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Novartis plans to acquire a majority share of Alcon for $39 billion in a two-part deal. First, Novartis and Nestle have reached an agreement under which Nestle will sell 74 million of its shares of Alcon to Novartis for about $11 billion. Then, Novartis has an exclusive option to purchase the remaining 52% share from Nestl? for $28 billion between Jan. 1, 2010, and July 31, 2011.

A retrospective study of eyes with a spherical IOL implanted found the lens haptics maintained a stable position in most eyes, but significant rotation was observed in a small proportion. This information is important to consider when implanting toric IOLs where orientation and rotation can affect vision outcomes.

Posterior keratocyte densities were significantly lower in ectatic eyes than in normal eyes following both histopathologic and confocal microscopic analysis in a recent small study. If further studies verify that finding, serial confocal measurements of density could be used to monitor progression of post-LASIK ectasia.

LASIK and PRK are both safe and, over the long term, produce similar visual outcomes. A preference for one or the other can be based on both scientific evidence and personal opinions, and it is a complex decision that does not necessarily have a right or wrong answer. Physicians should fully inform patients of the pros and cons of both and respect the decision, suggested participants in a point-counterpoint debate.

The Verteporfin Intravitreal Triamcinolone Acetonide Study (VERITAS) of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (Kenalog, Bristol-Myers Squibb) or pegaptanib (Macugen, Pfizer) in combination with photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin (Visudyne, Novartis Pharmaceuticals) was underpowered to reach definitive conclusions about the therapies.

A tear-testing platform under development could revolutionize osmolarity testing by making it possible to conduct tests quickly and accurately in the practice setting using a small volume of tears.

Cyclosporine 0.05% ophthalmic emulsion (Restasis, Allergan) is beneficial for treating patients with dry eye because it increases goblet cell density and production of transforming growth factor ?2, an immunoregulatory factor, compared with artificial tear formulations, which do not.

A hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic insert (Lacrisert, Aton Pharma) is a preservative-free product recommended for once-daily insertion in the inferior cul-de-sac. Its convenience, efficacy, and safety make it a valuable option for the management of dry eye disease.

When initiating treatment with topical cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion 0.05% (Restasis, Allergan), adjunctive use of loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic suspension 0.5% (Lotemax, Bausch & Lomb) hastens and increases relief of dry eye signs and symptoms and reduces cyclosporine-associated burning and stinging without adding safety concerns, according to the results of a multicenter, randomized, controlled, masked trial comparing the combination regimen with cyclosporine plus artificial tears.

Carboxymethylcellulose 0.5% with compatible solutes (CMC-solutes) (Optive, Allergan), a new artificial tear formulation, when used with topical cyclosporine 0.05% (Restasis, Allergan) in patients with ocular surface disease, improved the objective signs and subjective symptoms of the disease when compared with the patients' previously used artificial tears.

A new lubricating eye drop (blink Tears, Advanced Medical Optics) with the active ingredient polyethylene glycol is designed to provide a balance between viscosity and retention without sacrificing a patient's visual quality. It can help optimize the ocular surface before and after refractive surgery, aiding postoperative visual outcomes and patient satisfaction.

A cerium oxide nanoparticle bound to a human carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (hCAII) has shown promise as a drug-delivery device for treating glaucoma. In a series of experiments, investigators attached hCAII to the nanoparticle and also attached a fluorophore so that they could confirm the attachment and track the particle's inhibitory effects.

The tornado that hit March 14 in downtown Atlanta is not expected to affect plans for the joint meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and the European Society of Ophthalmology in November, according to the AAO.

The first World Glaucoma Day was held March 6. The World Glaucoma Association (WGA) and the World Glaucoma Patient Organization (WGPA) sponsored the observance. The Ophthalmology Times Group was the official news source of the event, providing e-newsletter coverage of the awareness and educational activities organized by glaucoma institutions and local patient support groups worldwide.

Cerimon Pharmaceuticals has entered into an agreement with Novartis Pharma AG to conduct a proof-of-concept study of basiliximab (Simulect) for the treatment of noninfectious uveitis.

Genentech has changed its provider and patient support programs related to ranibizumab (Lucentis)-including Lucentis Access Solutions and the Genentech Access to Care Foundation-in an effort to improve enrollment timing and broaden eligibility requirements.

Facial rejuvenation procedures can be worthwhile adjuncts to an ophthalmology practice. Surgeons, however, require detailed knowledge of products and anatomy, must make patient education a priority, and should obtain specific training. Patients undergoing cosmetic procedures often have very high expectations, and it is important to have an in-depth understanding of aesthetic facial anatomy and features.

As the Asian eye-care market begins to explode, Alcon Inc. is preparing to be close to the action by adding a manufacturing plant in Singapore. The 250,000-square-foot plant, which will employ 150 people, will manufacture pharmaceuticals to be distributed throughout Asia, with the exception of Japan.

Prevent Blindness has dedicated May as UV Awareness Month in an effort to educate the public on the best way to protect their eyes.

It appears that diabetic retinopathy is not the only eye disease associated with diabetes, according to a study, which found that women with diabetes have about a 70% increased risk of developing the most common form of glaucoma-primary-open angle glaucoma-compared with women without diabetes.

Preclinical results for two new compounds (Sirion) that may be used for the treatment of retinal diseases will be presented during the 2008 annual meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology.

Preclinical results for two new compounds (Sirion) that may be used for the treatment of retinal diseases will be presented during the 2008 annual meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology.

Study of the use of collagen crosslinking with riboflavin has been limited. Early experience with this technique, however, suggests it safely increases corneal rigidity and limits ectasia progression.

The Collaborative Initial Glaucoma Treatment Study (CIGTS) showed that substantially lowering IOP, whether through medication or surgery, can prevent vision loss. One of the major trials of recent years, CIGTS also showed that surgery was an effective first-line treatment and had important findings on quality of life.

The European Glaucoma Prevention Study (EGPS) has produced reports on baseline factors that predict development of primary open-angle glaucoma as well as intercurrent factors also associated with development of the disease. The study also confirmed the importance of IOP reduction and identified systemic diuretics as a risk factor.

An anterior chamber diffractive multifocal IOL (Vision Membrane, Vision Membrane Technologies) designed as a phakic implant has been used successfully to treat ametropia and presbyopia in pseudophakic eyes. The technology, its benefits, and the outcomes achieved are described in this article.

Optic pathway gliomas occur frequently in children with neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1). As not all patients with these tumors are symptomatic, regular examination of NF1 patients is important, and a nonsurgical treatment algorithm should be followed if a tumor is found.

Fundus autofluorescence imaging, one of the modes available in a new instrument (Spectralis HRA+OCT, Heidelberg Engineering), enhances its utility as a diagnostic device and a tool for monitoring therapy of patients with retinal and macular diseases.