News

A 1-mg dose of intravitreal triamcinolone had a safety profile superior to that of a 4-mg dose of intravitreal triamcinolone and produced visual acuity increases similar to the 4-mg groupand better than the standard-of-care group, according to the primary outcomes of a randomized clinical trial.

For patients who are suffering with moderate to severe signs and symptoms of seasonal or perennial allergic conjunctivitis, loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic suspension 0.2% (Alrex, Bausch & Lomb) is a safe and well-tolerated therapeutic option that can provide rapid clinical improvement, according to new research.

Former first lady Laura Bush stressed the importance of good vision care at the Inaugural Kids Vision Fest, presented by the Essilor Vision Foundation and the Kids Vision for Life Coalition.

An efficacy evaluation comparing two marketed artificial tears showed that a polyethylene-based product (Systane Ultra, Alcon Laboratories) resulted in statisically greater reductions in corneal and conjunctival staining than a glycerin/carboxymethylcellulose-based tear (Refresh Optive, Allergan).

The overall anti-allergic eye drop market consists of about 25 products developed and approved in the United States (with some marketed abroad) to address the needs of the seasonal allergic conjunctivitis patient population.

International Vision Expo and Conference East promises to deliver all the latest products, trends, and information on medical eye care, fashion, lens technology, and business solutions at its annual meeting here.

Just a few weeks after announcing a controversial plan to take over ophthalmic giant Alcon Laboratories, Novartis announced its chief executive officer is stepping down and the chief financial officer will retire.

The use of a hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic insert (Lacrisert, Aton Pharma) has been proven to offer much relief to patients suffering from dry eye syndrome.

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.

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

Jeffrey B. Kindler, chief executive officer and chairman of the board of Pfizer Inc., received the Glaucoma Research Foundation Catalyst Award.

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.