Artificial intelligence (AI) has delivered remarkable achievements: near human-level image classification, handwriting transcription and speech recognition. Google Trend shows a recent boom in interest in AI, machine learning (ML) and deep learning, especially in published medical texts (Fig 1) as a
Current glaucoma treatment focuses on the reduction of intraocular pressure, via medical management, laser trabeculoplasty or surgery. However, a significant number of patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), the most common type of glaucoma in New Zealand, will progress to visual impairmen
Relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD) is one of the more important clinical signs in neuro-ophthalmic examination. Quite often its presence is the only objective sign of unilateral or asymmetric
Ocular surface infestation with Demodex mites is recognised as a significant risk factor for the development of chronic blepharitis. Although 50% tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) is currently the
Down Syndrome (DS), trisomy of chromosome 21, is one of the most common genetic causes of intellectual disability. It affects 50-80 newborns annually in New Zealand, with advanced maternal age being the primary risk factor. This article encompasses the ophthalmic impairment and clinical consideratio
Orbital cellulitis is an uncommon but serious ophthalmic emergency that is potentially sight threatening. In Australasia, community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) associated orbital cellulitis was first noted in Brisbane in 20091. Ophthalmic MRSA-associated infection
Corneal transplantation is the most common form of tissue transplant in New Zealand with more than 300 cases performed annually. As widely-known, the primary indication for corneal transplantation in New Zealand over the last 25 years is keratoconus¹. Fortunately, keratoconus as an indication is typ
Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is a disorder most commonly seen in association with autoimmune thyroid disease and it is characterised by orbital inflammation leading to cicatricial soft-tissue changes. The majority of patients present with mild disease but 5% of cases suffer debilitating f
A great deal has been learnt in the last 10 years about the prevention of cataract endophthalmitis, making it a relatively uncommon complication in New Zealand. While it is difficult to isolate all the factors that account for this change in frequency, there are interesting parallels with other type
Caffeine is a popular psychostimulant that acts as an adenosine receptor antagonist at physiological concentrations. It is the most widely used drug in history, consumed daily by more than 70% of New
Developing new drugs for the treatment of ocular diseases can be a time-consuming and costly undertaking. The trip from laboratory to market can take anywhere between 10 to 20 years and will cost around US$1 billion. Fig 1 outlines a breakdown of the 2013 United States Food and Drug Administration
Iris naevi are common, making up to 63% of melanocytic iris tumours found in adults1. In contrast, iris melanomas are rare, making up only 2-8% of all uveal melanomas2. Most are believed to arise from iris naevi, with an estimated transformation rate of 4% over 10 years, and 11% over 20 years3. Iris
