Week in review: Blue light–filtering IOLs, scaffolding RPE cells, niacin and glaucoma

A weekly roundup of ophthalmic news from around the web.

To reduce new-onset postsurgical glaucoma, try IOLs that filter out blue light. A Finnish real-world study examined whether blue light–filtering (BLF) IOLs had an effect on the incidence of new-onset glaucoma or progression of existing glaucoma following cataract surgery. Of the 11,028 eyes that underwent cataract surgery over a 14-year time period, 316 developed glaucoma in the 1-year postsurgical period. Multivariate analyses showed that eyes implanted with a BLF IOL were significantly less likely to develop glaucoma or need a glaucoma procedure than eyes implanted with a non-BLF IOL. However, in the eyes with preexisting glaucoma, there were no significant differences between the BLF IOL and non-BLF IOL groups in terms of disease progression or glaucoma medication usage. Journal of Glaucoma

Climbing the scaffold: A new method of culturing longer-lasting RPE cells. Investigators in the UK have used 2 types of polymers to create 3D nanofiber scaffolding structures that can support proliferation and maturation of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. As the polymers and scaffolding add structure to these RPE cells, they have longer survival periods (~60 days) than RPE cells cultured by other methods. The authors conclude that “This system shows great potential for development as a substitute [Bruch membrane], providing a synthetic non-toxic biostable support for RPE cell transplantation.” Materials & Design

Taking niacin may lower the risk of glaucoma development, especially for women, according to a retrospective review of data from 5371 participants in the 2005–2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Unadjusted models showed a 6% lower odds of developing glaucoma for every additional 1 mg of regular dietary niacin intake; in women, the odds were reduced by 11% for every additional 1 mg of niacin. Additional studies are needed to further determine the effect of niacin intake on glaucoma pathogenesis. Journal of Glaucoma