News

Two new pachymeters-Pachmate 2 and Pachette 4-were introduced by DGH Technology. Both devices feature an exclusive memory system that stores multiple patient records for automatic report generation using wireless technology.

The preliminary results of the FDA multicenter trial of the Refocus Scleral Implant (Refocus Group) for presbyopia indicated that patients had a significant increase in the near visual acuity, and that the visual acuity improved over time, according to David Schanzlin, MD.

The hydrophobic, acrylic, anterior chamber phakic IOL (AcrySof Cachet, Alcon Laboratories) performed well in a 5-year study of its safety and efficacy, according to Thomas Kohnen, MD, PhD. Most importantly, he said, the decrease in the corneal endothelial cell count was low and there were low rates of serious adverse events.

The efficacy and safety of femtosecond laser for cataract surgery has been questioned-the presumption being that the technology will not be able to penetrate the opaque lens cataractous material, said Sudhank Bharti, MS.

Three-dimensional (3D) visualization and guidance may be the future of lens IOL implantation. Douglas Koch, MD, posed two questions: Can surgeons eliminate marking for toric IOLs and eliminate the oculars on the microscope as well?

TearScience announced that it will make the LipiView interferometer and LipiFlow thermal pulsation system available for individual purchase, allowing premium surgical practices to implement the innovative technology with the flexibility best suited to their individual operational strategy.

Sony Electronics introduced its new recording and viewing system designed to capture and record full high-definition surgical video.

Nothing was off limits as Sen. Rand Paul, MD, (R-KY) put the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10, and the U.S. government on blast for creating a gigantic headache for American patients and physicians alike.

Interventional glaucoma is the new horizon for patients. Microinvasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)-a term coined by Iqbal Ike K. Ahmed, MD-will allow for early intervention in patients with glaucoma and be safe and more effective than the medications and laser procedures used for so long with less efficacy.

Bio-Tissue Inc. introduced a new procedure for conjunctivochalasis-the reservoir restoration procedure for conjunctivochalasis (CCH) dry eye.

Alphaeon Corp. launches an innovative ophthalmology practice development platform (TouchMD) that helps specialty physicians engage patients in the education process before, during, and after the consultation.

The 2013 ASCRS Clinical Survey Results on Astigmatism-covering 168 data points with more than 1,000 physicians responding-showed that 57% of physicians saw benefits associated with femtosecond laser arcuate incisions compared with conventional manual incisions, according to John A. Vukich, MD.

Following cataract surgery, patients can present with a variety of visual complaints that interfere with vision after IOL implantation. Negative dysphotopsias are relative and absolute scotomas, according toJack T. Holladay, MD.

Glaucoma specialists can be advocates for their patients on a number of levels. On a daily basis, ophthalmologists help overcome barriers to treatment and offer solutions to patients for instilling medications, involving family members in their care, organizing services for patients, and providing educational materials, said Cynthia Mattox, MD, New England Eye Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston.

Patients have high expectations regarding cataract surgery outcomes, and anything less than perfect may be considered a failure, said Kendall E. Donaldson, MD, MS.

Glaucoma is now in a post-Renaissance period with far superior medications, better lasers, and the potential for individualized treatments for patients, according to Thomas W. Samuelson, MD.

Valeant Pharmaceuticals has proposed a merger with Allergan.

Alcon Laboratories opened the doors this week to its new state-of-the-art ophthalmic pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in the Tuas Biomedical Park in Singapore.

ProTrials Research has completed a large phase III clinical study examining the safety and effectiveness of a new treatment for dry eye disease.

One intravitreal injection of QPI-1007 (Quark Pharmaceuticals) to treat nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) was safe with no serious adverse events in a phase I trial, and most patients gained 3 or more lines of vision, according to Bradley Katz, MD, PhD, who reported the results on behalf of the Quark Study Group.

ThromboGenics’ ocriplasmin (Jetrea) as been approved in Malaysia for the treatment of adults with vitreomacular traction (VMT).

More than 11,500 clinicians and researchers will gather in Orlando to learn more about leading eye and vision research at the 2014 meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology.

Pre-Descemet’s endothelial keratoplasty is a new corneal transplantation technique using a graft consisting of the pre-Descemet’s layer (Dua’s layer), Descemet’s membrane, and endothelium.

The Childhood Glaucoma Research Network has developed definitions and a classification system for childhood glaucoma.

Combined small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and intrastromal collagen crosslinking (CXL) to treat forme fruste keratoconus is safe, efficient, accurate, predictable, and stable for treating keratoconus for at least 1 year, according to Enrique O. Graue Hernandez, MD, MSc.

Alimera Sciences’ recent resubmission of the new drug application (NDA) for its fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant (Iluvien) has been received by the FDA as a complete class 2 response to the agency’s October letter, and a prescription drug user fee act (PDUFA) goal date of Sept. 26 has been established.

Novartis has appointed Jeff George division head of Alcon, effective May 1.

Paragon BioTeck has received FDA approval of its phenylephrine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution, USP 2.5% and 10%, to dilate the pupil.

The future of ophthalmology-including academic health centers-will rely much on the ability to adapt to an ever-changing environment, suggests Peter J. McDonnell, MD, of the Wilmer Eye Institute.

Research has been scant on the correlation between officiating and visual performance. A new study by the Sports Science Department at Texas A&M Corpus Christi provides clear direction on this topic.