Cheryl Guttman

When data were analyzed from 25 patients who reached the 18-month visit in a phase II trial evaluating epiretinal brachytherapy (EpiRad90 Ophthalmic System, NeoVista) with bevacizumab (Avastin, Genentech), they demonstrated that the novel combination was associated with a significant gain in vision, an acceptable safety profile, and with minimal need for additional anti-VEGF treatment beyond an initial two injections.

Results of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) study of endophthalmitis prophylaxis do not appear to have had a significant effect on the practices of U.S. cataract surgeons.

The Bimatoprost Data Evaluation was a prospective, multicenter, investigator-masked study that randomly assigned 266 patients whose IOP was not adequately controlled with latanoprost 0.005% (Xalatan, Pfizer) to bimatoprost 0.03% (Lumigan, Allergan) or travoprost 0.004% (Travatan, Alcon Laboratories).

Two Canadian multicenter, randomized trials compared fixed-combination treatment with 0.2% brimonidine/0.5% timolol against 2.0% dorzolamide/0.5% timolol.

Two models of a 24-karat gold implant are being evaluated in a prospective, randomized study enrolling patients with refractory glaucoma.

The safety of endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation for the treatment of glaucoma is being investigated prospectively in a multicenter study.

A trabecular micro-bypass stent is being evaluated for the treatment of refractory open-angle glaucoma in a prospective, multicenter study.

A review of outcomes from 498 eyes that have undergone trabeculectomy ab interno surgery with a novel ablative device (Trabectome, NeoMedix) for open-angle glaucoma show that the procedure is very safe and maintains IOP in the range of 14 to 16 mm Hg.

Canaloplasty is being evaluated in a prospective study that enrolled 94 patients who were candidates for glaucoma surgery. The procedure was performed successfully in 74 patients (79%). Mean follow-up for the group is about 12 months, and more than half of the patients have been followed to 18 months. The results show well-controlled IOP and minimal complications.

Although 2007 did not present groundbreaking news for the specialty of glaucoma, several small advances occurred-particularly in the area of diagnostics. In addition, some new or investigational surgical modalities are showing promise as safe and effective methods for controlling IOP. The year also was a time for consolidation as specialists took stock of emerging knowledge, reassessed existing dogma, and determined what directions to pursue in the future.

There are doubts that Genentech is stopping bevacizumab sales to compounding pharmacies purely because of FDA-raised concerns and also by the company's recent history, which includes a series of disturbing actions. However, comments made by a Genentech executive in a personal appearance after the closing session of the Retina Subspecialty Day at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) together with assurances provided by Genentech in an earlier meeting between several of its leaders and representatives from the AAO and the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) offered some hope that the impending threat of lack of access to bevacizumab (Avastin) may have a satisfactory resolution.

The year 2007 was successful for cataract surgery; many developments in technology and pharmaceuticals provided benefits to surgeons and their patients, and others to come promise even better things to come. Only the ongoing story of fee reductions from Medicare seems able to temper the positive outlook of cataract surgeons.

An international phase III study is well under way evaluating the efficacy and safety of an innovative intravitreal insert of fluocinolone acetonide (Medidur, Alimera Sciences and Psivida Inc.) for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME).

Preferential hyperacuity perimetry (PHP; Foresee PHP, Notal Vision/ MSS) is innovative diagnostic technology uniquely able to detect the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) from the intermediate stage to neovascular disease, according to Michael Elman, MD.

Las Vegas-Early results from the ongoing prospective Advanced Imaging for Glaucoma Study (AIGS; see www.AIGStudy.net) indicate that Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT; also called spectral-domain OCT) is a valuable addition for glaucoma diagnosis, according to research presented here at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Las Vegas-Combined phacoemulsifi-cation with endocyclophotocoagulation (phaco-ECP) can be beneficial for patients with medically controlled glaucoma who are undergoing cataract surgery, according to long-term follow-up results, said Stanley J. Berke, MD, FACS, at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Baltimore-Results from the Amblyopia Treatment Study 3 (ATS3) support offering amblyopia treatment to children aged 7 to 12 years and considering it as well for children aged as many as 17 years who have not been treated previously, reported Michael X. Repka, MD, at the Current Concepts in Ophthalmology meeting here.

