News Releases

Before Glaucoma Awareness Month begins in January, the American Academy of Ophthalmology is sharing a list of risk factors that can lead to the disease.

Data science continues to gain ground as an immensely powerful tool for medicine, accelerating physicians’ ability to identify new strategies to improve patient care.

To help prevent eye damage and vision loss, the American Academy of Ophthalmology is warning costume shoppers about over-the-counter decorative lenses after a recent study found that several varieties tested positive for chlorine and other harmful chemicals.

Following news stories on the topic, the American Academy of Ophthalmology today provided information to the public about using online vision tests for obtaining a prescription for corrective eyeglasses.

SAN FRANCISCO – A new study has found that the occurrence of advanced forms of a diabetic eye disease remains low among children living with diabetes, regardless of how long they have had the disease or their ability to keep blood sugar levels controlled. Researchers are therefore recommending that most children with type 1 diabetes delay annual diabetic retinopathy screenings until age 15, or 5 years after their diabetes diagnosis, whichever occurs later. Their findings were published online today in Ophthalmology, the journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

SAN FRANCISCO – Many children and teenagers start wearing contact lenses in junior high or high school. However, young people are notoriously poor at caring for their contact lenses, creating a potential gateway for serious eye infections that can cause impaired vision or even blindness. The American Academy of Ophthalmology has declared August Back to School Eye Health Month, and is providing tips for teens and their parents on how to properly care for contact lenses. The Academy is also partnering with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to highlight proper contact lens care during Contact Lens Health Week, Aug. 24 to 28.

SAN FRANCISCO – Nearly 1 in 3 people in the United States have been injured by fireworks or know someone who has been injured by fireworks, according to the 2015 Fireworks Safety Survey from the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Thousands each year suffer fireworks eye injuries. To help reduce the amount of potentially blinding injuries from devices such as roman candles, bottlerockets and firecrackers, the American Academy of Ophthalmology is offering tips for safe celebrations and releasing a new animated public service announcement to help educate children about the dangers of playing with fireworks.

SAN FRANCISCO – The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services today released to the public data relating to 2013 Medicare payments made to physicians and other providers. In response, the American Academy of Ophthalmology is providing necessary context for the reimbursement data, which in its raw form are often complex and difficult to understand. The Academy, which represents the majority of eye physicians and surgeons within the United States, is offering information about significant factors regarding how ophthalmologists are reimbursed for services in an effort to render the data more meaningful for public use.

SAN FRANCISCO - While the possibility of losing sight may be a common concern among seniors, eye doctors are reminding the public that advancing age is not the only reason people should be vigilant about protecting their vision. Having diabetes is another significant risk factor for developing eye diseases that can cause blindness if left untreated.

SAN FRANCISCO – In response to the devastating earthquake that struck Nepal on April 25, the American Academy of Ophthalmology has established the Nepal Eye Care Relief Fund. This fund will support rebuilding efforts to deliver much-needed eye care to the people of Nepal.