News

The FDA has granted fast-track designation to a silicone matrix ocular implant that helps prevent corneal transplant rejection.

Co-management has come under fire from the federal government because of some instances of serious abuses. It can succeed when done correctly, however.

Prospectively collected data from 45 eyes that underwent hyperopic LASIK using a proprietary excimer laser were analyzed. After a mean follow-up of 5.3 years, about three-fourths of the eyes had a spherical equivalent within 1.0 D of the emmetropic target.

Implantable contact lenses appear to correct high myopia more accurately than customized all-laser LASIK, and the phakic lenses also provide a better quality of vision, according to results of a retrospective study of 79 consecutive eyes undergoing vision correction for high myopia.

Recipients of a premium IOL have high expectations for excellent uncorrected distance visual acuity. The availability of these implants has created a new patient base for laser vision correction. Considerations for performing laser enhancement are discussed.

Aspects of the intraoperative performance of two ophthalmic viscosurgical devices (OVDs) were prospectively evaluated during a single-surgeon, randomized study. Both agents worked well, but the results showed clear differences favoring a cohesive OVD of 1.6% sodium hyaluronate (Amvisc Plus, Bausch & Lomb) over a viscous-dispersive OVD of 4% chondroitin sulfate and 1.65% sodium hyaluronate (DisCoVisc, Alcon Laboratories).

Transversal ultrasound technology allows safe and efficient removal of all grades of nuclei with minimal energy and stress on the corneal endothelium and other ocular structures.

The combination of torsional ultrasound and micro-coaxial phacoemulsification is ideal for cataract surgery because of the improved efficiency of the ultrasound system and the astigmatically neutral, highly competent 2.2-mm incision through which the highest-quality IOL can be implanted.

Post-occlusion surge varies from phacoemulsification system to system based on several different parameters, including decreasing flow, increasing bottle height, decreasing tip gauge, and flow restriction. Randall J. Olson, MD, details recent research.

Although intracameral medication use in cataract surgery has several potential advantages, they should be weighed against the possible disadvantages and the benefits and risks of topical medication alternatives.

Topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs often are administered for off-label purposes to patients who are undergoing cataract surgery, but surgeons should consider the cost, the risks, and the evidence available to support such use.

In vivo confocal microscopy was used to measure the thickness of ophthalmic viscosurgical devices (OVDs) retained beneath the corneal endothelium after phacoemulsification surgery. Results are reported for six different OVDs used in surgeries performed with varying fluidics settings.

Use of topical drops after cataract surgery may be associated with a number of drawbacks. Alternative strategies for intraoperative drug delivery can be highly effective and more economical, as well as offer better safety, convenience, and efficacy.

The Simplified Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Severity Scale has been shown to be predictive of vision loss.

The use of chilled water and 0.1% hyaluronic acid during epi-LASIK improved the survival rate of corneal epithelial basal cells, according to one study.

As society demands ever higher-quality care at lower costs deciding between the more inexpensive product or treatment and which is more effective will become the choice faced by patients and physicians.

A gift of $1,550,000 has kicked off the Glaucoma Research Foundation's first year of a comprehensive new strategic plan.

More than 70 applicants representing more than 20 states have been selected as delegates to the "Eyes on Capitol Hill" campaign in Washington, DC, Feb. 12 to 14.

Smokers have an increased long-term risk and greater progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Boston-According to a study, the antioxidants lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamin E may help prevent cataracts.

SynergEyes Inc. has launched a hybrid contact lens (SynergEyes PS) designed specifically for post-refractive surgery patients in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.

Young ophthalmologists consider themselves well-prepared in terms of the medical and surgical knowledge but unprepared for non-clinical aspects of ophthalmology, such as leading employees and managing a successful practice.

At the 11th annual Healthcare Internet Conference, EyeCare America won two 2007 eHealthcare Leadership Awards-the Gold Award for Best Web Site Design and the Silver Award for Best Interactive Site.

Panoptx has launched a new logo with a stylized number 7, tied to a new brand (7EYE), along with a renewed emphasis on the treatment of dysfunctional tear syndrome (DTS) and servicing independent dispensaries that care for patients with DTS symptoms.

Wavefront-guided spectacles may provide a better solution than standard eyeglasses for patients with subjective complaints stemming from higher-order aberrations after LASIK.

The Bimatoprost Data Evaluation was a prospective, multicenter, investigator-masked study that randomly assigned 266 patients whose IOP was not adequately controlled with latanoprost 0.005% (Xalatan, Pfizer) to bimatoprost 0.03% (Lumigan, Allergan) or travoprost 0.004% (Travatan, Alcon Laboratories).

Today's successful physicians not only understand the role of branding in the practice management mix but also realize that establishing, burnishing, and communicating the practice's positioning is essential.

Two Canadian multicenter, randomized trials compared fixed-combination treatment with 0.2% brimonidine/0.5% timolol against 2.0% dorzolamide/0.5% timolol.