Las Vegas-Combined phacoemulsification with endocyclophotocoagulation (phaco-ECP) can be beneficial for patients with medically controlled glaucoma who are undergoing cataract surgery, according to long-term follow-up results, said Stanley J. Berke, MD, FACS, at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Baltimore-Results from the Amblyopia Treatment Study 3 (ATS3) support offering amblyopia treatment to children aged 7 to 12 years and considering it as well for children aged as many as 17 years who have not been treated previously, reported Michael X. Repka, MD, at the Current Concepts in Ophthalmology meeting here.

Charleston, SC-Use of a particular computer-driven microkeratome (Amadeus II with EpiBlade, Advanced Medical Optics) results in a better-quality separation of the corneal epithelium compared with an alcohol-assisted technique, according to a laboratory study reported by Luis E. Fernandez de Castro, MD.

Minneapolis-Three-month results from a retrospective study of LASIK cases performed using the 30-kHz femtosecond laser (IntraLase FS 30, IntraLase Corp.) or a particular microkeratome (Hansatome, Bausch & Lomb) for flap creation indicate that both procedures are associated with excellent efficacy and safety but suggest some benefits for the all-laser surgery, reported Elizabeth A. Davis, MD, FACS, clinical assistant professor of ophthalmology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, and a partner in Minnesota Eye Consultants.

Belleville, NJ-Azelastine HCl ophthalmic solution 0.05% (Optivar, MedPointe Pharmaceuticals) offers safe and effective relief of ocular symptoms associated with seasonal/intermittent and perennial/persistent allergic conjunctivitis. In addition, the treatment is an important adjuvant in patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis who may be receiving oral or intranasal medication to control their rhinitis, said John Favetta, MD.

Lynbrook, NY-Ketotifen fumarate ophthalmic solution 0.025% (Zaditor, Novartis) offers potent, fast-acting treatment for the signs and symptoms of ocular allergy with excellent safety and the convenience of availability as an over-the-counter (OTC) medication, said Marguerite B. McDonald, MD.

Maui, HI-Results of a double-masked, randomized, placebo-controlled study demonstrated olopatadine 0.2% (Pataday, Alcon Laboratories) was more effective for preventing allergen-induced ocular itching and redness than epinastine 0.05% (Elestat, Inspire Pharmaceuticals and Allergan). In addition, the new higher-concentration formulation of olopatadine was more comfortable than epinastine, reported Francis S. Mah, MD, here at the annual meeting of the Western Society of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

Wantagh, NY-Results of a multicenter, randomized, open-label study demonstrate that twice-daily epinastine HCl 0.05% ophthalmic solution (Elestat, Inspire Pharmaceuticals and Allergan) has significant value compared with use of rewetting drops only for improving comfort among allergy patients suffering with contact lens intolerance.

Las Vegas-Refractive lens exchange (RLE) is associated with an increased burden of informed consent disclosure because of the complex issues, both current and future, accompanying that procedure, said Douglas D. Koch, MD, at the Refractive Sur-gery Subspecialty Day during the American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting.

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia-Multizone LASIK with peripheral near zone ablation to correct presbyopia together with myopia or hyperopia is safe, effectively corrects spherical error, and improves near vision but without offering a high rate of spectacle independence, according to a study from refractive surgeons here at the Magrabi Hospital.

Las Vegas-Marcelo V. Netto, MD, was presented with the 16th annual Troutman Award at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He received the award as lead author of a paper that described the findings from wavefront analysis in a population of normal refractive surgery patients [Netto MV, et al. J Refract Surg. 2005;21:332-338].

Minneapolis-A new phacoemulsification system (Stellaris Vision Enhancement System, Bausch & Lomb) is state-of-the-art technology designed to meet the current and future needs of the contemporary phaco surgeon and surgical staff, according to Elizabeth A. Davis, MD.

Las Vegas-Experience with a toxic anterior segment syndrome (TASS) outbreak has reinforced several important points about TASS prevention, treatment, and outbreak investigation, said Stanley J. Berke, MD, at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO).