VEGF Trap-Eye, Regeneron's treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), has demonstrated improved visual acuity (VA) and reduced biological markers of neovascular disease at one year of follow-up, according to final Phase II results presented at this year's Scientific Meeting of the Retina Society, held September 26–28 in Scottsdale, Arizona, US.
NeoVista's epiretinal brachytherapy for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) increases the visual acuity of eyes treated with bevacizumab (Avastin) at 18 months, according to Phase II study results announced on September 29th at this year's Scientific Meeting of the Retina Society in Scotsdale, Arizona, US.
Optical is just as good as digital pachymetry say Mohammed Hassan & Ali Yagan
Red wavelength should not be forgotten, Professor Michael Stur advises.
News In Focus, October 2008
An article authored by Josef Reiter, MD, titled "My way to Epi-LASIK", which appeared in the July/August issue of Ophthalmology Times Europe, contained an error on page 20.
Outcomes are equivalent to or better than femtosecond procedures, says Dr Richard Duffey
Eighteen-month results confirm safety & efficacy says Dr Norbert Koerber.
Dr James Tsai outlines key points to ensure a good outcome.
European Ophthalmology, the social networking group for European ophthalmologists created and moderated by Ophthalmology Times Europe, has recently launched its new discussion forum.
New techniques are better than traditional cross-linking, according to Dr Massimo Lombardi
News from the ophthalmology industry, October 2008
In this month's issue, we take a look at the impact of eye disease from a patient's point of view.
Bausch & Lomb and Schwind are following the latest industry trend by forming strategic alliances with femtosecond laser manufacturers 20/10 Perfect Vision and Ziemer Ophthalmic Systems, respectively.
John Morrow discusses the potential applications of stem cell therapy in retina disease treatment
You can leave the epithelium intact, say Dr Roberto Pinelli and Dr Tarek El Beltagi
Daily treatment with pirenzepine gel can slow the rate of progressive myopia in children, according to a study published in the August issue of the Journal of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus.
Don't deny patients access to care known to be effective say Ken Bradley & Timothy Gels
Dr George Beiko advises on how to prepare patients for the gradual postoperative changes
David Bailey, president of international operations at Staar Surgical, makers of the Visian ICL & TICL, says ICL technology allows surgeons to differentiate themselves in the slowing LASIK marketplace. Mr Bailey was speaking at a media briefing during this year's congress of the ESCRS in Berlin, Germany.
A camera the size and shape of a human eye could have a diverse range of applications, including being used as a retinal implant and in brain monitoring and cardiac stimulation, according to research published in Nature.
Product watch, October 2008
Vaccines may have a role to play against corneal and external ocular disease, because of their success in preventing systemic diseases, according to a presentation given during Cornea Day at the annual meeting of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery earlier this year.
Survey reveals ophthalmologists' concerns relating to BAK-containing eye drops and the incidence of dry eye
US documentary film director Joseph Lovett discusses his latest film project, which he hopes will change public and ophthalmologists' perception of blindness.
A drug that has traditionally been used to treat cardiovascular conditions has shown promise in the treatment and prevention of diabetic retinopathy. The claim was based on data from a large-scale programme assessing the effect of an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) on the incidence and progression of diabetic eye disease. Findings from the study will be published in The Lancet.
Dr Marguerite McDonald believes preoperative treatment of dry eye limits complications
ORBIS International's Flying Eye Hospital has completed an intensive two-week training programme for approximately 40 ophthalmology residents in Harbin, China.
The UK's medical reimbursement governing body, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), is to reimburse Lucentis (ranibizumab; Novartis) jointly with Novartis under a dose-capping scheme, reversing NICE's earlier, much derided, decision not to reimburse the drug.
The discovery of the first gene known to be associated with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has significant implications for the prevention and treatment of the condition, according to a study published in the October 2, 2008 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.