News

The field of laser cataract surgery continues to evolve with the Dec. 22 announcement by OptiMedica that its proprietary laser system received FDA 510(k) market clearance for capsulotomy and lens fragmentation.

Genetic research has identified genes that can cause glaucoma primarily on their own and genes that require involvement of multiple genes and environmental factors in order for the disease to develop.

Gregory Hageman, PhD, has been selected for the 2011 Lighthouse International Pisart Vision Award. Presented annually, this award honors an individual who has “distinguished himself or herself by invention or otherwise in the prevention, cure, treatment, or care of blindness.”

Quark Pharmaceuticals Inc. has announced favorable interim results from the first two cohorts of its open-label, first-in-human phase I clinical study of QPI-1007, its proprietary synthetic siRNA drug candidate for ocular neuroprotection, in patients with recent onset of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy.

Data from a large European study link daily aspirin use to increased risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Researchers found that people aged 65 and older who took aspirin daily had double the risk of developing wet AMD, compared with those who took it less frequently.

Avedro Inc.’s proprietary LASIK Xtra procedure has received CE mark approval. LASIK Xtra is a 2-minute corneal crosslinking procedure used in conjunction with standard LASIK to restore the biomechanical integrity and strength to the cornea after a LASIK procedure.

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. has entered into a non-exclusive license and partial settlement agreement with Genentech Inc. relating to U.S. ophthalmic sales of aflibercept injection (Eylea, Genentech).

EyeGate Pharma has enrolled the first patient in a milestone phase III pivotal study of its lead product EGP-437 (a late-stage asset with multiple indications for inflammatory ocular indications) for the treatment of anterior uveitis. The company, a private specialty pharmaceutical company developing therapeutics designed to address patient compliance and patient throughput, enrolled the patient at Tauber Eye Center in Kansas City, MO.

Cutera Inc. and IRIDEX Corp. have entered into a binding agreement for Cutera to purchase certain assets of IRIDEX’s global aesthetic business for about $5.1 million.

An algorithmic approach to problem solving for patients who are dissatisfied after implantation of presbyopia-correcting IOLs aims to streamline identification of the etiology of the visual complaints and implementation of a successful solution, said Parag Majmudar, MD.

The advent of femtosecond laser technology for cataract surgery has resulted in myriad issues for ophthalmologists to face: the actual benefits of the laser versus the cost to patients, establishment of the patient share of the costs, associated financial risks for the practice and ambulatory surgery center, advertising, and patient satisfaction.

With the latest-generation corneal femtosecond lasers, it is now possible to customize nearly every aspect of the flap, including shape.

Hansjoerg E.J.W. Kolder, MD, PhD, will e remembered as a beloved cataract surgeon, professor, and clinician whose natural curiosity led him to pursue a degree in ophthalmology after working extensively in physiology.

Add-on accessories add up

It's the season to be thinking of ways to create extra sales to increase the profit picture for your office.

The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology Foundation for Eye Research is accepting nominations for the 2013 AFER/Pfizer Ophthalmics/Carl Camras Translational Research Awards.