News

Results of a survey of 124 ophthalmologists show interest in preservative-free formulations of IOP-lowering medications to preserve ocular surface health. Preservative-free timolol maleate (Timoptic in Ocudose, Aton Pharma) can be a good choice for appropriately selected patients, according to one ophthalmologist.

Implantation of a trabecular micro-bypass (iStent, Glaukos Corp.) in patients with open-angle glaucoma who are undergoing cataract surgery represents an alternative surgical approach that can provide clinically significant reductions in IOP and use of ocular hypotensive medications.

Endocyclophotocoagulation (ECP) can be performed easily in patients with medically controlled glaucoma who are undergoing cataract surgery, to provide additional IOP lowering and reduce medication use. Misunderstanding that ECP is a completely different procedure than transscleral cyclodestruction contributes to under-use of this very safe procedure, according to one ophthalmologist.

Recent literature has identified ocular perfusion pressure as a glaucoma risk factor. Ophthalmologists need to be aware of the growing evidence supporting this theory, according to one expert.

Hyperemia is one of the main reasons why patients with glaucoma do not adhere to or persist with their topical therapeutic regimen. Patients end up switching to another possibly more tolerable medication, and the changing of medications has significant financial implications. Latanoprost has the lowest incidence of hyperemia among the prostaglandin analogs. Patient adherence is crucial in a chronic progressive disease such as glaucoma, where non-adherence can lead to visual loss and decline in quality of life, creating societal health and economic burdens.

Longer duration of use of monotherapy with prostaglandin analogues may be associated with lower annual costs of glaucoma treatment because adjunctive therapy is one of the primary factors affecting the cost of care, suggest findings of a retrospective analysis of a pharmacy claims database.

Hideo Ozawa, the founder and chairman of Nidek Co. Ltd., is being remembered as a visionary who combined optics and electronics to advance vision technology around the world. Ozawa, 79, died June 16.

The efficacy and tolerability of continuing latanoprost 0.005% (Xalatan, Pfizer) after 6 weeks of latanoprost monotherapy versus switching to bimatoprost 0.03% (Lumigan, Allergan) was investigated in an investigator-masked, randomized, parallel-group trial. The results showed good efficacy and tolerability in patients whose therapy was switched to bimatoprost and suggest that bimatoprost may be tolerated better after latanoprost pre-treatment.

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor monotherapy appears to be an effective treatment for retinal angiomatous proliferation, according to results of a small, retrospective chart review. Although the results indicate that in most cases repeated injections would be needed to achieve improvement or stable vision, treatment based on ocular coherence tomography-confirmed presence of fluid could achieve outcomes similar to monthly injections.

Bausch & Lomb has opened a new 300,000-square-foot global pharmaceutical headquarters building in Madison, NJ. The company maintains its worldwide headquarters in Rochester, NY, and has research and development functions in locations around the world.

It is imperative, especially in uncertain economic times, for physicians to be thoroughly familiar with Medicare's National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI). This initiative was put forth in 1996 in order to promote correct coding and to serve as a ready mechanism by which to reduce improper coding.

The first microincisional IOL (Akreos MICS IOL, Bausch & Lomb) has been introduced in the U.S. market. The lens is a single-piece hydrophilic acrylic IOL designed for delivery through a 1.8-mm incision. Its material and design offer several advantages, according to three surgeons who have used it.

A meta-analysis based on data from 12-month trials including patients treated with brimonidine 0.1% with a preservative (Alphagan P 0.1% with Purite, Allergan) and patients using brimonidine 0.15% (Alphagan P 0.15%, Allergan) showed better systemic safety and tolerability with the lower-concentration product.

Brimonidine 0.2%/timolol 0.5% fixed-combination ophthalmic solution effectively lowers and controls IOP and is likely to be associated with increased patient adherence to therapy and decreased unwanted side effects such as ocular irritation, according to one ophthalmologist.

Preliminary phase III results were released for bromfenac ophthalmic solution 0.09% (Xibrom, ISTA Pharmaceuticals), meant to treat the inflammation and pain following cataract surgery.

High levels of the enzyme arginase contributes to vascular eye damage, and therapies to lower its levels could halt progression of diabetic retinopathy, according to researchers at the Medical College of Georgia (MCG) School of Medicine.

Alcon Inc. has announced that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have approved the inclusion of its latest toric IOL (AcrySof IQ) in the reduced spherical aberration class of New Technology Intraocular Lenses (NTIOL).

MinuteClinic now offers a rapid conjunctivitis test at its 23 locations inside select pharmacy stores in the Atlanta area, according to a prepared statement.

Schering-Plough Corp. has launched an antihistamine eye drop (Claritin Eye) designed to control the itch of allergy eyes for up to 12 hours.

NicOx has signed an agreement with Pfizer to reacquire the full development and commercialization rights to PF-03187207, which has completed two phase II studies in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension, according to a prepared statement.

Santen Inc. has announced the establishment of a satellite office in Irvine, CA, which will be the base of operations for its business development staff.

A new report from the National Commission on Vision and Health concludes that even though universal comprehensive eye exams for children conducted prior to starting school would result in more vision problems and eye diseases being diagnosed and treated successfully in children, requirements vary widely from state to state, and only three states require eye examinations for school-aged children.

The FDA announced that four botulinum toxin drug products now have boxed warnings on their labels and include medication guides that explain the risk of adverse events to patients, as directed by the agency in April.

Ambulatory centers performing cataract extraction with lens insertion can reduce their procedure times and improve efficiencies, safety, and patient satisfaction, according to a survey conducted by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care Institute for Quality Improvement.

Jeffrey Gilbard, MD, founder and chief executive officer of Advanced Vision Research, died Aug. 12 at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, following complications related to a bicycle accident. He was 55.

A dual-linear phacoemulsification platform (available on the Stellaris, Bausch & Lomb) separates phaco and vacuum, allowing cataract surgeons to maximize their control over the cataract removal procedure.

As members of Congress return home for August recess, the nation's dialogue continues over how best to provide health-care coverage to 44 million uninsured Americans.

The large variety of available OVDs allows the surgeon to tailor the surgery to meet any specific needs a patient may have.