Wills Eye Researchers Target Best Practices in Ophthalmology for Health Care Delivery and Outcomes

PHILADELPHIA, May 21, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Wills Eye Hospital clinician researchers continue on an accelerated research track, digging deeper across the board in all subspecialties of ophthalmology to determine new and better practice patterns in patient care. A number of recent studies have focused on the following areas:

• Carefully examining ophthalmic side effects of checkpoint inhibitors
• Developing a greater understanding of ocular tumor growth
• Analyzing visual and refractive outcomes in intraocular lens implantation
• Setting the protocol for innovative surgical techniques
• Determining additional benefits of earlier detection and treatment of eye diseases
• Studying safer pharmacological delivery methods
• Expanding a telemedicine program for a wider range of benefits to patients

Wills Eye clinicians presented studies at this year's American Glaucoma Society Conference, the 70^th Annual Wills Eye Conference, which drew ophthalmologists from 16 states and five countries, and the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), the world's largest vision research conference that draws nearly 11,000 vision researchers from over 75 countries.

"Wills Eye produces amazing clinical research through studies that have the potential of changing the standard of care," said Philip Storey, M.D., a surgical retina fellow at Wills Eye who presented his original research at the Wills Eye Conference.

"In our two-year study, we were looking at one of the most commonly performed procedures in ophthalmology, the intravitreal injection, and investigating what's best for the patient in terms of lowering risk of infection through either pre-filled syringes or conventional preparation of medication," Storey added. The research found that the pre-filled syringes achieve safer results at a rate of 1 infection in 9,000 vs. 1 infection in 3,000.

The FDA recently approved pre-filled syringes of Ranibizumab for the treatment of diabetic macular edema. Based on Storey's research, the pre-filled syringe has the potential of decreasing infection for patients with diabetes in this commonly performed procedure. Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness in the U.S. for working-age adults.   

"Wills Eye research improves vision and empowers patients with our vast medical experience and our innovative, collaborative work that may lead to new insights in care," said Allen C. Ho, M.D., Retina Surgeon and Director of Retina Research at Wills Eye Hospital. "Our mission is to lead the way towards better vision for all."

About Wills Eye Hospital
Wills Eye Hospital is a global leader in ophthalmology, established in 1832 as the nation's first hospital specializing in eye care. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks Wills Eye as one of America's top ophthalmology centers since the survey began. Wills Eye has the most nationally ranked ophthalmologists in the country. It is a premier training site for all levels of medical education and its resident and post-graduate training programs are among the most competitive in the country. Wills provides the full range of primary and subspecialty eye care for improving and preserving sight, including cataract, cornea, retina, emergency care, glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmology, ocular oncology, oculoplastics, pathology, pediatric ophthalmology and ocular genetics, and refractive surgery. Ocular Services include the Wills Laser Correction Center, Low Vision Service and Diagnostic Center. Its 24/7 Emergency Service is the only one of its kind in the region. Wills Eye also has a network of nine multi-specialty, ambulatory surgery centers throughout the tristate area. To learn more, please visit WillsEye.org.

Media Contact:
Cathy Moss
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SOURCE Wills Eye Hospital