News

L. Neal Freeman, MD, MBA, takes a closer look at modifier -59, including some of the major concerns all physicians should be aware of, as it will affect claims.

Examining how utilizing an intravitreal transzonular injection can help patient compliance.

Single-use lenses for anterior segment lasers may reduce the risk of disease transmission and eliminate reductions in optical quality that occur over time with reusable lenses.

A recently approved intracameral phenylephrine and ketorolac 1%/0.3% product is expected to produce better surgical outcomes following cataract surgery or IOL replacement by preventing miosis and reducing intraoperative pain.

In patients who present with a cataract, certain histories should raise suspicion about existing damage to the posterior capsule or an increased risk for capsule rupture intraoperatively. Armed with that information, cataract surgeons can implement proper strategies for cataract removal and IOL implantation.

ACTIVATE System Control Software for the Stellaris Vision Enhancement System (“Stellaris”) and Stellaris PC (all Bausch + Lomb) includes 41 additional features and controls that collectively enhance the performance of the two systems and make them even easier to use.

In November, Actavis announced it was acquiring Allergan in a $66 billion acquisition, thus thwarting a 7-month effort by Valeant Pharmaceuticals.

Breaking down various advice and hints for ophthalmologists in order to successfully sell sunwear, and understanding why offering the frames are vital for patients’ satisfaction.

Use of a femtosecond laser for capsulotomy and lens fragmentation can facilitate cataract surgery in eyes with a rock-hard cataract.

A new digital image guidance platform (Surgical Navigation System, Cirle) for cataract surgery is an open-source system designed to enhance accurate execution of cataract incision placement, capsulorhexis sizing and centration, toric IOL alignment, and limbal relaxing incision placement.

A study of children with residual amblyopia did not find an advantage with the use of levodopa compared with a placebo group.

The approval of intracameral phenylephrine and ketorolac injection 1%/0.3% (Omidria, Omeros Corp.) could have implications for preoperative management and potentially postoperative management as well, according to John R. Wittpenn, MD, Ophthalmic Consultants of Long Island. While the FDA study evaluated pain and maintenance of pupillary dilation pertaining to intraoperative use of Omidria, the findings hint at additional benefits.

The adjustment of treatment parameters may be an effective technique for surgeons to avoid bubble formation during selective laser trabeculoplasty.

Recently, I had my photo taken with Ignaz Semmelweis. Not with the man himself, but with his statue. Although his is not a household name, the man is a physician-hero.

The hottest stories in clinical diagnosis this year included Grand Round cases and a new methodology for diagnosing keratoconus.

The hottest technology stories this year included news of a novel presbyopia-correcting IOL, what physicians should now about Google and Alcon’s smart lens technology, and a computer-animated model that helps understand accommodation and presbyopia.

The hottest editorials by Peter J. McDonnell, MD, chief medical editor of Ophthalmology Times, included why ophthalmologists are the 99%, an attack on elite educational institutes, and making fun of doctors.

The hottest stories in drug therapy this year included news about new strategies for Stargardt’s disease, why intracameral antibiotics are a must to avoid infection post-cataract surgery, and an examination of a drug-delivery micropump for chronic retina disorders.

Researchers in Zurich are helping Disney make its animated characters more realistic by zeroing in on the uniqueness of the eye.

In 2015, physicians will have to demonstrate meaningful use of electronic health records (EHRs) to get the full benefit of the Medicare and Medicaid Incentive Program. Physicians who do not successfully demonstrate meaningful use will end up having a negative payment adjustment made to their Medicare reimbursement. Mark Hollis, chief executive officer of MacPractice, Lincoln, NE, breaks down the top 5 things ophthalmologists need to know about their EHR certification before Jan. 1.

The team behind a smartphone lens adapter and app-which allows users to conduct extensive eye exams on patients-has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise money for the new invention, according to Mashable.

A physician who conducted cataract surgeries on 130 poor and elderly people at a health camp in the northern Indian state of Punjab has been arrested, according to the Associated Press.

The FDA has accepted for priority review Regeneron Pharmaceuticals’ supplemental biologics license application for aflibercept (Eylea) injection, a treatment of diabetic retinopathy in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME).

Ophthalmology Times is pleased to announce Evan Warner, MD, of the University of Wisconsin, as the third-place winner of the publication’s 2014 Resident Writer’s Award Program, sponsored by Allergan. Dr. Warner’s submission is featured here.

A foldable, hydrophobic acrylic IOL embedded with a small-aperture mask provided excellent visual acuity across all distances in patients who underwent monocular implantation after cataract surgery and was not associated with any visual symptoms that may occur with other presbyopia-correcting IOLs.

Manufacturers of ophthalmic diagnostic systems are increasingly incorporating advances that improve the predictability of outcomes and integrate technologies.

A prospective, randomized trial of treatment for diabetic macular edema finds similar vision improvement with intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin, Genentech) and an intravitreal dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex, Allergan), but differences in other endpoints.

For retinal surgery, the latest generation of instrumentation is anticipated to be accompanied by markedly improved fluidics, precision, and faster patient recovery.

Developments in lasers, along with genetic engineering, are showing promise as technologies that may shape the future of retina treatment.

Much of the developments in pharmacologic therapy for retina disease revolved around age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema in 2014.