The Lens Newsletter: September 17, 2025

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week’s episode we discuss…A cohort study of NASA astronauts found that those who developed spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome during one long-duration mission were highly likely to develop it again on subsequent missions.Strabismus surgery is undervalued by Medicare, as evidenced by a surgical cost analysis underscoring the need for fair compensation to address the growing shortage of strabismus surgeons and ensure patient access to care.For acute acquired comitant esotropia, augmented medial rectus recession surgery achieved significantly better long-term eye alignment, fusion, and quality-of-life outcomes than botulinum toxin A injection.

In this episode, Dr. Sandra Lora Cremers joins us to explore the rising prevalence of dry eye disease and its impact on patients. We discuss how modern lifestyles and screen use are changing ocular surface health, the early warning signs not to overlook, simple and effective prevention strategies, and the innovative treatments shaping the future of dry eye care.

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week’s episode we discuss:Cultured corneal endothelial cell transplants maintained clear corneas and vision for up to 10 years, offering a scalable alternative to donor tissue.Long-term atropine use for myopia control showed no increased risk of cataract, glaucoma, or maculopathy in a nationwide cohort.Patients with giant cell arteritis had higher 5-year risks of aortic aneurysm and carotid stenosis, especially those with visual symptoms.Higher omega-3 fatty acid levels were linked to a significantly lower risk of developing primary open-angle glaucoma.

In this episode, Dr. David J Palmer, MD joins us as we dive into the topic of sustainability in ophthalmology. We explore three of the most environmentally pressing issues in ophthalmology today and hear about various studies, organizations, and resources that support efforts to make ophthalmology greener. 

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week’s episode we discuss:The incidence of ocular surface squamous neoplasia in the US nearly tripled from 2014 to 2021.Trabeculectomy with mitomycin C fails more often in Hispanic patients.Ocular and orbital trauma in intimate partner violence identifies high-risk patients with elevated mortality, underscoring the need for early protective intervention.Swept-source AS-OCTA detects corneal vasoconstriction, showing reduced flow area and potential for monitoring neovascularization.Early-onset inherited retinal diseases show distinct refractive error shifts, highlighting the need for early screening and intervention.

In this episode, Dr. Puente joins us for a conversation about disability in ophthalmology from a clinical perspective - exploring successes, identifying gaps, and sharing lessons that can help shape more accessible eye care for the future.

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week’s episode, we discuss:Asymmetric Multi-point Defocus Technique (AMDT) lenses reduced myopia progression in children compared with single-vision lensesThere was no improvement in vision with the addition of corticosteroids or corneal cross-linking in the treatment of bacterial keratitisTear cell-based assays had a greater sensitivity than serum in detecting ocular myasthenia gravisAntioxidant protein DJ-1 may be protective against the mechanisms behind diabetic keratopathy

Too busy to read The Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week’s episode we discuss:Genetic predisposition determined by polygenic risk score can predict glaucoma risk and visual field loss pattern.Patients receiving GLP-1 Receptor Agonists had a lower risk of developing uveitis.One-third of corneal perforations still required penetrating keratoplasty after glue treatment.

In This Week's Issue:A cross-sectional study looking at patients after globe removal from US service members showed higher rates of suicidal ideation, alcohol use disorder, anxiety/depression, among other behavioral health diagnoses.As compared to European populations, Hispanic populations had lower success rates and higher bleb leaks with trabeculectomy.A post hoc analysis found that younger adjusted age at congenital cataract surgery was associated with higher glaucoma risk but better long-term visual acuity, whilegestational age alone was not associated with outcomes.H. pylori-positive patients developed temporal retinal nerve fiber layer thinning at slightly higher rates and also developed signs of macular degeneration at a significantly younger age than H. pylori-negative patients

Too busy to read the Lens? Listen to our weekly summary here! In this week’s episode we discuss…Ocular vascular occlusion is a rare complication of soft tissue filler injections that can cause vision lossSemaglutide may be associated with various ocular adverse effects, most notably increased risk of developing non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathyGlaucoma development is linked to poor sleep habits, insomnia, and sleep apnea