News

This is the time of year that my administrator asks me: "So, where are we going in the new year? What I have finally come to learn is that instead of asking, "Where are we going?" it is more valuable to ask, "Where have we been?"

In a small pilot study with limited follow-up, early application of micropulse laser trabeculoplasty (MLT) using a specific diode laser (IQ810, Iridex Corp.) appeared promising. Use of this multifunctional laser may have practical advantages in a clinical setting. Further study of the technology is needed to determine the role of MLT in the treatment of glaucoma.

A topical eye drop (OT-551, Othera) is being investigated to treat geographic atrophy in dry age-related macular degeneration. The treatment is an antioxidant that in vitro protects against antioxidative damage and in vivo protects against light damage. One-year data are expected to be reported in the spring.

JPE1375 (Jerini Ophthalmic), a peptidomimetic inhibitor of the complement factor 5a receptor, blocks the mechanism that draws inflammatory cells into the disease process of age-related macular degeneration. When blocked, the numbers of neutrophils and macrophages decrease substantially and in turn the choroidal neovascularization also decreases.

In a small retrospective study, eyes receiving intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin, Genentech) within 3 months of a central retinal vein occlusion showed rapid improvement in anatomic abnormalities and subsequent improvement in vision. The benefits were maintained with repeated injections after a mean follow-up of 1 year.

A phase 1 trial of rapamycin (Sirolimus, MacuSight) indicated that the drug is safe and has biologic activity in patients with diabetic macular edema when injected intravitreally and subconjunctivally.

Oral fenretinide (Sirion Therapeutics) is being investigated in a phase II study as a treatment for advanced geographic atrophy associated with age-related macular degeneration. It is hypothesized that this agent may limit disease progression by preventing delivery of circulating retinol to the eye, thereby reducing the accumulation of retinol-derived metabolites that are toxic to the retinal pigment epithelium and photoreceptor cells.

Microincision vitrectomy surgery has rapidly gained increased popularity. It is associated with many advantages, but there have been some reports of disadvantages such as a significantly higher incidence of endophthalmitis postoperatively, though more recent reports do not substantiate this conclusion. Advances in the technology likely will facilitate safer and more efficient vitrectomy.

Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography is becoming an invaluable diagnostic tool and greatly helps ophthalmologists better manage their patients' conditions, according to one expert. This improved management of conditions, he said, can be realized not only in the medical arena but also in the surgical arena as well.

The Micro-Surgical Safety Task Force analyzed potential complications associated with sutureless vitrectomy and disseminated guidelines to reduce the rate of endophthalmitis associated with 25-gauge vitrectomy.

Employing a therapeutic approach consisting of pan-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) blockers such as ranibizumab (Lucentis, Genentech) and/or bevacizumab (Avastin, Genentech) as an induction therapy, followed by a selective VEGF blocker such as pegaptanib (Macugen, OSI/Eyetech) as a maintenance therapy, appears to be effective in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration, according to the interim results of the LEVEL study. This approach may be preferred for many patients from the standpoint of systemic safety.

The treatment of diabetic retinopathy seems to be managed well with the use of the diode laser. According to one expert, the micropulsed diode laser is particularly effective in treatment of this disease, offering patients a safe and painless treatment solution.

A new surgical platform (Constellation Vision System, Alcon Laboratories) incorporates advanced design features for improved surgical efficiency and safety. Vitrectomy probes (Ultravit, Alcon) facilitate high-speed cutting and control of the duty cycle.

Antagonists of vascular endothelial growth factor provide a benefit for choroidal neovascularization and are promising for other retinal diseases, but they represent only the beginning of a transformation in the treatment of certain eye diseases, according to one ophthalmologist.

Disconnecting from the worldwide electronic ophthalmic community and living in the moment, although a scary concept, can be done. And it can be enjoyable, especially with the right company.

The FDA approved a multifocal IOL (Tecnis, Advanced Medical Optics) for implantation in patients with cataract and presbyopia.

When Kevin Buehler takes the reins as chief executive officer of Alcon Inc. after the March 31 retirement of Cary Rayment, one of his goals will be to increase the pace of innovation at the company, to drive growth, he tells Ophthalmology Times in an exclusive interview.

Advanced Medical Optics Inc., the Allergan spin-off that went on to become one of the leading publicly traded companies in ophthalmology, will become part of Abbott Laboratories Inc. in a $2.8 billion deal expected to close before the end of the first quarter.

Amid adding partners, opening new offices, and managing unprecedented growth, Mid Atlantic Retina turned to a consulting firm (Advantage Administration Inc.) to develop a strategic plan for the ensuing years.

Spending 2 to 3 hours a day outdoors can significantly lower a child's risk of developing myopia, according to a new study.

To increase the safety and effectiveness of contact lenses and lens-care products for consumers, the American Optometric Association cosponsored a workshop with the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health.

A new drug application (NDA) has been accepted for review by the FDA for the approval of a treatment (ganciclovir, Sirion Therapeutics) for herpetic keratitis.

A clinical trial has begun that will assess the safety and efficacy of a glaucoma shunt (Aquashunt, Opko Health) designed to lower IOP in patients with refractory open-angle glaucoma.

Bausch & Lomb announced the appointment of a new president, Peter Valenti, to oversee the company's North America vision care division.

During their 31st anniversary benefit Jan. 28, the Glaucoma Research Foundation will honor two physicians for their contributions to glaucoma research.

The Vision Care for Kids Act of 2009 was introduced with bipartisan support in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, according to prepared statements by The Vision Council and the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), two supporters of the legislation.

The FDA Dermatologic and Ophthalmic Drugs Advisory Committee has unanimously voted to recommend approval of Bausch & Lomb's besifloxacin ophthalmic suspension 0.6%, according to prepared statements by Bausch & Lomb and InSite Vision.

Topcon Medical Systems has received FDA clearance for its enhanced 3D optical coherence tomography measurement software (OCT-1000 TrueMap) as an addition to its previously cleared OCT system (3D OCT-1000), according to a prepared statement.

ISTA Pharmaceuticals' new drug application for bepotastine ophthalmic solution (Bepreve) has been accepted for review by the FDA, the company announced in a prepared statement.

Researchers are studying the use of a NASA device to reveal the development of cataracts before a patient's vision clouds over.