Predicting glaucoma onset: AIG identifies prognostic value for FD-OCT
February 1st 2015Analyses of data from the Advanced Imaging for Glaucoma Study showed many Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography parameters were significant risk factors for glaucoma onset in eyes that were glaucoma suspect or had pre-perimetric glaucoma.
Laser-assisted procedure brings ease, precision, safety to deep sclerectomy
February 1st 2015CO2 laser-assisted sclerectomy surgery performed with a proprietary platform offers an effective and safer alternative to manual non-penetrating deep sclerectomy procedure for the management of medically uncontrolled open-angle glaucoma.
Computer-guided treatment delivery builds on benefits of SLT
February 1st 2015Pattern scanning laser trabeculoplasty uses computer guidance for precise delivery of laser spots to the trabecular meshwork. At 6 months post-treatment, percentage IOP reduction was similar in eyes undergoing PSLT performed with a 577-nm laser compared with selective laser trabeculoplasty using a 532-nm laser.
What dying wishes or regrets might ophthalmologists have?
February 1st 2015When faced with a particularly difficult decision, Alastair Mitchell Mitchell uses the “big red bus test.” He thinks about walking out of his building in London and crossing the street, only to turn and see that one of those monstrous London double-decker red buses is literally about to flatten him and send him to the hereafter. In the brief instant before the bus hits him, he wonders what would be the thing that he would most regret not having accomplished. The answer to this question should guide prioritization of the efforts of a successful chief executive officer, businessman, or (presumably) ophthalmologist.
Subretinal fluid protective of vision, CATT study finds
February 1st 2015Subretinal fluid was associated with better visual acuity, whereas greater thickness of the subretinal tissue complex was associated with worse visual acuity in the second year of the Comparison of Age-related Macular Degeneration Treatment Trials.
Adherence, persistence of glaucoma drug superior among prior latanoprost users
February 1st 2015Adherence and persistence among patients prescribed bimatoprost 0.03% or bimatoprost 0.01% was investigated using pharmacy claims data, and the results showed statistically significant differences favoring bimatoprost 0.01%.
Microbypass trabecular stent delivers significant, durable efficacy
February 1st 2015Follow-up to 3 years in a study of eyes undergoing combination cataract surgery with implantation of a single microbypass trabecular stent shows a 36% reduction from baseline mean medicated IOP and 84% reduction in daily medication use.
Brinzolamide/brimonidine demonstrates broad efficacy in subgroup analyses
February 1st 2015The protocols for the pivotal trials establishing the efficacy of the brinzolamide 1%/brimonidine 0.2% fixed combination included pre-planned analyses of subgroups defined by IOP and demographic characteristics.
Joel Schuman, MD, discusses Glaucoma 360 and the Catalyst for a Cure
January 31st 2015Joel Schuman, MD, FACS, director of the UPMC Eye Center at the University of Pittsburgh, discusses the upcoming Glaucoma 360 meeting and the Catalyst for a Cure. The meeting is planned for Feb. 5-7 in San Francisco. Both programs are part of Glaucoma Research Foundation's mission to prevent vision loss from glaucoma by investing in innovative research.
Interim study results favor femtosecond laser astigmatic keratotomy procedure
January 27th 2015Preliminary results from a single center phase IV study support the safety and efficacy of femtosecond laser astigmatic keratotomy in patients undergoing cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange, said Pavel Stodulka, MD, PhD.
Study: complementary, alternative meds for glaucoma show no benefit, harm
January 20th 2015Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a multibillion-dollar industry in the United States, and the fact that it lacks regulatory oversight creates some cause for concern. However, when it comes to glaucoma, it appears that CAM use is modest and mostly benign, but also backed by little evidence of efficacy, said Derek S. Welsbie, MD, PhD.
Expert hints: 7 ways to avoid HIPAA violations via social media
January 17th 2015These days, social media is king. Everything has become shareable and information can be passed along with just a click of a post or tweet button. But what happens if someone posts their negative feelings about your clinic, your staff, or even you online for the world to see? What if a patient desperately needs answers to their eye issue and reaches out to you via Facebook or Twitter for an answer? These scenarios can quickly turn into violations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) if handled incorrectly.In this Q&A with Misti Buard, a certified marketing coach, we delve into everything physicians need to know to prevent HIPAA violations via social media.
Why intensive diagnostic evaluation, management of peripheral ulcerative keratitis is a must
January 6th 2015Peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK) is a complex, sight-threatening inflammatory disease that requires multimodal treatment. Corticosteroids are considered the mainstay, but a variety of other interventions are used to prevent progression and promote healing. Identification of any underlying cause is also important for directing therapeutic intervention, said Radhika Tandon, MD.
Specialty physicians need to look at EHR platforms differently
January 1st 2015The move toward specialty specific cloud-based EHR and practice management software platforms is real and will happen. It’s no longer a question of if, but when. An overhaul of EHR platforms to offer systems that cater to specific medical practices is needed. For specialty physicians, the shift cannot come soon enough.
Upgrades to laser cataract surgery platform streamline treatment process
January 1st 2015Upgrades to a laser cataract surgery platform include features such as high-resolution video screening images that improve efficiency. In addition, a new interface with a smaller suction ring diameter expands the number of people who are candidates for laser cataract surgery.
In practice: Integrating a new I/A handpiece for femtocataract surgery
January 1st 2015A disposable irrigation/aspiration handpiece is designed for the soft removal of cataracts following femtosecond laser fragmentation without the use of ultrasound energy. Dee Stephenson, MD, shares personal experiences with the integration of this technology into practice.