provide excellent visual acuity, but they also serve as a drug delivery vehicle. We have a drug delivery device available at our disposal to manage IOP in patients with glaucoma, with other options in the pipeline. These types of technologies ensure that our patients are getting the much-needed medication by eliminating compliance concerns. Micaela Crowley, OD, summarizes some of the latest developments in contact lens technology that have expanded their use to medical applications, including drug delivery.
The practice of medical optometry continues to grow and gain strength. Scope expansions, such as that which recently took place in Virginia,1 show that we continue to move our profession forward in the interest of taking care of our patients. The article by Rebecca Braunsdorf, OD, and Sarah Bell, OD, is a great example of the modern optometrist’s role in managing corneal conditions with in-office procedures to help our patients.
The three of us hope you enjoy this issue of Modern Optometry. We aim to offer you high caliber content that not only interests you, but that also makes you think, and hopefully also provides you with some practical tips you can use in your own practice. As always, feel free to email us at modernOD@bmctoday.com with any comments, questions, or suggestions.
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