The paradigm of dry eye treatment is the use of solutions and lubricants applied to the eye. That is, dry eyes require topical medication in the form of artificial tears to restore tear production and comfort. Anything other than this is contrary to belief and intuition and a paradigm shift.
Building on its continuing relationship with International Vision Expo, the American Association of Dispensing Ophthalmologists (AADO) has seen consistently increasing attendance at its educational conferences by both ophthalmologists and their practice and optical dispensary management staff.
Sacramento, CA-As the boom in LASIK surgery recedes, refractive surgeons risk major declines in numbers of patients unless they understand marketing concepts that will help them find and attract potential clients, according to Glenn Hagele.
Practice consultants can be a cost-effective way to get the solution to a problem. They bring specialized knowledge you can "rent" by the hour. But will the advice be worth the cost? Whenever you purchase something expensive, you should ask the same question: What's the return I expect from this investment?
New York-Some antifibrosis drugs and techniques on the horizon appear promising, but more data, especially from controlled human trials, are needed, Paul J. Lama, MD, told those attending the Glaucoma 2006 meeting here.
Editor's Note: During the time I was a resident at Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital (1969-1972), I had the good fortune to work with Byron Capleese Smith, MD. Those who knew him will never forget him, and those who were not able to know him will gain a small glimpse of his persona and his contributions, as written by Christopher Teng, MD. -Norman Medow, MD
Technology is often seen as a means to decrease human interaction. Try calling your bank for an account balance. You may be irritated with the number of buttons you have to push to hear a computerized human voice return the numbers. Or a trip to the automated teller machine enables a simple bank transaction, but eliminates the chitchat with the neighborhood teller. While such technology may lack the "human touch," it does enhance the ability of the company to operate more efficiently.
The academy has created a comprehensive online educational resource center for ophthalmologists. The Ophthalmic News & Education Network or O.N.E. is a powerful resource that will allow the Academy to share more of its resources with ophthalmologists around the world, helping them deliver the best possible eye care.
Operating a small practice may require physicians to wear many hats
Mexico City-Surgical treatment of central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) by the creation of retinochoroidal anastomosis (RCA) may become an effective therapy for some patients with CRVO, according to Hugo Quiroz-Mercado, MD.
Editor's Note: As defined by the FDA, the term "biologics" refers to a wide range of products that includes vaccines, blood and blood components, allergenics, somatic cells, gene therapy, tissues, and recombinant therapeutic proteins, such as monoclonal antibodies and antibody fragments.
For Robert Abel, MD, a curiosity about Eastern philosophy has led to greater balance in his life. Since he began participating in Tai Chi, his life has become more enjoyable and grounded.
There has been a recent trend toward thinner flaps for LASIK to decrease the risk of corneal ectasia following surgery. Other advantages exist as well for patients undergoing thin-flap LASIK.
Approach enables patients to maintain best possible vision with one-time only procedure
The large variety of available OVDs allows the surgeon to tailor the surgery to meet any specific needs a patient may have.
According to Mark Packer, MD, FACS, observations include key data points and clinical implications.
In the past decade, porous orbital implants have become the implant of choice for many surgeons managing the anophthalmic socket after enucleation or evisceration. By permitting fibrovascular ingrowth, these porous implants are better able to resist infection, migration, and extrusion when compared with acrylic or silicone implants.
Important differences exist between the various classes of over-the-counter eye drops. Physicians play a vital role in explaining these differences, as well as their potential implications in the treatment of the symptoms of dry eye and other conditions, to patients. Educating patients about the available formulations not only may expedite the relief of their symptoms but also may save them time and money.
Recently, I have heard oculoplastic surgeons voicing their concerns about the future of our profession. Many advise de-specializing to try to compete with other plastic surgeons. I advise trying to be the best in our area of expertise. We are privileged to be in the best specialty in medicine.
A 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.
Custom-designed, lens-based surgery is a less interventional surgical option.
Using recent history as a guide, will Medicare cut physician payments by 24% in 2014?
The 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.
A 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.
An 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.
Multifocal 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.