News

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.

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.

Five members of the Ophthalmic Women Leaders board of directors reflect on a noteworthy milestone in their ophthalmic careers.

In the second of a two-part series, Arun C. Gulani, MD, reviews how to repair or prepare the cornea from any situation to present it for final corneal reshaping-straight to 20/20.

Beyond residency: Lessons learned from a career in surgery

A new device that can be plugged into a smartphone earjack is a convenient, easy way to make reference marks on the eye for placement of toric lenses and limbal incisions.

Gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy is a circumferential trabeculotomy performed via a minimally invasive, ab interno approach. Results from follow-up of 6 to 12 months in a series of 85 adult eyes with uncontrolled glaucoma show high IOP lowering, along with a reduced need for medication.

Advancements in nanotechnology are making an entry in ophthalmology and addressing the drug delivery challenge in the eye.

The next generation of biologic corneal bandage devices can reduce inflammation and promote healing for an extended range of ocular surface conditions from mild to severe.

The AREDS 1 and 2 studies provide important information about the role of ocular nutrition in AMD. However, to benefit patients, the findings must be condensed into clear and concise advice that will help them select appropriate vitamin supplements and follow a healthy lifestyle.

A randomized, double blind study of physicians who took part in the Physicians’ Health Study II found that those who received a daily multivitamin had a 9% lower risk of cataract - and a 14% lower risk of nuclear cataract- than those who received placebo. Given the prevalence of cataracts in the population at large, a 9% reduction in risk could have a significant public health impact.

Examining how nutrition affects vision, and how physicians need to encourage healthy diets that contain essential nutrients and antioxidants essential for healthy vision.