Massachusetts Eye and Ear

Mass Eye and Ear researchers conducted a clinical trial of an oral medication, sodium oxybate—commonly used for narcolepsy—to treat laryngeal dystonia, an often-debilitating condition that affects speech. Inspired by patients who noticed their symptoms eased after drinking alcohol, researchers explored how this medication, which mimics some alcohol effects on the brain, could help. The results? Voice symptoms improved by an average of 41% in patients with alcohol-responsive laryngeal dystonia. Study lead author Kristina Simonyan, MD, PhD, Dr med, vice chair for clinical research and director of laryngology research in the Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at Mass Eye and Ear, shares insights into this breakthrough in the Annals of Neurology. Learn about this innovative step forward in treating speech-related conditions: https://spklr.io/6041xbOX.

New research from Mass Eye and Ear, Tufts Medical Center and Harvard Medical School highlights how electronic consultations (eConsults) in ophthalmology can transform eye care with findings such as: ? 1.6-day average response time ? 93% diagnostic accuracy ? Streamlined triage and reduced unnecessary referrals As demand for ophthalmologists grows, eConsults offer a faster, more efficient way to manage non-urgent eye conditions. Learn more: https://spklr.io/6042xV6w.

There's debate around whether phenylephrine, a common over-the-counter decongestant, provides effective relief when you're stuffed up. So, why might it not be the best choice, and what do doctors recommend instead? “Saline spray is super safe and great to try when you have a cold,” says Linda N. Lee, MD, facial plastic surgeon. Dr. Lee also recommends sleeping with your head elevated, which can help reduce swelling in the turbinates—small structures in the nasal passages that filter and humidify the air. Learn more with Women's Health: https://spklr.io/6047xKct.

Diabetes can impact many parts of the body, including the eyes. Diabetic eye disease—such as diabetic retinopathy, macular edema and glaucoma—can damage vision and, if left untreated, lead to blindness. This #WorldDiabetesDay, Mass Eye and Ear retina specialist Leo Am Kim, MD, PhD, shares insights on diabetic eye disease, including early symptoms, prevention tips and the latest treatment options to help preserve vision. Learn more about managing eye health with diabetes to reduce your risk of complications: https://spklr.io/6042xHMj.

Iva Hoxha, OD, will proudly run the 2025 Boston Marathon? with Team Eye and Ear. Her journey is one of resilience and dedication. After moving from Albania to the U.S. as a young girl, she learned English, dedicated herself to studying, and earned a degree in optometry. Now, she turns to running as a way to recharge and reconnect after a long day. "This is a way to bring my three passions together: patient care, the profession of optometry and fundraising for a better future in eye care,” she says. Read more about her inspiring story with Women In Optometry.

Anand T. N. Kumar, PhD, discovered how to use fluorescence lifetime imaging to distinguish tumor cells from normal tissue. This tech offers 97% accuracy, helping surgeons remove cancer more precisely and preserve healthy tissue. Learn more about the work happening at Mass General Brigham: https://spklr.io/6046xBHw.

This week, we celebrate National Radiologic Technology Week in honor of Wilhelm Conrad R?ntgen's groundbreaking discovery of the x-ray on November 8, 1895. Thank you to our Radiology team for providing superior care in imaging services, including computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), x-ray/fluoroscopic procedures and ENT ultrasound.

One thing doctors know is that glaucoma can be hereditary. “Studies have found that those with a first-degree relative (parent or sibling) diagnosed with glaucoma have between three to 13 times higher risk of developing the disease compared to those who do not have a first-degree relative with glaucoma,” says Inas Aboobakar, MD, glaucoma surgeon. Dr. Aboobakar explains the risks factors to be aware of and signs to watch for if you're at risk for glaucoma. Learn more with Woman's World: https://spklr.io/6043aYoN.

On November 1st, Mass Eye and Ear celebrated 200 years—a milestone honoring a legacy of healing and a future filled with hope. Take a look at some highlights from this special evening, and stay tuned for more memorable moments. https://spklr.io/6046algo

Today, November 1, 2024, marks the 200th Anniversary of Mass Eye and Ear. To commemorate this milestone, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has issued a proclamation honoring Mass Eye and Ear's legacy of advancing patient care and dedication to finding cures and innovative treatments for blindness, deafness, and diseases of the head and neck.