News

Las Vegas-Studies of a 790-nm titanium-sapphire laser (SOLX 790, OccuLogix) used to perform trabeculoplasty in human donor eyes and in patients suggest that the laser may be an important tool for treatment of open-angle glaucoma due to benefits such as an IOP-lowering effect, low complication profile, and ability to repeat treatment periodically, according to Gabriel Simon, MD, PhD. He presented a poster on the findings of his research here at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology in Las Vegas.

New York-Some antifibrosis drugs and techniques on the horizon appear promising, but more data, especially from controlled human trials, are needed, Paul J. Lama, MD, told those attending the Glaucoma 2006 meeting here.

Alexandria, Egypt-The debate over the efficacy of epi-LASIK and LASIK continues. Both procedures are safe, although the visual rehabilitation is slower in patients who undergo epi-LASIK. However, the visual results ultimately surpass those who had LASIK, according to Ahmed A. El-Massry, MD, who reported on a comparison study of the two procedures.

Las Vegas-The use of a femtosecond laser (IntraLase, Advanced Medical Optics) to create channels for placement of corneal implants (Intacs, Addition Technology Inc.) seems to provide better visual and refractive improvements compared with mechanical implantation of the segments, according to Aylin Ertan, MD.

Charleston, SC-Use of a particular computer-driven microkeratome (Amadeus II with EpiBlade, Advanced Medical Optics) results in a better-quality separation of the corneal epithelium compared with an alcohol-assisted technique, according to a laboratory study reported by Luis E. Fernandez de Castro, MD.

Minneapolis-Three-month results from a retrospective study of LASIK cases performed using the 30-kHz femtosecond laser (IntraLase FS 30, IntraLase Corp.) or a particular microkeratome (Hansatome, Bausch & Lomb) for flap creation indicate that both procedures are associated with excellent efficacy and safety but suggest some benefits for the all-laser surgery, reported Elizabeth A. Davis, MD, FACS, clinical assistant professor of ophthalmology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, and a partner in Minnesota Eye Consultants.

Belleville, NJ-Azelastine HCl ophthalmic solution 0.05% (Optivar, MedPointe Pharmaceuticals) offers safe and effective relief of ocular symptoms associated with seasonal/intermittent and perennial/persistent allergic conjunctivitis. In addition, the treatment is an important adjuvant in patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis who may be receiving oral or intranasal medication to control their rhinitis, said John Favetta, MD.

Lynbrook, NY-Ketotifen fumarate ophthalmic solution 0.025% (Zaditor, Novartis) offers potent, fast-acting treatment for the signs and symptoms of ocular allergy with excellent safety and the convenience of availability as an over-the-counter (OTC) medication, said Marguerite B. McDonald, MD.

Maui, HI-Results of a double-masked, randomized, placebo-controlled study demonstrated olopatadine 0.2% (Pataday, Alcon Laboratories) was more effective for preventing allergen-induced ocular itching and redness than epinastine 0.05% (Elestat, Inspire Pharmaceuticals and Allergan). In addition, the new higher-concentration formulation of olopatadine was more comfortable than epinastine, reported Francis S. Mah, MD, here at the annual meeting of the Western Society of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

Wantagh, NY-Results of a multicenter, randomized, open-label study demonstrate that twice-daily epinastine HCl 0.05% ophthalmic solution (Elestat, Inspire Pharmaceuticals and Allergan) has significant value compared with use of rewetting drops only for improving comfort among allergy patients suffering with contact lens intolerance.

Las Vegas-Ocular allergies affect up to 40% of the pediatric population, and this high prevalence has ramifications beyond providing symptom relief, said Terry Kim, MD, during a continuing medical education symposium here at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Las Vegas-Steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP) is a promising research tool for vision assessment in the preverbal patient and one that is being used increasingly in the clinic, said William V. Good, MD, who discussed his research here during the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Irvine, CA-Allergan will donate $1 million over 2 years to academic medical institutions to support fellows researching glaucoma and corneal and retinal diseases.

Irvine, CA-Visiogen Inc. has received FDA approval to expand the phase III clinical trial of its dual-optic accommodating IOL (Synchrony) in the United States.

Des Plaines, IL-Addition Technology Inc. has launched a corneal implant (Intacs SK) for patients with severe keratoconus.

Rochester, NY-Bausch & Lomb has made an equity investment in-and has secured an exclusive option to purchase-AcuFocus Inc., a privately held company in Irvine, CA, that is developing a corneal inlay (ACI 7000) for the treatment of presbyopia.

Washington, DC-The Vision Care for Kids Act of 2007, introduced in both the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives, would provide eye exams and follow-up care for children who have been identified as needing vision-care services.

Baltimore-Medicare beneficiaries undergoing cataract surgery now have the option of choosing a toric IOL instead of a conventional lens following a ruling by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

South San Francisco, CA-An ongoing study of ranibizumab (Lucentis, Genentech) has found a higher incidence of stroke in patients with neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration who were administered a 0.5-mg dose intravitreally compared with patients who were given a 0.3-mg dose intravitreally (1.2% versus 0.3%, respectively; p = 0.02).

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia-Multizone LASIK with peripheral near zone ablation to correct presbyopia together with myopia or hyperopia is safe, effectively corrects spherical error, and improves near vision but without offering a high rate of spectacle independence, according to a study from refractive surgeons here at the Magrabi Hospital.

Las Vegas-Ophthalmologists can use one of several modified strategies to perform cataract surgery in patients who are taking or have taken tamsulosin (Flomax, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals), with good outcomes and low complication rates, when they know of the medication history in advance, David F. Chang, MD, told those attending the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology here.

Las Vegas-Studies have found conflicting evidence that sleep apnea is a risk factor for glaucoma, with variable control groups and variability in defining sleep apnea and glaucoma contributing to the disagreement. Parag A. Gokhale, MD, speaking here at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, said he sides with those who believe that a positive association exists between the two conditions.

Sacramento, CA-Dilation of Schlemm's canal to 360? and use of a tension suture result in significantly decreased postoperative IOP levels, said Richard A. Lewis, MD, who is in private practice here. The procedure, canaloplasty, safely enhances aqueous outflow in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), said Dr. Lewis, reporting the findings of an ongoing prospective multi-site study being conducted in the United States, the European Union, and South Africa.

Las Vegas-Intracameral injection of the anti-VEGF antibody bevacizumab (Avastin, Genentech) dramatically resolves iris neovascularization and reverses neovascular glaucoma, according to the findings of a retrospective study presented here at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Santa Ana, CA-In a move designed to boost its quest for the "custom all-laser LASIK," Advanced Medical Optics (AMO) has acquired WaveFront Sciences, Albuquerque, NM, for about $20 million.

Las Vegas-Refractive lens exchange (RLE) is associated with an increased burden of informed consent disclosure because of the complex issues, both current and future, accompanying that procedure, said Douglas D. Koch, MD, at the Refractive Sur-gery Subspecialty Day during the American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting.

San Bernardino, CA-Medicare claims for eyeglasses after cataract surgery are the single most complicated claims to file, according to Kevin Corcoran, COE, CPC, FNAO, president of Corcoran Consulting Group.

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia-Multizone LASIK with peripheral near zone ablation to correct presbyopia together with myopia or hyperopia is safe, effectively corrects spherical error, and improves near vision but without offering a high rate of spectacle independence, according to a study from refractive surgeons here at the Magrabi Hospital.