With the introduction of the Spectralis HRA+OCT (Heidelberg Engineering), two diagnostic technologies for retinal imaging are available in one instrument, offering a broad range of research and clinical applications, explained Frank Holz, MD, at the Heidelberg Engineering media event prior to the American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting.
Patients with symptoms of dry eye make up about 30% of patients in the general ophthalmology practice, yet until lately management of this common condition was difficult due to the complex, multifactorial nature of the disease and the subjective nature of patients' complaints. However, recent breakthroughs in understanding of dry eye are leading to improved diagnostic and treatment approaches.
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The SOLX Gold Micro-Shunt (GMS, OccuLogix) is a novel approach to treating increased IOP in patients with open-angle glaucoma that does not respond to other therapies and is a good alternative to trabeculectomy, according to Shlomo Melamed, MD, an investigator based in Tel Aviv, Israel.
Surgical monovision is an attractive option for the patient with presbyopia who seeks refractive surgery and expects glasses- and contact lens-free vision after the procedure, said Mark J. Mannis, MD, at Refractive Surgery 2006.
Should physicians abandon the monocular treatment trial for assessing the efficacy of a glaucoma medication? That was the question debated in a point-counterpoint session during the glaucoma subspecialty day meeting.
Marcelo V. Netto, MD, received the annual Troutman Award this year for his paper describing the findings from wavefront analysis in a population of normal refractive surgery patients.
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Although the FDA considers autoimmune diseases a contraindication for LASIK regardless of disease severity, a retrospective study suggests that the surgery may be appropriate in patients with well-controlled or inactive disease, said Ronald J. Smith, MD, MPH, of Beverly Hills.
New Paradigms
Short-term use of topical steroids used in conjunction with other long-term therapies can help heal the ocular surface in patients considering refractive surgery, said Deepinder K. Dhaliwal, MD, of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
Short-term results show that bevacizumab (Avastin, Genentech) seems to be safe and effective for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD), reported Philip Rosenfeld, MD, PhD, during Retina Subspecialty Day.
Ranibizumab (Lucentis, Genentech) for treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) was shown to prevent moderate vision loss over 24 months and to result in improved vision in some patients in the MARINA Study, according to Joan Miller, MD, who reported the results during Retina Subspecialty Day.
Although the FDA considers autoimmune diseases a contraindication for LASIK regardless of disease severity, a retrospective study suggests that the surgery may be appropriate in patients with well-controlled or inactive disease, said Ronald J. Smith, MD, MPH, of Beverly Hills.
Although almost half of all patients who undergo LASIK report dry eye symptoms, there is no real evidence that the refractive procedure causes chronic dry eye, according to James P. McCulley, MD, FACS, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Fort Worth.
The long-term results of the multicenter Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) indicated that the beneficial effect of treatment with antioxidants and zinc with copper persisted 10 years after the AREDS 1 trial ended, said Emily Chew, MD.
Pellucid marginal degeneration is a subtle condition that could lead to corneal ectasia following laser eye surgery. Although it is atypical and rare, clinicians should learn how to identify pellucid and screen patients for it preoperatively, said Yaron S. Rabinowitz, MD, director of ophthalmology research, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles.
A world-renowned authority on the role of nutrition and lifestyle in the prevention of disease will deliver the Manus C. Kraff Lecture on Science and Medicine at the 2006 Symposium of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery in April.
New 3D monitor
Prevent Blindness America (PBA), the nation's oldest and largest non-profit eye health and safety organization, is beginning its application process for the 2007 Eyes on Capitol Hill campaign. This event is designed to allow those affected by real-life vision issues an opportunity to discuss their experiences with their government representatives. The event will begin Feb. 28 in Washington, DC, with discussions on federal funding efforts for vision programs and research and seminars on how participants can become effective advocates in their own communities. The following day, participants will make office visits with congressional members.
Retina Health Center opens in Naples
Congressional
The annual American Society of Cata-ract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) survey on trends in refractive surgery was expanded this year to include other refractive surgery-related topics. Stephen Wexler, MD, provided the highlights of the survey at this year's annual meeting.
When Ming Wang, MD, PhD, is dancing, he is truly living. The Nashville corneal and LASIK surgeon followed a long road to the ballroom dance floor and, today, the Chinese-born doctor is a competitive dancer and encourages others to appreciate the fine arts of music and dance.
Las Vegas-A rigorous preoperative dry eye treatment regimen can help ensure patient satisfaction after LASIK whether the IntraLase femtosecond laser (IntraLase Corp) or the Amadeus microkeratome (Advanced Medical Optics) was used to create the flap, according to Kent L. Wellish, MD.
Los Angeles-Intracorneal ring segments (Intacs, Addition Technology Inc.) carry hope of success for patients with keratoconus, especially when the channels for the ring segments are created using the IntraLase femtosecond laser (IntraLase Corp.).
