Latest news with #glaucoma
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Get Proactive with Your Eye Health
MISSION, Kan., June 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- (Family Features) Glaucoma, one of the leading causes of permanent blindness, often does its damage silently – with no noticeable symptoms – as vision is lost. Glaucoma affects an estimated 3 million Americans, but most people don't know they have the condition until it's revealed in an eye exam. Once vision is lost, it cannot be recovered. If left untreated, glaucoma can cause blindness. That's why when it comes to detecting and treating glaucoma, the earlier, the better. What is Glaucoma?Glaucoma is an eye disease caused by increased pressure in the eye, which can damage the optic nerve and reduce vision, sometimes making objects look blurry or dark. Early on, most people don't notice what's happening, but as glaucoma progresses, you may notice some loss of peripheral vision. By this point, the disease has progressed significantly toward blindness, and treatment options may be limited. Diagnosing GlaucomaRegular eye exams, including specific glaucoma tests, are important for the early detection and diagnosis of glaucoma. If diagnosed early, an eye doctor can recommend treatment to manage glaucoma and help prevent vision loss. "Many patients are surprised to learn glaucoma often presents with no initial symptoms," said Oluwatosin U. Smith, MD, glaucoma specialist and ophthalmologist at Glaucoma Associates of Texas. "That's why routine, comprehensive eye exams are so vital. These screenings allow us to detect glaucoma in its earliest stages, often before any vision loss occurs. Early diagnosis and treatment are the cornerstone of effective glaucoma management and it empowers us to take proactive steps to protect your vision." To check for glaucoma, your eye doctor tests your eye pressure, peripheral vision and overall eye health. The painless screening is the only way to accurately diagnose the condition and determine appropriate treatment. Traditional Glaucoma TreatmentFor decades, prescription eye drops have been the most common treatment to help lower eye pressure and slow the progression of the disease. Although prescription eye drops are commonly prescribed and generally effective at lowering eye pressure, they can cause challenges and unwanted side effects, including redness, irritation, burning, stinging or difficulty putting them in the eye. In addition, patients may find it difficult to remember to take their eye drops every day, and missing doses – even by accident – can put vision at risk by allowing eye pressure to rise unchecked. When prescription eye drops are unsuccessful at controlling eye pressure or managing glaucoma, an eye doctor may change treatment by prescribing additional prescription eye drops, which can make the challenges and inconveniences associated with prescription eye drops worse. Modern Glaucoma Management Takes a Proactive ApproachModern glaucoma management is evolving with a shift from reactive – that is, take prescription eye drops and "watch and wait" until glaucoma progresses before exploring alternative treatment – to proactive management. Taking a proactive approach to glaucoma treatment means choosing a minimally invasive procedure earlier in the treatment journey to help slow the progression of glaucoma and minimize vision loss while reducing the challenges of daily prescription eye drops. "The shift toward a more proactive approach represents a significant advancement in how we manage glaucoma," Smith said. "Traditionally, we waited for vision loss before a procedural intervention. However, with modern minimally invasive procedures, we can now proactively lower eye pressure and protect the optic nerve much earlier. This approach helps us preserve our patients' vision and quality of life for longer. I encourage anyone with a glaucoma diagnosis, or those with risk factors, to discuss proactive options with their ophthalmologist." Procedural pharmaceuticals, or drug delivery systems, may include tiny, FDA-approved implants that deliver medication continuously to help lower eye pressure and protect vision. Micro-invasive, or minimally invasive, glaucoma surgery involves less-invasive procedures, devices (such as stents) and techniques with faster recovery times than traditional surgeries. Laser treatment commonly involves a laser being aimed through a special lens onto the drainage system of the eye, triggering a natural change that helps fluid drain from the eye to lower pressure. These treatments may be used in combination with prescription eye drops or on their you or a loved one has been diagnosed with glaucoma, visit to learn more and help manage the condition. Michael Frenchmfrench@ About Family Features Editorial SyndicateA leading source for high-quality food, lifestyle and home and garden content, Family Features provides readers with topically and seasonally relevant tips, takeaways, information, recipes, videos, infographics and more. Find additional articles and information at and View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Family Features Editorial Syndicate Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The Sun
