Week in review: Whistleblower death, occupational hazard, enhanced streaming

A weekly roundup of ophthalmic news from around the web.

An implant for combating corneal edema secondary to endothelial dysfunction has received the FDA’s breakthrough device designation. Called EndoArt, the polymer film device is designed to attach to the posterior corneal surface and prevent transfer of fluids into the cornea. Thus far, early phase trials have shown the implant leads to significant edema reduction in affected eyes. EyeYon Medical

The U.S. trial of STAAR Surgical’s EVO implantable collamer lens (ICL) is officially underway, the company announced earlier this week. This latest version of the Visian ICL contains a central port that eliminates the need for a peripheral iridotomy, according to study investigator Francis W. Price Jr., MD, who performed surgery on the trial’s inaugural patient late last month. Investigators plan to enroll 300 patients and follow them for a minimum of 6 months. STAAR Surgical

News outlets are reporting the death of whistleblower Li Wenliang, MD, the Chinese ophthalmologist who was the first to raise the alarm about the coronavirus. The Wuhan doctor attempted to warn his colleagues about a SARS-like outbreak in late December, and claimed he was told by Chinese officials to stop spreading rumors. Unfortunately, Dr. Li contracted the virus from an asymptomatic glaucoma patient in January. The virus has infected more than 28,000 people worldwide and claimed more than 560 lives thus far. New York Times

Hazards of working at a nightclub include … photokeratitis? Well, yes, according to a new case study in Ophthalmology. The 30-year-old man reported working on intense illuminated UV lights for 6 hours before presenting with foreign body sensation, blurred vision, tearing, severe pain and photophobia. Examinations revealed severe conjunctival injection and corneal punctate epithelial erosion in interpalpebral zone (image above). His eyes cleared and 20/20 vision was restored after 1 week of oral analgesics, timolol, lubricant eye drops and prophylactic antibiotics. Ophthalmology

Comcast is teaming up with NuEyes to improve the video viewing experience for visually impaired customers. Their Xfinity Stream app will now come preinstalled on NuEyes’ e2 smartglasses and VR magnifying devices. Technology is important for individuals with visual disabilities, noted James Baldwin, an army vet with 1 prosthetic eye and limited vision. Baldwin was one of the first to experience the Xfinity Stream on the smartglasses. “I don’t even know if I can put it into words. That is one of the best gifts I have ever received.” Comcast