News

A recent study showed that moderate to sever dry eye disease can be best treated with anti-inflammatory medications such as topical cyclosporine. According to one ophthalmologist, cyclosporine can significantly limit progression of dry eye disease and should be considered a 'go-to' therapy for this patient population.

An interview with Dr Mark Tomalla about his experience with the Crystalens HD IOL.

Whilst VISION 2020 is a global initiative it always had a focus on Europe too

Drs Belin and Ambrosio's Enhanced Ectasia module is a keratoconus index, based on pachy

Professor Auffarth of Heidelberg University Eye Clinic reports on the results of his implantation of the LENTIS Mplus and explains how the lens works using a new unique optical principle.

Changes of culture and strategy at Pfizer are good news for ophthalmology

A comparison of an older nanoliter osometer and a newer osometer shows that both devices are effective in measuring tear osmolarity and produce comparable measurements.

A Kenyan doctor's perspective

A pioneering model of community health

A look at the VISION 2020 Gender Discussion Group

The MECTIZAN donation programme to fight river blindness

Forty five millon people are blind worldwide, yet 80% of blindness is avoidable

References

According to a report in the August issue of Archives of Ophthalmology, there are eight factors that may predict whether a choroidal nevus-a benign, flat, pigmented growth inside the eye and beneath the retina-may develop into melanoma.

Allergan Inc. expects its ketorolac tromethamine ophthalmic solution 0.45% (Acuvail) to be available in the United States in September. The preservative-free formulation of ketorolac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is indicated for the treatment of pain and inflammation after cataract surgery and received FDA approval at the end of July, the company announced.

Results from the Omeros Corporation for the Phase I/Phase II clinical trial of OMS302, a proprietary combination of an anti-inflammatory agent and an agent that causes pupil dilation (mydriasis) are said to be promising.

Researchers in Cleveland have discovered the first gene associated with the formation of age-related cataracts. EphA2 encodes an enzyme that plays a role in the repair of proteins in the lens of the eye after they become damaged and clump together, according to the investigators.

Partial sections of vision were recently restored to a blind woman's retina through the use of gene therapy.

NicOx S.A. has signed an agreement with Pfizer Inc to reacquire the full development and commercialization rights to PF-03187207, which has completed two phase II studies in patients with primary open angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. As part of this agreement, Pfizer has granted NicOx the right to access and use certain proprietary Xalatan (latanoprost) data.

OcumatRx, an early stage company that is developing a medical device that represents a new concept for the permanent treatment of patients with glaucoma, has announced the successful completion of clinical trials for their first device with favourable preliminary safety and tolerability.

Breaking News from ESCRS

From the Main Stage at ESCRS

According to the J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2009;46:238-240 optic disc oedema is a clinical conundrum which has potential to delay diagnosis and therefore treatment of idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

This month's Ophthalmology, the journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, reports on use of bevacizumab (Avastin), to benefit diabetic patients with macular oedema as well as people who develop cystoid macular oedema after cataract surgery.

ACUVAIL (Allergan), the ketorolac tromethamine ophthalmic solution, which acts as a treatment for inflammation and pain after cataract surgery has been approved by the FDA.

Alcon Inc. announced it has discontinued development of anecortave acetate for the reduction of IOP associated with glaucoma.

Dr Mustafa Guzey and colleagues have found topical cyclosporine A to be effective in treating severe trachomatous dry eye in a recent study published in Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology.

The Egyptian Group of Paediatric Eye Surgery (EGPES) will be hosting the 4th International Symposium of Paediatric Ophthalmology, from 4th to 6th of November 2009, in Alexandria, Egypt.