Cataract & Refractive

Many patients undergoing phacoemulsification want more than simply cataract extraction. Dr Detlev Breyer says that advances in surgical technique and IOL design have made it possible to satisfy most patients' requirements.

The trend for microincisional procedures is escalating. Dr Boris Malyugin compares SICS and C-MICS.

Dr Gilles Lesieur asks: Do disposable microincision knives or diamond knives provide patients with the best postoperative visual outcome?

BD OcuSeal Liquid Ocular Bandage, a fully synthetic protective barrier to be used for post-surgical, post-traumatic and non-traumatic ocular conditions, has been launched in Europe by BD Medical?Ophthalmic Systems.

When treating post-phacorefractive keratectomy (PRK) discomfort, there are no significant differences in either safety or efficacy between bromfenac twice-daily and ketorolac four times daily, according to a study published in the February issue of the Journal of Refractive Surgery.

According to research analysts it is estimated that as little as five percent of a topically applied drug ever reaches the intraocular tissues due to drug loss as the result of tearing, lacrimal fluid-eye barriers, and blood-ocular barriers.

The eyecare nutritional supplement market is worth $43.4 million and is projected to grow to $87.4 million within five years, according to research by Frost & Sullivan.

Although refractive procedures are wide-ranging - from refractive laser surgery all the way through to cataract surgery with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation - the sensation of dry eye is common to all.

The LV Prasad Eye Institute and Satyam Computer Services Ltd, India, have received a Consumer Health World Award in recognition of their scheme to provide ophthalmology services remotely to rural Indian villages.

The TearLab Osmolarity Core Validation Study, a multicentre international clinical study assessing the efficacy of the TearLab Osmolarity System for the diagnosis of dry eye disease, has been launched by the system's maker, OccuLogix Inc, and sponsored by Alcon.

Pfizer and Bausch & Lomb are to co-promote their prescription eye drugs in the United States, allowing both companies to increase significantly the support for the products, according to a joint statement released by the companies.

The aspheric AcrySof IQ Toric intraocular lens (Alcon Inc) has been approved by the FDA, and will shortly be available to provide improved distance vision to patients with cataract and astigmatism.

The recommendations for 'the use of single use instruments where possible' when performing 'high-risk' surgical procedures, has not only led to a growth in the single use market segment, but has stimulated massive reform in decontamination procedures, creating increased demand globally for reusable instruments due to new processes and longer lead times.

Jordan Kassoff explains why Epi-LASIK now accounts for nearly 100% of his laser vision correction procedures.

Daniel Mojon studies how strabismus affects the sufferer's ability to find a romantic partner.

Mayank Nanavaty & David Spalton evaluate 17 brands of IOL to discover which has the sharpest "square" edge.

George Beiko compares AMO's Tecnis and Alcon's IQ aspheric IOLs to establish which model provides the best vision.

Pablo Artal discusses the use of light-adjustable lenses to increase the predictability of postop refractive outcomes.

A trial of electronic spectacles with dynamic focusing lenses has begun enrolling its first wearers, according to an announcement from the spectacles' manufacturer, PixelOptics Inc.

Insights gained from research into keratoconus using extremely intense x-rays could refine laser surgeries, including LASIK, and may one day even lead to the development of an artificial cornea, according to researchers at Cardiff University, UK.

Patients with nystagmus who posture their head to compensate for the condition tend to suffer restricted neck movements, concluded a study published in the February issue of Eye.

Visalis 100, a surgical cataract treatment system, has been launched by Carl Zeiss Meditec at the All India Ophthalmology Congress (AIOC), held February 5–8 in Jaipur. The system was presented in India as it has been designed specifically to be used by doctors in emerging markets.

The Gebauer SL Keratome, a sterile single-use instrument for performing Epi-LASIK and LASIK surgeries, has received FDA clearance and can now be distributed for sale in the US.

Fungus and microbial infection are the most common causes of infectious scleritis, according to study conclusions published in the February issue of Eye.

Human corneal epithelial cells, grown in the lab, are being used in preclinical trials, evaluating if it is possible to enhance the photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) procedure, according to a statement from the trial organizer, International Stem Cell Corporation (ISCO).