Ophthalmology, Medicine, Science

New treatment options for tear deficiency sicca: Alcon has received approval in the USA for Acoltremon (Tryptyr^®). The active ingredient selectively activates the cold receptorTRPM8 and, unlike menthol, does not trigger an increased cold sensation, but does improve tear secretion.
The approval is based on two Phase III studies (Comet-2 and Comet-3) with just over 900 participants with DED. The aim was to improve the Schirmer test by at least 10 mm, which was achieved in around half of the study participants (with a statistically very clear difference to the control group). Remarkably, the effect remained constant over the entire 90 days of the study. Apart from burning on instillation, no significant ADRs were reported; 1% therefore discontinued treatment. Alcon is now planning the release in the USA in Q4, an application for approval from the EMA is still pending.

It is nothing new that more attention now needs to be paid in medicine to the difference between women and men. There is now a lot of literature (see insert) on the different ageing of the eyes in women. For example, it can be shown that the menopause not only leads to more dry eyes, but also to more cataracts and glaucoma. The underlying physiological processes are multifactorial, but clearly closely linked to the age-related decline in sex hormones. For example, the influence of the decline in hormone levels on ocular blood flow can be documented. Here the link to the literature list.

According to some experts, current clinical tests are not suitable for determining whether a treatment for nystagmus is successful in everyday life. An interdisciplinary team at the University of Southampton led by Dr. Jay Self has therefore developed three prototype video games to test the success of nystagmus treatments in everyday life. The games and a corresponding questionnaire are available online: https://giftofsight.org.uk/surveys-and-studies

New guidelines for the monitoring of chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine therapy:
The DOG has adopted the guidelines. A visual field examination (macular program) is still considered a good indicator, but the inaccuracy or subjectivity of the examination requires documentation that can be better objectified (OCT, autofluorescence). As soon as a positive finding is available, it should be confirmed by a second supplementary examination. Here is the complete guideline: https://register.awmf.org/de/leitlinien/detail/045-016

In connection with circulatory diseases, which also affect us in ophthalmology, there is one thing we should always remember: Chronic kidney disease, especially chronic renal insufficiency. Is an under-diagnosed problem: Chronic Kidney Disease: The Blind Spot in Cardiac Care

What exactly defines good eye surgery? What does patient safety, efficiency in the OR and precision mean? 65 ophthalmic surgeons have put it all together: Ophthalmology Quality Report 2025/2026: What defines quality in the operating room?

Novartis offers a med portal where you can find out about neurotransmitter research in particular. There are lots of podcasts lasting around 15 minutes, currently about results from the ECTRIMS congress (multiple sclerosis research) or the AAN 2024, for example: Podcast episodes | medportal | The portal for healthcare professionals