a day ago
- Health
- The Sun
One in five Brits risk irreversible conditions because they're ‘too busy' to look after their own health
One in five Brits claim they are too busy to look after their own health – with many skipping eye checks, dental appointments and GP visits. A poll of 2,000 adults found 73 per cent have missed or delayed a health appointment of some kind. 1 Of those, 18 per cent have put off booking an eye check, while 14 per cent have skipped things like blood pressure tests – all thanks to hectic schedules. Work commitments (33 per cent), childcare duties (11 per cent), and stress over the admin or hassle (12 per cent) were among other reasons people have missed out. The research was commissioned by Specsavers as part of Glaucoma Awareness Week, to shine a spotlight on the condition often dubbed the 'silent thief of sight'. A spokesperson said: 'When you feel like there's nothing wrong, it's all too easy to push check-ups to the bottom of your to-do list. 'Life gets hectic, and we all have a lot on our plates, but your health, including your eyesight, should never be left on the back burner. ' Glaucoma can develop slowly over time without any obvious symptoms, meaning many people don't realise there's a problem until irreversible damage has already been done. 'That's why regular eye check-ups are so important – they're not just about examining your vision, they're a vital part of catching conditions like glaucoma early. 'It's also why you shouldn't wait to book these only when you see symptoms – but make sure you go regularly and it could help you in the long run.' The research revealed other areas adults skip over because they've been short of time included getting a full night's sleep (31 per cent) or drinking enough water (27 per cent). While 22 per cent have been so locked-in at work they've not taken a decent screen break or moved around enough to get out of their seat. The major symptoms of 'common cancer' as HSE say 'know the signs' But 34 per cent admitted a health scare or definite symptom would motivate them to book a check-up they had been putting off. Of those who don't prioritise their own health, 28 per cent put their children's needs first, while 19 per cent confess they put housework at the top of the priorities list. Although 42 per cent think easier booking systems would help them make their own health more of a focus. While 29 per cent simply need more time in the day, according to the figures. But 32 per cent believe health check-ups are more and more important as you get older, while 18 per cent confessed they know the need for them, they're just too easy to forget. Specsavers' spokesperson added: 'It's easy to let health checks slide when you're juggling a busy schedule, but looking after your eyesight is something you simply can't afford to ignore. 'A quick and simple eye check every couple of years - or more often if you're at higher risk - could protect you from serious long-term consequences. 'Your vision is one of your most precious senses, and it deserves your attention.' TOP 20 THINGS ADULTS HAVE MISSED OR NOT DONE DUE TO LACK OF TIME 1. A full night's sleep 2. Drinking enough water 3. Going for a walk outdoors 4. Meal prepping healthy food 5. Taking breaks from screens or sitting for long periods 6. Getting a proper breakfast 7. Booking a dental check-up 8. Stretching or mobility exercises 9. A gym session 10. Booking an eye test 11. Meditation or mindfulness practice 12. Booking a GP appointment 13. Trying a fitness class or PT session 14. Booking a health screening (e.g. smear test, blood pressure check) 15. Having a skin check or mole check 16. Getting a hearing test 17. Doing a breast or testicular self-exam 18. Attending a therapy or counselling session 19. Downloading a health tracker app 20. Signing up to a GP
Telegraph
2 days ago
- Health
- Telegraph
Care delays putting people with glaucoma at risk of blindness
Care delays are putting people with glaucoma at risk of blindness, experts have warned. The Association of Optometrists (AOP) said the current approach to the condition in England is 'failing the public'. A survey by the organisation found more than half of high street optometrists have witnessed patients going blind from the condition because of late detection or delays in treatment. Glaucoma, which affects around 700,000 people in the UK, is caused by fluid building up in the front part of the eye, leading to the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, becoming damaged. The condition does not usually cause any symptoms to begin with and can develop slowly over many years. A report by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists suggests cases could rise by 22 per cent by 2035. Adam Sampson, AOP chief executive, said: 'The current approach to glaucoma in England is failing the public. 'Each year, people are faced with the reality of permanent sight loss as a direct result of delays to care and inconsistencies in eye care provision. 