News

An anti-glaucomatous medication formulated with a less toxic preservation causes less ocular surface toxicity, according to one cornea specialist. The development of travoprost ophthalmic solution 0.004% (Travatan Z, Alcon Laboratories), a prostaglandin analogue preserved with a new ionic-buffered preservative system (sofZia, Alcon Laboratories), seems to be the direction in which pharmaceutical companies will be moving in the future to eliminate harmful side effects caused by chronic application of anti-glaucoma medications.

Results of a prospective, randomized, investigator-masked trial comparing brimonidine 0.15% with oxidative preservative (Purite) (Alphagan P, Allergan) and dorzolamide 2% (Trusopt, Merck) as adjuncts to latanoprost 0.005% (Xalatan, Pfizer) show the addition of either agent results in further IOP reduction, but the IOP-lowering effect was greater in the brimonidine/oxidative preservative group.

A novel route of administration of anecortave acetate suspension (Retaane, Alcon Laboratories) by anterior juxtascleral depot in the sub-Tenon's space may represent a new paradigm in glaucoma treatment.

Implantation of a proprietary glaucoma valve (Ahmed Glaucoma Valve, New World Medical) is an effective method for managing refractory glaucoma in eyes undergoing penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) or with an existing corneal graft, according to results of a retrospective review.

Canaloplasty is being evaluated in an ongoing prospective study that enrolled 94 patients who were candidates for glaucoma surgery. An interim analysis was performed from follow-up through 12 months and showed that the procedure resulted in safe and effective reductions in IOP.

A prospective, randomized comparison of one-site versus two-site phacotrabeculectomy found no statistically significant difference in IOP at 24 months, but surgical time was significantly longer, and endothelial cell counts were significantly lower at 3 and 12 months for the two-site procedure.

Micropulse laser trabeculoplasty seems to be effective in reducing the IOP that previously could not be controlled medically in eyes with open-angle glaucoma.

Patients need to be educated about the importance of glaucoma medication adherence. They should be asked about possible nonadherence and the reasons for it. Such information can guide a targeted plan to overcome treatment barriers.

Several risk calculators are available to help assess the likelihood that a patient with ocular hypertension will develop glaucoma. The decision to treat then can be based on an individual patient's risk. That determination may be guided by expert opinion, results of decision analysis models, personal experience, and discussion with the patient.

A study of the mechanisms involved in nocturnal changes in IOP indicates that a decrease in outflow facility is insufficient to compensate for a decrease in aqueous outflow. Episcleral venous pressure could be a factor in the circadian variations, however.

Progressive myopia rather than glaucoma may be primarily responsible for glaucomatous-appearing optic nerve damage in a subset of young to middle-aged individuals of Chinese descent. In a retrospective study of 16 Chinese men who were glaucoma suspects or patients, visual fields remained stable over a follow-up period of up to 7 years, leading researchers to postulate that this condition may not have the same natural history as primary open angle glaucoma in other populations. A correlation between myopia and glaucomatous optic nerve damage has long been known, and has recently been confirmed in several populations, including China.

A group of leading experts on IOP has issued a consensus document on the topic that aims to optimize care of patients with glaucoma.

Many previous beliefs about ocular toxoplasmosis are proving not to be true.

Phakic IOLs can provide accurate and stable correction of myopia, but their potential to result in serious complications remains a cause for concern. Care in selecting appropriate candidates and the implantation procedure are critical to optimize the risk:benefit ratio.

Ophthalmologists need to warn patients that the use of a phophodiesterase-5 inhibitor may increase the risk of the development of ischemic optic neuropathy.

In a small series of eyes, application of a contact lens after LASIK re-treatment procedures did not help prevent epithelial ingrowth, which is counter to the current thinking and what is in the literature.

Elevation topography can be a useful tool in screening patients for LASIK to lessen the chance of the development of ectasia. An ophthalmologist offers tips for using this technology effectively.

Determining the cause of transient monocular visual loss can be tricky. Following simple steps may help sort out the diagnosis.

Research has shown that dry eye syndrome is largely due to inflammation. Therefore, "soft" corticosteroids such as loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic suspension 0.5% (Lotemax, Bausch & Lomb) or fluorometholone ophthalmic suspension 0.1% (FML, Allergan), or cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion 0.05% (Restasis, Allergan), may be effective.

Dry eye is estimated to affect 25% of those who visit a general ophthalmology clinic. The disorder has a significant effect on quality of life. In this article, one ophthalmologist reviews how to evaluate patients presenting with dry eye complaints and how to manage the condition.

Optometrists, general ophthalmologists, and cornea subspecialists have similar approaches to diagnosing and treating dry eye. Three clinician groups that relied on fluorescein staining and TFBUT for diagnosis found that cyclosporine emulsion 0.05% (Restasis, Allergan) was an important component of treatment for the majority of their eye-care practitioners.

Ophthalmologists who recommend that patients use over-the-counter artificial tears should instruct patients on how to use specific products because it could save or cost patients money, according to a new study.

A prospective, randomized, contralateral eye controlled study found that visual acuity and contrast sensitivity outcomes in patients undergoing bilateral cataract surgery with implantation of a multifocal IOL were improved by treatment pre- and postoperatively with topical cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion 0.05% (Restasis, Allergan).

A prospective study of 50 patients undergoing bilateral laser-vision correction surgery randomly assigned one eye to PRK and the fellow eye to femtosecond thin-flap (110 µm) sub-Bowman's keratomileusis (SBK). The results show that during 6 months of follow-up, dry eye signs and symptoms are generally similar with the thin flap and surface ablation procedures.

Research has shown that dry eye syndrome is largely due to inflammation. Therefore, "soft" corticosteroids such as loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic suspension 0.5% (Lotemax, Bausch & Lomb) or fluorometholone ophthalmic suspension 0.1% (FML, Allergan), or cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion 0.05% (Restasis, Allergan), may be effective.

The tissue-on-tissue model, rather than tests using plastic or metal surfaces, is the best way to test the lubricity of ophthalmologic formulations, according to a new study. Using this model, a particular dry eye drop was found to be statistically significantly superior to saline.

A study examining the effect of artificial tear instillation on contrast sensitivity found that, in patients with dry eye a temporary loss with initial use disappears as the treatment is continued. Further investigations are evaluating if the finding reflects a benefit on the tear layer.

Research into the etiology of dry eye syndrome has painted a picture of a highly complex disease that has evolved over the decades. Exhaustive efforts have been expended on shedding light on the mechanisms of dry eye disease. Nevertheless, as more is learned, more questions arise.