Data on ocular complications were gathered from two phase 3 FDA clinical trials for Gilenya (fingolmod, Novartis) the first oral medication approved by the FDA for relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis.

A 2-year trial compared Gilenya with placebo and a 1 year trial compared Gilenya with interferon beta-1a.  Gilenya reduced MS relapse rate and increased the percentage of patients without an MS relapse in both studies. 

“The macular edema issue is one that we as ophthalmologists are very familiar with and most neurologists are not familiar with,” Robert C. Sergott, MD of Wills Eye said.  “It’s our obligation then to help them take care of these patients because we have an intersection of MS with a medication that can cause visual loss.”

In the 2-year trial, macular edema occurred in 0.4% of patients treated with Gilenya and 0.1% of patients who received placebo, Dr. Sergent said.  Patients should undergo ophthalmic examinations prior to the start of the medication as well as approximately 3 or 4 months after initiation of Gilenya therapy. Patients with diabetes mellitus or history of uveitis who are placed on Gilenya should have regular dilated ophthalmic exams to include color testing and OCT.

“MS Drug may Increase Risk of Macular Edema in Patients with Diabetes, Uveitis” Ocular Surgery News April 25, 2011: 16

Cynthia Matossian, MD

1. Schedule eye appointments for young children when they are well rested – usually in the morning – and after they have been fed. Do not schedule the child’s appointment during the usual naptime. An alert child will allow the doctor to get more reliable information.
2. Try to complete required paperwork at home and sent to the doctor’s office ahead of time or bring along to the appointment so you don’t have to do that in the waiting room.
3. Talk to your child. Tell your child a little of what to expect, that he or she will be looking at pictures, letters and numbers, and talking to the doctor, and that the doctor will be shining lights to see into their eyes. Let your child know that the doctor will not use needles.
4. Prepare the child for the possibility of eyedrops. At home you can practice putting drops into your child’s eye, and yours as well, using a small bottle of artificial tears. Then the real thing won’t be a total surprise.
5. Bring along your child’s favorite toy or snack in case there is waiting time. 

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported that there was a strong relation between the risk of cataract and diet.  Reserch, conducted by the University of Oxford concluded a progressive decrease in the risk of cataract in high meat eaters to low meat eaters, fish eaters (participants who ate fish but not meat), vegetarians, and vegans.

High meat eaters (100 g or more of meat daily) 0.96 risk, moderate meat eaters (50 to 99 g of meat daily) 0.85 risk, low meat eaters (less than 50 g of meat daily) 0.79, fish eaters, vegetarians and vegans were 0.70 and 0.60 respectively.

There was a strong association between cataract risk and the intake of selected nutrients with diet group, researchers concluded.

Cataract & Refractive Surgery Today, “Vegetarian Diet Linked to Lower Risk of Cataract” May 2011; 12

Cynthia Matossian, MD

Do you want to wear contact lenses but have been told in the past you are not a candidate or were unsuccessful in wearing them?  MEA specializes in difficult to fit contact lenses.  Most Bifocal contact lenses, gas permeable contact lenses & patients with corneal problems can be successfully fit.  Call our office today for an appointment with our contact lens specialist.

Joan Micucci COMT

New treatment is available for patients with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, a leading cause of Dry Eye.  Intense Pulse Light (IPL) commonly used as a treatment for skin rejuvenation is being used to help patients with severe Dry Eye symptoms. IPL closes blood vessels that cause chronic blockage of the glands that supply nutrients to the tear film.  Once the glands are no longer inflamed, they start to work again.  Contact Matossian Eye Associates for more information on this exciting new treatment.

Joan Micucci COMT