Pediatrics

Among the 233 sessions dedicated to retina, almost 75 are free papersand symposia sessions. The Editorial Advisory Board of OphthalmologyTimes reviewed the retina abstracts to be presented at this year's meeting.Some of the board's selections are highlighted here.

Rochester, MN-In young children with severe amblyopia, 6 hours of prescribed patching per day appears to be as effective as full-time prescribed patching when both are combined with 1 hour of near activity, according to the recently published results of the Amblyopia Treatment Study of patching regimens for severe amblyopia.

Morgantown, WV-Amblyopia due to stimulus deprivation differs from other forms of amblyopia in several ways. Research relating to deprivation amblyopia has resulted in increased understanding of the anatomic changes of amblyopia, guidance for treatment of amblyopia in general, and an improved definition of the concept of a critical period of visual development, said Terry L. Schwartz, MD.

Miami-Treating glaucoma in pregnant patients requires additional considerations. Patients with glaucoma should be advised that, although the risk to the fetus and patient is low, treatment is not without risk.

Baltimore-The use of systemic medications in uveitis therapy often is associated with superior outcomes, and the best results are likely when physicians adhere to proper dosing techniques and closely monitor patients for side effects, said Douglas A. Jabs, MD, MBA.

Editor's Note: Due to the large volume of information presented at the Angiogenesis 2004 meeting, this article is an overview of many of the presentations. Ophthalmology Times will provide greater detail of many of the sessions in upcoming issues.

At this time many of you will be attending or about to attend the American Association of Dispensing Ophthalmologists (AADO) 10th Dispensing Ophthalmology Conference March 25 to 28 at International Vision Expo East, New York. Your participation in the largest optical and educational show can be even more beneficial if you take the time to prepare in advance.

Anaheim, CA-Infection after LASIK is uncommon, but when it happens, the consequences can be devastating, said Eduardo C. Alfonso, MD, at the International Society of Refractive Surgery/American Academy of Ophthalmology subspecialty day meeting.

Mountain View, CA-Add Mississippi to the list of states whose Medicare administrators will pay for transpupillary thermother-apy (TTT) treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

New York-For 4 days in March, New York City's Jacob K. Javits Convention Center will be transformed into a gigantic dispensary featuring more than 600 international exhibitors and 100 new product launches.

Adding an optical dispensary to an existing ophthalmology practice can be a profitable and exciting venture, but one that must be organized carefully and executed deliberately. Ophthalmologists must plan-from the dispensary's inception to construction-exactly where everything will be and how it will appear to their patients.

Anaheim, CA-Surgeons and patients often consider refractive surgery to be a one-time intervention. A patient may have had RK or LASIK and possibly an enhancement, but then the doctor-patient relationship ended. This is no longer the case, nor should it be, explained George O. Waring III, MD, who delivered the keynote speech on refractive re-treatments during the International Society of Refractive Surgery/American Academy of Ophthalmology subspecialty day meeting.

Editor's Note: In 1896 Alexander Duane, MD, author of the Student's Medical Dictionary, defined hay fever, otherwise known as hay asthma, as "a violent acute inflammation or congestion of the conjunctiva, nasal and bronchial mucous membranes, recurring at about the same time every spring or summer in those predisposed to it. It is apparently caused by inhalation of the pollen of certain plants and relieved by migration to a locality where the pollen is not found." This definition is concise and still valid today. The history of ocular allergy, and hay fever in particular, is rich and interesting, with astute

San Francisco-The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) will induct its first woman president in 2005, when president-elect Susan H. Day, MD, moves up to that position.

Lens designers and manufacturers are constantly searching for the perfect progressive addition lens. They strive to design the most comfortable lens both optically and cosmetically. This combination of both equals a lens that is thin, light, and versatile for all lifestyle activities, while delivering the sharpest visual acuity possible without noticeable power shifts in every meridian. Ophthalmic professionals don't have to wait for tomorrow for this technologically advanced progressive lens. It's here today.

When a decision is made to prescribe a topical beta-blocker for monotherapy or as an add-on agent, timolol hemihydrate (Betimol, Santen) offers many advantages that may make it an excellent option.

Jacksonville, FL-VISTAKON, a division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Inc., is offering an array of educational materials to help eye-care professionals instruct patients about eye health and run their practices more efficiently.

Apathy is defined in Webster's unabridged dictionary as "a lack of interest, or indifference." Apathy, coupled with an unwillingness to get involved or to speak out on issues, is endemic among the medical profession.

Rochester, NY-For pediatric ophthalmologist Gary D. Markowitz, MD, having an ophthalmic dispensary has been a positive experience in terms of patient service as well as practice growth.

For clinicians, the Internet can become a valuable tool for disseminating information on their practices and, ultimately, in attracting new patients.

"Give a man a fish and he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish and he eats for a lifetime."

San Francisco-The American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS) is offering its annual "I Care for Eye Care" calendar and note cards, featuring children's artwork from all over the world.

Editor's Note: Although less common than uveitis in adults, uveitis in children can present unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Emmett T. Cunningham Jr., MD, PhD, MPH, editor of the "Uveitis Update" column in Ophthalmology Times, asked a panel of uveitis specialists to comment on various aspects of the condition in this roundtable discussion. Their comments have been edited for length and clarity.

In the past, ophthalmologists have had the luxury of viewing themselves as specialized surgical and medical care providers and have not been driven to include a retail profit center, such as an optical dispensary, in their practice.

For ophthalmologists who have decided to add an optical dispensary to their offices, the process of designing and equipping the space can be a daunting experience. Far more than just attaching frame display racks to the walls, the optical dispensary should be coordinated and blended with the decor and design of the rest of the office. It should also be designed for maximum efficiency and represent the doctors' aesthetic tastes.

Mount Airy, NC-Hugh L. Hennis III, MD, makes housecalls throughout rural western North Carolina without leaving his chair.

Fort Lauderdale, FL-Cyclosporine A drops may be an effective treatment for Thygeson's superficial punctate keratitis (SPK) over the long term. It is especially useful in patients whose disease does not respond to treatment with steroids or those whose disease responds to steroids and who have elevated IOP levels, according to the results of a U.K. study reported at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology.

Fort Lauderdale, FL-Ketotifen fumarate 0.025% ophthalmic solution (Zaditen/Zaditor, Novartis Ophthalmics) is safe for use in a pediatric population with allergic conjunctivitis, according to H. Jerome Crampton, MD.

Fort Lauderdale, FL-Topical loteprednol etabonate 0.5% (Lotemax, Bausch & Lomb) instilled four times daily may be beneficial to treat patients who have keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) with at least a moderate inflammatory component.

Fort Worth, TX-Alcon Inc. is teaming with the Vision Council of America (VCA) to stress the importance of eye exams for school-age children as part of the "Check Yearly. See Clearly" national vision health awareness initiative.