iTrack Canaloplasty With 90° Goniotomy

I. Paul Singh, MD

Eyetube

I. Paul Singh, MD, highlights the advantages of the blinking light on the iTrack Advance (Nova Eye Medical) and the power of viscodelivery. The video shows significant blanching just from the viscodelivery, and Dr. Singh performs a 90° goniotomy. Financial disclosure: Consultant (Nova Eye Medical)

The Mystery of Cilioretinal Arteries and AMD

Research is beginning to unravel the role these arteries play in the pathogenesis of neovascularization.

Adel Ebraheem, MD, MS, OD

Modern Optometry

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a multifactorial condition characterized by dysregulation of the inflammatory, complement, lipid, and angiogenic pathways. AMD is classified as either dry or wet based on the absence or presence of choroidal neovascularization (CNV), respectively. Dry (nonexudative) AMD represents most of the total number of AMD cases.1 The hallmark of dry AMD is the presence of drusen, which can progress to geographic atrophy. Wet (exudative) AMD is characterized by invasion of the outer retina by new, immature blood vessels, or CNV, from the underlying choroid. The pathogenesis of wet AMD is the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which promotes the growth of these abnormal blood vessels. CNV can manifest as a retinal pigment epithelial detachment (PED), cystoid macular edema, hemorrhage, disciform scar, subretinal fluid (SRF), or a combination of these clinical features. IDENTIFYING CILIORETINAL ARTERIES The outer retina receives its blood supply from the choroid; the nutrients take a path through Bruch membrane and the retinal pigment epithelium to the neural retina. The central retinal artery is the main blood supply to the inner retina. The inner layers of the macula may receive a second blood supply from cilioretinal arteries, which emerge from the choroidal vascular bed (Figure). Cilioretinal arteries typically originate from the temporal margin of the optic disc, although they can also occasionally originate near the nasal border.

5 Steps to Building Financial Security

Planning for the future can feel overwhelming. Here’s how to make it simpler.

Christopher Lopez, OD

Modern Optometry

In today’s world, optometry is perceived as a relatively lucrative and low-stress career option. Although it is true that our expertise as optometrists can translate into substantial earnings, building wealth requires more than just a high salary. Achieving financial freedom means balancing significant student loans and other financial challenges with smart money management and investment. Considering that optometrists rank low on the doctor compensation spectrum, and the cost of attendance for doctorate programs continues to grow out of control, it’s no wonder so many of our OD colleagues find themselves in precarious financial positions. Fortunately, building wealth and achieving success is still within our grasp. This article highlights five steps to help guide you along the road to financial freedom. STEP NO. 1: UNDERSTAND YOUR FINANCES The first step in any financial journey is to obtain a comprehensive understanding of your individual financial situation. This includes analyzing your debt, reviewing your compensation, and keeping track of your expenses. Debt Analysis For most students, optometry school comes with hefty loan payments.