'But glaucoma services led by optometrists show that it does not need to be this way.' According to the AOP, reforms in Wales in 2022 mean optometrists can offer glaucoma services on the high street, with schemes also running in Scotland and in some areas of England. It is now calling for the Government to commit to a national glaucoma pathway for England, working with high street opticians to ensure patients have equal access to treatment. The AOP found of 915 optometrists, 54 per cent had witnessed a patient with glaucoma permanently losing their sight in the past year. More than six in 10 optometrists believed most of their patients were unaware of the condition or its risk factors, which include age, ethnicity and some medical conditions such as diabetes. Mr Sampson added: 'The research we have conducted reveals a national glaucoma pathway in England could free up 300,000 hospital eye appointments and save the NHS over £12 million every year. 'We are calling on the Government to act now to overhaul health in England. 'We must ensure high street optometrists can protect the public by detecting, monitoring and treating glaucoma, and ease the burden on hospital eye services.' Matt Weale was diagnosed with glaucoma after a routine eye test in 2021 revealed dangerously high pressure in his left eye. The 54-year-old said: 'By the time I was finally offered a follow-up appointment my vision had already started to deteriorate. 'I felt like I was falling through the cracks. It was terrifying not knowing if I was going to lose my sight because the system was too stretched to see me. 'If I hadn't been able to pay for private care, I truly believe I would have gone blind in my left eye. I lost confidence, I had to give up my job, the things I loved like playing football and performing.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Nicox Announces Last Patient Completes the NCX 470 Denali Phase 3 Clinical Trial
Press Release Nicox Announces Last Patient Completes the NCX 470 Denali Phase 3 Clinical Trial Results expected mid-August to mid-September 2025 New Drug Application (NDA) submission in the U.S. targeted for H1 2026 June 30, 2025 – release at 7:30 am CET Sophia Antipolis, FranceNicox SA (Euronext Growth Paris: FR0013018124, ALCOX), an international ophthalmology company, today announced that the last patient has completed the Denali Phase 3 trial, evaluating the efficacy and safety of NCX 470, its lead compound, in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. With this milestone reached, all patients have now completed their treatment and follow-up visits.A total of 696 patients were enrolled in the trial and topline results are expected mid-August to mid-September 2025. 'Reaching the milestone of the last patient last visit in the Denali Phase 3 trial is a great achievement by our clinical sites, our partner Ocumension and the Nicox development team who have continued to drive this trial. I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in the conduct of the Denali trial including our patients, investigators and their staff.' said Doug Hubatsch, Chief Scientific Officer of Nicox 'We look forward to announcing the topline results in the near future, which we expect will further consolidate the profile of NCX 470 and confirm its potential in the glaucoma market. We remain fully focused on completing the clinical development program and preparing for regulatory submissions.'NCX 470, Nicox's lead clinical product candidate, is a novel NO-donating bimatoprost eye drop, currently in Phase 3 clinical development for the lowering of intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. The Denali trial is evaluating the IOP lowering efficacy of once-daily dosed NCX 470 ophthalmic solution 0.1% compared to latanoprost ophthalmic solution 0.005% in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. It is a multi-country (U.S. and China) clinical trial financed equally by Nicox and Ocumension, Nicox's exclusive licensee for China, Korea and Southeast Asia. The Denali trial, together with the already completed Mont Blanc trial, was designed to fulfil the clinical regulatory requirements to support New Drug Application (NDA) submissions of NCX 470 in the U.S. and China. All remaining NDA-enabling pharmacokinetic and non-clinical studies necessary to support the U.S. NDA filing are on track. Subject to securing a U.S. partner, or obtaining the necessary funding, the Company estimates that a NDA for this country NCX 470 could potentially be submitted in H1 2026. Key Future Milestones Denali Phase 3 clinical trial evaluating NCX 470 in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension: Topline results are expected mid-August to mid-September 2025 NCX 470 Phase 3 clinical efficacy and long-term safety trials in Japan: Initiation expected in H2 2025 NCX 470 NDA filing in the United States: expected in H1 2026, subject to securing a U.S. partner, or obtaining the necessary funding About Nicox Nicox SA is an international ophthalmology company developing innovative solutions to help maintain vision and improve ocular health. Nicox's lead program in clinical development is NCX 470 (bimatoprost grenod), a novel nitric oxide-donating bimatoprost eye drop, for lowering intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension, licensed to Ocumension Therapeutics for the Chinese, Korean and Southeast Asian markets and to Kowa for Japan. Nicox also has a preclinical