Optometry

Pieris AG and Allergan will collaborate in the development of agents to treat serious ocular disorders, Pieris has announced.

The FDA has granted 510(k) clearance to a new digital fundus camera (TRC-NW7SF Mark II, Topcon Medical Systems), according to its manufacturer.

The FDA has approved a new drug application (NDA) for ganciclovir ophthalmic gel 0.15% (Zirgan, Sirion Therapeutics) as a treatment for acute herpetic keratitis (dendritic ulcers), the company announced.

Protection of the eye is the most important issue to address in patients with facial nerve paralysis because corneal damage can result from increased surface exposure and disruption of the tear film. Management of facial nerve palsy depends on an individual's prognosis for recovery. Most patients will have spontaneous, complete recovery.

The joint meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology will be held Oct. 24 through 27 in San Francisco.

Abbott expands its vision-care portfolio with the announcement of a definitive agreement to acquire Visiogen Inc., maker of a dual-optic accommodating lens (Synchrony).

Corticosteroids remain the primary treatment for inflammatory diseases that involve the eye and orbit. However, side effects and treatment failures have provided the impetus for the use of safer and more specific immunosuppressive agents. The selection of a specific agent will depend on multiple factors. The next step in the use and development of alternative immune agents will likely involve both the identification of inflammatory conditions that are most responsive to a particular agent and identifying patient-specific factors that might predict a response to that agent.

The recent FDA approval of bepotastine besilate ophthalmic solution 1.5% (Bepreve, ISTA Pharmaceuticals) as a twice-daily prescription eye drop treatment for ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis gives clinicians an additional treatment option, one with multiple mechanisms of action and a rapid onset of action.

A new hypothesis about the development of age-related macular degeneration points to a role of age-depleted steroidal hormones. An ophthalmologist discusses the evidence supporting this idea.

In this editorial, one movie teaches two people life lessons about trust and money. These issues also seem to be the center of debate about the U.S. health care system.

For now, the most effective way to prevent or manage diabetic retinopathy remains taking a proactive approach to controlling blood glucose levels and hypertension in patients.

ISTA Pharmaceuticals has announced preliminary results from two recently completed studies of its investigational eye drop, prednisolone acetate 1.0% and tobramycin 0.3% (T-Pred).

Travis Meredith, MD, has been elected as the new president of the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology (AUPO), which is composed of department chairmen, residency directors, and research directors of ophthalmology departments in the United States and Canada, according to a prepared statement.

Bausch & Lomb intends to consolidate its worldwide contact lens manufacturing and proposes to begin moving most of its global contact lens production to its existing sites in Waterford, Ireland, and Rochester, NY, according to a prepared statement. ??

LenSx Lasers Inc. announced that the FDA has granted 510(k) clearance for its femtosecond laser used for anterior capsulotomy during cataract surgery.

Heidelberg Engineering has two new models in its family of multimodality ophthalmic imaging devices (Spectralis).

Abbott has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Visiogen Inc. for $400 million in cash, providing the company with a next-generation accommodating IOL technology (Synchrony), according to a prepared statement.

The FDA has approved bepotastine besilate ophthalmic solution 1.5% (Bepreve, ISTA Pharmaceuticals) as a twice-daily prescription eye drop treatment for ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis.

Alcon has announced in a prepared statement that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire ESBATech AG, a Swiss biotechnology company.

Pieris AG announced that it has entered into a collaboration agreement with Allergan Inc. that will combine Pieris' proprietary anticalin technology with Allergan's drug delivery and ophthalmic drug development with a goal of developing agents for the treatment of serious ocular disorders.

Sirion Therapeutics Inc. announced the FDA approval of its new drug application for ganciclovir ophthalmic gel 0.15% (Zirgan) as a treatment for acute herpetic keratitis. The FDA granted orphan drug designation to the gel for this indication in April 2007.

The recession has affected medical practices, causing many to look at how money is spent. This five-partner practice cuts expenses creatively by not overlooking small details and has been able to prevent employee layoffs.

Many, if not most, ophthalmologists have at least entertained the idea of obtaining a master of business administration degree. This three-part series is designed to provide guidance through the process. The first steps involve the realization of goals, the return on investment, and the application process.

Fellow ophthalmologists and business partners are mourning the loss of Jeffrey P. Gilbard, MD, 55, whose career was filled with innovative ideas and solutions for treating dry eye disease.

Despite the economy, there still are many patients who will be interested in premium frame collections. With premium frames you can offer patients luxury, technology, and fashion.

Adair Eyewear, a family owned eyewear retailer, has launched an online reading glass boutique called TrendyReaders.com.

San Francisco is nearly synonymous with a high cost of living. The advent and financial success of the early years of the Internet revolution still lures high-income folks to the city by the bay. Property values and household income are among the top in the nation, which enables a profitable restaurant and entertainment scene.

Ophthalmologists should take a proactive approach toward the screening, management, and early treatment of diabetic retinopathy.

A new lens has been introduced into the market (iZon SL Lenses in Transitions VI, Ophthonix) that provides an ultraviolet-light-activated, changeable tint that can offer many HD vision benefits, including better vision in low luminance and intermediate contrast conditions.

Vision Expo West takes place from Sept. 30 to Oct. 3 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center, Las Vegas.