Roth Vision Care

07/14/2025

Most people actually have this, and it’s benign. We only need to treat it if there are symptoms
However, knowledge is power

There’s a scarier, overlooked cause of dry eye — microscopic pests living in our eyelashes and eyebrows. 👀

06/05/2025

👁️ Scientists 3D-printed the first human corneas using a bio-ink made from stem cells!

The process takes just 10 minutes and can be customized for each patient, providing a way to restore sight to millions worldwide.

Researchers at Newcastle University have successfully 3D-printed the first human corneas using stem cells and a specially developed bio-ink.

This innovation offers a promising solution to the global shortage of donor corneas, with over 10 million people worldwide requiring surgery to prevent blindness caused by diseases like trachoma, and nearly 5 million already blind due to corneal scarring.

Using a low-cost 3D printer, the team extruded a stem cell-infused gel made from alginate and collagen to form a cornea in under 10 minutes — a process that maintained cell viability and shape fidelity.

The study, published in Experimental Eye Research, showed that corneas can be custom-printed to fit individual patients by scanning their eyes and using the data to shape the tissue. While the technology still requires years of testing before it can be used in transplants, experts say it holds enormous potential.

“This approach has the potential to combat the worldwide shortage,” said Professor Che Connon, who led the study. Until then, researchers stress that organ donation remains essential for those suffering from corneal blindness today.

05/26/2025

05/13/2025

Recall alert

We at Roth Vision Care don’t recommend any of these drops, but if you happened to buy them

The FDA and AvKare have reported a recall of eye care products, including drops and artificial tears, from BRS Analytical Service.

04/07/2025

Might have shared this before. Interesting perspective from when my father started practicing to what it is today

When he graduated soft lenses just came into vogue

12/26/2024

There has been a recall on a certain lot of Systane Preservative Free Tears

09/17/2024

From Elon Musk

The Blindsight device from Neuralink will enable even those who have lost both eyes and their optic nerve to see.

Provided the visual cortex is intact, it will even enable those who have been blind from birth to see for the first time.

To set expectations correctly, the vision will be at first be low resolution, like Atari graphics, but eventually it has the potential be better than natural vision and enable you to see in infrared, ultraviolet or even radar wavelengths, like Geordi La Forge.

Much appreciated, !

08/31/2024

07/17/2024

Someday there could be a blood test that could be used to determine your risk of developing glaucoma as well as your risk of progression.

Journal of Nature (7/16, Thompson) says “an experimental blood test might be able to predict whether” patients with glaucoma “will continue to lose their vision following treatment, researchers report.” Researchers found that “a biochemical called nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) tends to be lower in people with glaucoma compared to those without the eye disease.” Additionally, patients with glaucoma who have “lower NAD levels than others tended to lose their vision more quickly, even after receiving treatment to lower fluid pressure in the eye.”

04/02/2024

Experts Warning People About Risks Of Fake Eclipse Glasses As Total Solar Eclipse Nears

(3/29, Strickland) reported, “As the total solar eclipse, occurring across Mexico, the United States and Canada on April 8, draws near, experts are reminding spectators to grab a pair of eclipse glasses to view the celestial event safely – and to make sure they aren’t fake.” According to a release from the American Optometric Association, “Sunglasses, smoked glass, unfiltered telescopes or magnifiers, and polarizing filters are unsafe. Inspect your eclipse glasses or handheld viewer before use – if torn, scratched, or otherwise damaged, discard the device.” CNN added, “Looking at the sun without proper eye protection can result in solar retinopathy.” And “while the highly specialized cells inside our eyes don’t feel any pain, the rods and cones and photochemical reactors become inflamed and damaged when looking at the sun, said” AOA President Ronald L. Benner, OD. Benner explained, “The retina is an extension of the brain, so it’s actually neurological tissue, and when you damage that, it doesn’t always come back.” And “if you experience vision issues or eye discomfort after viewing the eclipse, Benner recommends booking an appointment immediately using the American Optometric Association’s doctor locator.” Regarding these symptoms, Benner said, “For most people, it’s an alteration of color vision. ... The next morning, colors just don’t look right, or it may be bleached out it or just kind of hazy all the time. For others, it may be that they actually have holes in their vision.” Benner also “advises that parents talk to their children on how and when they can view the eclipse and when they can take their glasses on and off.”

01/05/2024

It’s the Law:
As a reminder as kids are off to college, an adult son or daughter who has attained the age of majority (18 years old) has the right to control the privacy of their health information, including making decisions about who can receive health information about them which was created when they were minor children.

So if a parent wants access to prescriptions or medical records a HIPAA release must be submitted by the patient. They can do this at anytime, or even have it signed and kept on file at the time of exam for future use.