Eyeworld

EW NEWS & OPINION April 2016 49 Editors' note: Dr. Tkatchenko has no financial interests related to his comments. therapeutics to reduce progression of myopia or even protect from myopia completely." Right now investigators are trying to study an area of APLP2 known as the promoter region to see how they can change the expression of the gene in vivo, he continued. "Also, we are conducting a drug screen and trying to identify drug compounds that would influence expression of APLP2," he said. "If we can modulate expression of APLP2, we can develop a gene-specific drug, which can be used in children to protect them from myopia." This is the first example where there is an actual gene to target. Dr. Tkatchenko hopes practi- tioners come away from the study with the understanding that there is an interaction between the visual environment and genetic factors in developing myopia. "We know that reading can cause myopia in certain children who have increased genetic susceptibility to myopia," he said. While he is hopeful that a preventative drug will ultimately be available in the next 5 or 10 years, the question becomes what can be done now. Dr. Tkatchenko recommends helping children by reducing expo- sure to the degradation of optical input. This means making sure that they are reading in well-lit areas so as to increase contrast on the page. He also recommends having them spend time away from near work outside for a couple of hours a day. "If they spend at least 2 hours a day outside, there is a significant reduc- tion in the number of children with myopia and the extent of myopia," he said. Going forward, Dr. Tkatchenko hopes to see more research done on myopia development. "We need to be able to identify vulnerable children at an early age, and we need to be able to treat those who are vulnerable so that they won't de- velop myopia even though they are predisposed to it," he said. "We still need to do a lot of research before we can develop a comprehensive genetic test, but we are moving in that direction." EW Reference 1. Tkatchenko AV, et al. APLP2 regulates refractive error and myopia development in mice and humans. PLoS Genet. 2015 Aug 27; 11(8):e1005432. M&S holds US Patents 7,354,155; 7,926,948; 8,425,040; 8,167,429; 8,419,184 & 8,550,631. Other Patents Pending. ©2016 M&S Technologies, Inc. Smart System and M&S are registered trademarks of M&S Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved. www.mstech-eyes.com 1-877-225-6101 YEARS Service in a Second MANUFACTURED IN THE USA When your practice has a need – it's immediate. Not tomorrow, not through a call center off-shore, not via an online request form. And, you're not wanting half answers, or to be transferred around or put on hold forever. We understand. M&S Technologies has the right team standing by, ready to meet your every service need. Whether it's an urgent order, a technical support question, or a feature inquiry, we'll have you back on track in no time! See us at the ASCRS/ASOA Meeting in New Orleans, Booth 1227! Contact information Tkatchenko: avt2130@cumc.columbia.edu

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