News

Pittsburgh-The Glaucoma Probability Score (GPS), the new mathematical model featured in the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph 3 (HRT3, Heidelberg Engineering) software, eliminates subjective operator input in defining the optic disc margin and performs comparably to the HRT II in discriminating between healthy and glaucomatous eyes, according to a study undertaken by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh.

Canberra, Australia-Spatial frequency doubling (FD) stimuli have an excellent ability to predict progression of visual field loss and optic disc abnormalities for about 3 years in patients with glaucoma, but the predictive power of one assessment on its own drops off over time, said Ted Maddess, PhD, a senior fellow (associate professor) in the visual sciences group, Research School of Biological Sciences, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.

The use of a pattern-scan laser system (Pascal Photocoagulator, OptiMedica Corp.) to treat diabetic retinopathy and other retinal disorders is showing substantial advantages over conventional single-burn techniques, according to a growing body of clinical experience. Early adopters say key attributes include better targeting of photocoagulation burns to fit specific retinal conditions, less patient discomfort due to lower applied laser power, and improved overall clinical efficiency because the number and duration of treatments are sharply reduced.

Bonita Springs, FL-The rotating Scheimpflug camera-based Pentacam system (Oculus) seems to provide an easy-to-use tool for obtaining reliable corneal pachymetry measurements, said Stephen E. Pascucci, MD, a private practitioner in Bonita Springs, FL.

Calgary, Alberta-Serial digital fundus imaging with remote interpretation by experienced physician graders is accurate for detecting clinically significant retinopathy of prematurity (CSROP), according to the results of the Photographic Screening Trial for Retinopathy of Prematurity (PhotoROP).

Ophthalmology Times is celebrating its 30th anniversary this month. Let's look at the evolution that has occurred during these 30 years to the most common intraocular operation performed by ophthalmologists: the cataract extraction.

London-A reduction in IOP in patients with open-angle glaucoma can be achieved after nonpenetrating glaucoma surgery (canaloplasty) when circumferential suturing is done in the inner wall of Schlemm's canal. This technique results in distension of Schlemm's canal and enhanced outflow of aqueous with the subsequent lowering of the IOP, explained Norbert Koerber, MD, at the XXIV Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons in London.

Ophthalmology Times periodically posts online questions to survey ophthalmologists who receive its e-newsletter. This is clearly not a scientific sampling of opinion.

Markham, Ontario, Canada-AlphaRx Inc. announced the appointment of Michael S. Berlin, MD, MS, to its scientific advisory board.

Boston-The Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary (MEEI) appointed Reza Dana, MD, MSc, MPH, of Cambridge, MA, as director of its cornea and refractive surgery service. Dr. Dana has been an associate surgeon at MEEI since 2001 and has served as acting director of the cornea and refractive surgery service since April.

Hinsdale, IL-Preoperative topical application of semi-frozen balanced salt solution (BSS) given immediately before the epi-keratome pass is a highly effective technique for significantly reducing or even eliminating pain after epi-LASIK, said Bruce Larson, MD, who is a clinical instructor, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, and in private practice in Hinsdale, IL.

Many factors play a role in wound healing after epi-LASIK. For example, use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) after surgery, advanced age, and a compromised tear film have been associated with delayed wound healing, whereas younger age, healthy tear film, and certain nutritional supplements have been associated with rapid wound healing.

The device processes images captured by a head-mounted miniature camera and transmits them to the optic nerve.

Danbury, CT-Cataract onset appears to be delayed among consumers of diet soda relative to their counterparts who drink non-diet beverages, according to a study by Ralph J. Falkenstein, MD, and colleagues.

"Reported cases of ectasia have been diagnosed up to 4 years after LASIK," said R. Doyle Stulting, MD, PhD, during a symposium on ectatic diseases in corneal and refractive surgery.

Triamcinolone acetonide injections for macular edema associated with retinal vein occlusion have become a therapeutic mainstay, but conflicting data have emerged about the safety of these injections, and some reports indicate that visual stabilization rather than visual improvement is occurring.

Enhancements can help prevent dispensary fraud, embezzlement

When it comes to pseudophakic correction for eyes where there is no capsule fixation, a surgeon should select an IOL and fixation technique based on personal experience, skill, and comfort level while also taking into account the specific clinical presentation of the patient, said Roger F. Steinert, MD.

The recent availability of anti-VEGF agents to treat age-related macular degeneration (AMD) offers the tantalizing promise of maintaining or even improving vision, but as many questions as answers surround these new drugs.

A study on the natural course of primary acquired melanosis of the conjunctiva (PAM) shows that there is no risk of progression to melanoma if there is no atypia, with increasing risk for mild to severe atypia.

Triamcinolone acetonide injections for macular edema associated with retinal vein occlusion have become a therapeutic mainstay, but conflicting data have emerged about the safety of these injections, and some reports indicate that visual stabilization rather than visual improvement is occurring.

Enhancements can help prevent dispensary fraud, embezzlement

"The best way to improve your bottom line is to improve your top lines-sell luxury, branded eyewear," said Sam Buemi, regional manager, Safilo USA. "If you carry fashion eyewear and your staff learns to sell fashion eyewear, your bottom line will improve."

In a retrospective analysis of the phase III MARINA study results, patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) who were treated with the 0.5-mg dose of ranibizumab (Lucentis, Genentech) had improvement in anatomic outcomes that corresponded to improved visual acuity and was compared to a sham group, according to Nancy M. Holekamp, MD.

Oral antiviral medications offer an effective, more convenient option compared with topical antiviral therapy for patients with acute infectious ulcers associated with herpes simplex keratitis, increasing the likelihood of therapy adherence, Deborah P. Langston, MD, FACS, told a full-capacity crowd at a symposium on eye infections Monday

The Foresee PHP, a second-generation Preferential Hyperacuity Perimeter is available for improved detection and early diagnosis of the most aggressive and sight-threatening form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Developed by Notal Vision and distributed exclusively in the United States by MSS, the device represents a technologic leap for monitoring AMD and is a clinically validated diagnostic device for improved early detection of choroidal neovascularization (CNV).

Lenstec Inc. announced that the FDA has granted the company an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) to begin a clinical trial of the Softec HD posterior chamber IOL.

Neuroprotection, a strategy to slow or prevent the death of retinal ganglion cells, offers the possibility of slowing the rate of glaucomatous progression and preventing blindness. But although the underlying theory appears to be sound, much has yet to be learned through basic and clinical research before neuroprotection could become an integral part of glaucoma therapy.