News

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.

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 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.

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.

More than just dry eyes

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.

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.