News

A phase II study with a novel non-invasive iontopohoretic drug delivery system (EyeGate II Delivery System, EyeGate Pharma) shows that the device appears to optimize the delivery of a proprietary dexamethasone-derived corticosteroid solution (EGP-437) and improve significantly the signs and symptoms of dry eye, which may raise the bar in therapies for dry eye syndrome.

Results of a utility analysis of cyclosporine 0.05% ophthalmic emulsion (Restasis, Allergan) show that it is highly cost-effective and improves the quality of life in patients with moderate to severe dry eye disease that is unresponsive to conventional lubricant therapy.

Benefits of an artificial tear drop that commonly is used to help relieve symptoms of dry eye may extend to contact lens wearers who experience dryness and discomfort caused by their contact lenses, according to researchers.

A season of gift-giving has concluded. At some point in this coming year, you, Dear Ophthalmology Times reader, will need to select the right gift for that "special someone."

Analyses of data from two hybrid environmental studies evaluating olopatadine hydrochloride 0.2% once daily for the treatment of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis or rhinoconjunctivitis show that patients derive improvement in the frequency and/or severity of their nasal symptoms as a simultaneous benefit with relief of ocular allergy, according to Mark B. Abelson, MD.

A new eyelid spray (Tears Again advanced liposome spray, OcuSOFT) is available that may benefit patients suffering from meibomian gland dysfunction.

Given the plethora of over-the-counter and prescription approaches available for dry eye, patient and clinician agreement on the appropriate regimen is key to treatment success.

Kaenon Polarized announced a distribution partnership with optical manufacturer Rodenstock of Munich, Germany.

The multimodal anti-allergy agent epinastine hydrochloride 0.05% (Elestat, Inspire Pharmaceuticals) is an ideal treatment option for the management of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis and is a particularly good choice in patients who have dry eye disease as a comorbidity, according to Laurie D. Barber, MD

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatments for neovascular age-related macular degeneration represent the most significant advance in ophthalmology over the past decade, according to 52% of respondents to an online survey of members of the American Academy of Ophthalmology conducted in December.

Reichert Inc. has restructured its marketing function in an effort ?to meet the growing demands of the company?s vast product portfolio and improve performance through better focus and accountability,? according to Jerry C. Cirino, chairman and chief executive officer.

The Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, has established a collaboration with the King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Fera Pharmaceuticals is now shipping erythromycin and bacitracin ophthalmic ointments.

Alcon Laboratories is purchasing rights in the United States for two FDA-approved topical eye care products, difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion 0.05% (Durezol) and ganciclovir ophthalmic gel 0.15% (Zirgan), from Sirion Therapeutics Inc.

Ophthalmologists, ophthalmic organizations, and companies operating in the ophthalmology arena are contributing to efforts to assist Haiti respond to and recover from the earthquake that occurred in January.

Grid laser photocoagulation remains standard of care for eyes with ME secondary to BRVO.

John T. Flynn, MD, credits those who have contributed to the understanding of retinopathy of prematurity in the past, are currently active, and whose work is laying the groundwork for future breakthroughts.

Findings from recent studies indicate fundus autofluorescence imaging has useful diagnostic and prognostic applications in the clinical management of age-related macular degeneration.

In the future, clinicians may be able to offer patients with central serous retinopathy effective and safe treatment with micropulse laser trabeculoplasty.

New non-invasive imaging modalities are showing promise for enabling earlier detection of hydroxychloroquine retinopathy compared with current recommended screening techniques.

Surgeons who understand vitrectomy fluidics will be better able to maintain intraoperative control and be successful in removing vitreous without tearing the retina.

Many approaches for treating exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) have been developed.

An updated analysis of data from an ongoing phase II study of intravitreal ranibizumab treatment for diabetic macular edema shows that functional and anatomic benefits observed at 6-month primary efficacy endpoint are generally maintained at 1 year after switching to a "prn" dosing schedule.

Preferential hyperacuity perimetry testing may be helpful in detection of retinal toxicity resulting from administration of hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine.

A few years ago, I reached the age that men reach when they can no longer eat whatever they want and stay the same weight and remain fit.

A preliminary study of epimacular brachytherapy showed that radiation and antivascular endothelial growth factor injections reduced the treatment burden in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

Alcon Laboratories' Independent Director Committee is calling Novartis' merger proposal "grossly inadequate," and it is vowing to fight Novartis in its efforts to take control.

A single sustained-release dexamethasone intravitreal implant resulted in resolution of inflammation and improvement in visual acuity (VA) in patients with intermediate or posterior uveitis through 26 weeks in a multicenter, randomized, controlled clinical trial.