research program on NCX 1728, a nitric oxide-donating phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, with Glaukos. Nicox's first product, VYZULTA® in glaucoma, licensed exclusively worldwide to Bausch + Lomb, is available commercially in the U.S. and over 15 other territories. Nicox generates revenue from ZERVIATE® in allergic conjunctivitis, licensed in multiple geographies, including to Harrow, Inc. in the U.S., and Ocumension Therapeutics in the Chinese and in the majority of Southeast Asian markets. Nicox, headquartered in Sophia Antipolis, France, is listed on Euronext Growth Paris (Ticker symbol: ALCOX) and is part of the CAC Healthcare index. For more information Analyst coverage H.C. Wainwright & Co Yi Chen New York, views expressed by analysts in their coverage of Nicox are those of the author and do not reflect the views of Nicox. Additionally, the information contained in their reports may not be correct or current. Nicox disavows any obligation to correct or to update the information contained in analyst reports. Contacts NicoxGavin SpencerChief Executive OfficerT +33 (0)4 97 24 53 00communications@ Disclaimer The information contained in this document may be modified without prior notice. This information includes forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. These statements are based on current expectations or beliefs of the management of Nicox S.A. and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Nicox S.A. and its affiliates, directors, officers, employees, advisers or agents, do not undertake, nor do they have any obligation, to provide updates or to revise any forward-looking factors which are likely to have a material effect on Nicox's business are presented in section 3 of the 'Rapport Annuel 2024' which is available on Nicox's website ( this press release may be drafted in the French and English languages. If both versions are interpreted differently, the French language version shall prevail. Nicox Sophia Antipolis, Bâtiment C, Emerald Square, Rue Evariste Galois, 06410 Biot, FranceT +33 (0)4 97 24 53 00 Attachment EN_NCX470DenaliLPLVJuly2025_PR_FINAL
The Independent
2 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Patients with common eye condition face sight loss due to care delays
Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Patients with a common eye condition risk losing their sight permanently due to delays in care, experts have warned. The Association of Optometrists (AOP) said the current approach to glaucoma in England is 'failing the public'. It comes as a survey by the organisation found more than half of high street optometrists have witnessed patients going blind from the condition because of late detection or delays in treatment. Glaucoma affects about 700,000 people in the UK. It is caused by fluid building up in the front part of the eye, leading to the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, becoming damaged. The condition does not usually cause any symptoms to begin with and can develop slowly over many years. A report by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists suggests cases could rise by 22% by 2035. AOP chief executive Adam Sampson said: 'The current approach to glaucoma in England is failing the public. 'Each year, people are faced with the reality of permanent sight loss as a direct result of delays to care and inconsistencies in eye care provision. 'But glaucoma services led by optometrists show that it does not need to be this way.' According to the AOP, reforms in Wales in 2022 mean optometrists can offer glaucoma services on the high street, with schemes also running in Scotland and in some areas of England. It is now calling for the Government to commit to a national glaucoma pathway for England, working with high street opticians to ensure patients have equal access to treatment. An AOP survey of 915 optometrists found 54% had witnessed a patient with glaucoma permanently losing their sight in the last year. The poll also found more than six in 10 optometrists believe most of their patients are unaware of the condition or its risk factors, which include age, ethnicity and some medical conditions like diabetes. Mr Sampson added: 'The research we have conducted reveals a national glaucoma pathway in England could free up 300,000 hospital eye appointments and save the NHS over £12m every year. 'We are calling on the Government to act now to overhaul health in England. 'We must ensure high street optometrists can protect the public by detecting, monitoring and treating glaucoma, and ease the burden on hospital eye services.' Matt Weale was diagnosed with glaucoma after a routine eye test in 2021 revealed dangerously high pressure in his left eye. The 54-year-old said: 'By the time I was finally offered a follow-up appointment, my vision had already started to deteriorate. 'I felt like I was falling through the cracks, and it was terrifying – not knowing if I was going to lose my sight because the system was too stretched to see me. 'If I hadn't been able to pay for private care, I truly believe I would have gone blind in my left eye. I lost confidence, I had to give up my job, the things I loved – like playing football and performing.'
