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Hand-held optical coherence tomography device cleared for marketingThe FDA has cleared for marketing a hand-held spectral-domain ophthalmic imaging system that opens new doors to ophthalmologists to diagnose eye disease in infants, children, and disabled adults.
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Inhaled cocaine use linked to nonischemic vascular eventA 42-year-old Hispanic male presented complaining of decreased vision in his left eye. He noted that his vision in that eye had decreased suddenly three weeks earlier. The patient had low hyperopia. His medical, surgical, and family histories were unremarkable. He was using no medications and had no known drug allergies. Although he initially reported no significant social history, after more extensive questioning he admitted to the occasional inhalational use of cocaine. His most recent use was on the day prior to the onset of his visual disturbance.
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Accommodating IOL changes radius of surface curvatureAn accommodating IOL (NuLens, NuLens Ltd.) is one of the most exciting IOL technologies under development and research. This lens differs from single-optic and dual-optic accommodating IOL designs in that it changes its power during accommodative effort not by a movement in IOL optic position, but by a change in the radius of curvature of the optic surface.
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Multifocal ablations are option for correcting presbyopiaMultifocal ablations have been gaining ground for the correction of presbyopia in the past year. Here at the University of Ottawa we have been studying this approach with the VISX STAR S4 excimer laser, with promising results as many patients are able to achieve excellent near and distance acuity.
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Adrenaline RushTaking outdoor activities to an extreme is a way of life for William L. Benedict, MD. Whether it's kayaking, mountain biking, or snow skiing, he is constantly pushing his skills to the limit.
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Evolution brings greater safety profile to phakic IOLsBaltimore-All phakic IOLs are associated with potential problems, although evolution in implant design has been accompanied by declining complication rates, said Walter J. Stark, MD.
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Craniocervical arterial dissection a diagnostic challengeA craniocervical arterial dissection usually results from a tear in the intimal arterial layer. This tear allows the formation of a false lumen containing a clot, which can lead to thromboembolic complications (stroke). If the dissection is subintimal, stenosis of the artery is the likely end result. If it is subadventitial, the result is a "pseudo-aneurysm" (Figure 1).
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Neuroretinitis found to coexist with multiple sclerosisColumbia, MO-Neuroretinitis may be linked to multiple sclerosis in some patients, according to the results of a small case series. Further study, however, is warranted, reported Kyle Williams, MD.
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No consensus: Clinical trials wrestle with role of atropine in treating amblyopiaBaltimore-Amblyopia is a relatively common problem in children, but there is no consensus on the best treatment. Recently, there has been increasing interest in using atropine drops instead of patching, but they are not FDA approved for that indication, said Michael X. Repka, MD.
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Patients taking digoxin may develop color blindnessLondon-Routine testing for color vision deficiency is not a reliable method to detect digoxin toxicity in patients taking the drug for heart failure or other cardiac problems, said J.G. Lawrenson, PhD.
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Double concentration of olopatadine controls allergies all dayWailea, HI-Olopatadine 0.2% (Patanol, Alcon) significantly reduced itching and redness for 24 hours, according to the results of a study presented at the annual meeting of the Western Society of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
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Allergy agent more potent in inhibition of IL-6, tryptaseBoston-Ophthalmic solutions of azelastine HCl (Optivar, Asta Medica/Muro Pharmaceutical Inc., Tewksbury, MA) and olopatadine HCl (Patanol, Alcon Laboratories, Fort Worth, TX) both effectively inhibit the activation of normal cultured human mast cells and the release of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tryptase, and histamine. However, azelastine seemed to be substantially more potent for treating ocular allergy when the two drugs were compared in an in vitro study.
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Inflammatory glaucoma is a management challengeChicago-The diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory glaucoma remain one of the most challenging problems for ophthalmologists, according to Chicago glaucoma specialist Jon M. Ruderman, MD.
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New guidelines focus on medical management of glaucomaMaui, HI-Evidence-based guidelines for the medical management of glaucoma developed by a panel of glaucoma specialists aim to enhance clinical decision-making for the general ophthalmologist, said Anne L. Coleman, MD, PhD, at the annual Royal Hawaiian Eye meeting here.
