November 3, 2021

Aflibercept is an anti-VEGF treatment used to treat wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, patient response to aflibercept and other anti-VEGF treatments can vary. This prospective study, published in Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy, analyzed the anatomical and functional recovery of the retina following aflibercept therapy.  The study relied on data from 33 eyes of 33 patients...

As part of the efforts to end the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, ophthalmologists were advised by the American Academy of Ophthalmology to limit close contact with patients unless providing urgent or emergency care. As a result, many patients had appointments canceled and experienced gaps in their treatment. This article, published in JAMA Ophthalmology, describes complications resulting from...

Despite the use of anti-VEGF treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the relationship between anti-VEGFs and retinal atrophy remains inconclusive. This case series study, published in the European Journal of Ophthalmology, analyzed 13 eyes from 10 patients that received anti-VEGF injections who had good visual acuity despite having retinal atrophy.  The study was conducted at...

Although current treatments can decrease the rate at which age-related macular degeneration (AMD) progresses, they cannot reverse its progression to wet AMD. This article, published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, identified risk factors for AMD with the aim of decreasing or delaying the development of AMD.  The authors explained that the risk factors for AMD...

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder that disproportionately affects Black individuals. Unfortunately, Black people in the United States and abroad experience racism, which has been known to worsen mental health and overall quality of life.  Given that social support is one possible buffer to the negative health impacts of racism, this cross-sectional...

Young adults must navigate a period of healthcare transition, facing new logistical and economic barriers in the adult healthcare system. Moreover, many young adults change or lose insurance. While this transition is difficult for all young adults, those with sickle cell disease (SCD)—who typically have a high need for healthcare utilization—are particularly vulnerable.  As a...

Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) experience a higher risk of morbidity and mortality during the transition from adolescence to adulthood. This study, published in the Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, analyzed the factors associated with this transition.  A total of 59 study participants were recruited from a large hospital system and the community. The participants included...

There are known reproductive health risks associated with sickle cell disease (SCD). However, the medical literature on this subject is limited. This report, published in the British Journal of Haematology, sought to summarize what is known about the reproductive health risks faced by women with SCD. Its areas of focus included contraception, fertility, hormone therapies, menstruation, and...