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Hyperhomocysteinemia may be risk factor for exfoliation syndromeS?o Paulo, Brazil-Hyperhomocysteinemia appears to be associated with exfoliation syndrome and might be a modifiable risk factor for that disorder, said Roberto M. Vessani, MD, who was a glaucoma fellow with Glaucoma Associates of New York and is currently glaucoma preceptor, glaucoma service, department of ophthalmology, University of S?o Paulo, Brazil.
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Gatifloxacin approvedCA-The FDA approval of gatifloxacin ophthalmic solution 0.3% (Zymar, Allergan) marks a milestone as the first fourth-generation fluoroquinolone to enter the ophthalmic market. The therapy for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis caused by susceptible strains of bacteria also has a unique mechanism to prevent development of antibiotic resistance, according to Allergan.
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APAO 2023: Beveled tip probe an all-in-one instrument for retinal detachment vitrectomyYusuke Oshima, MD, PhD, in a presentation at the 38th Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology Congress, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, discussed the advantages of using a beveled-tip ultra-speed probe for complete vitreous shaving during retinal detachment vitrectomies.
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IPL + thermal pulsation: A thorough approach to dry eyeIPL + thermal pulsation: A thorough approach to dry eye
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Old friends and good wineLike many of us, Vance Thompson, MD, loves wine. For Dr. Thompson, director of refractive surgery for Sioux Valley Clinic in Sioux Falls, SD, vacations to California's Napa Valley led to a business opportunity that teaches him much about wine, people, and business.
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Single-use microkeratome results similar to reusable bladeS?o Paulo-A comparative study has demonstrated that the M2 130 Single-Use microkeratome (Moria, Antony, France) performs identically to its reusable counterpart, the conventional M2 110. In addition, the Single-Use microkeratome is significantly easier to use and allows greater visibility, according to Renato A. Neves, MD, director of Eye Care Oftalmologia LASER Vision Centers here.
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Tonometer challenges standard with corneal hysteresisUse of drugs and drainage implants also improves trabeculectomy outcomes
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Software upgrade advances torsional ultrasoundA phacoemulsification software upgrade further enhances safety, efficiency, and control for surgeons performing torsional ultrasound with proprietary handpiece and phaco system.
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Final Pearls on Managing Dry Eye Patients With ComorbiditiesOphthalmologists end their discussion on the management of dry eye disease with other ocular comorbidities highlighting key takeaways and prospective advances in care and outcomes.
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Joey Gase named ambassador by National Keratoconus FoundationThe National Keratoconus Foundation has named NASCAR driver Joey Gase as Ambassador.
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Lambda technique offers surgeons safe, rapid phaco methodAlmost all current phacoemulsification techniques involve both the breaking up of the nucleus into pieces and phacoemulsification. The mainstream techniques in current implementation are the divide-and-conquer method and the chopping techniques. The Lambda technique is an innovative implementation of the divide-and-conquer technique.
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Prescription services added to Medicare coverageWashington, DC-The addition of insurance coverage for prescription drugs in the Medicare Prescription Drug and Modernization Act signed by President Bush is being called an historic victory for seniors.
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Ocular allergy control possible with once-daily dosingNiagara Falls, Ontario-Switching to once-daily instillation of nedocromil sodium 2% ophthalmic solution (Alocril, Allergan) is an effective alternative for maintaining control of ocular symptoms of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis after acute relief is obtained with twice-daily administration, according to an environmental study conducted by Michael Alexander, MD.
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HLA-B27-associated anterior uveitis a common presentationEditor's Note: Anterior uveitis is the most common type of intraocular inflammation. Among patients with inflammation localized primarily to the anterior chamber, 50% or more are HLA-B27 positive. Inaddition, a number of these patients with HLA-B27-associated anterior uveitis have, or will develop, an associated systemicdisorder such as ankylosing spondylitis,reactive arthritis (formerly known asReiter's syndrome), inflammatory bowel disease, or psoriatic arthritis.
