News

Lisbon, Portugal—The AcrySof angle-supported phakic IOL (Alcon Laboratories) seems to be safe and effective based on the preliminary clinical outcomes of the U.S. clinical trial that were reported at the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons annual meeting. The IOL provides significant improvements in correcting stable, high myopia, according to Ronald Krueger, MD.

Depending on what tools and historic data are available, there are a number of methods to choose from in order to compensate for corneal power errors in these cases.

Chicago—IntraLASIK as a one-step procedure using the femtosecond laser microkeratome (IntraLase) for flap creation shows promise as a safe and effective approach for correcting ametropia after penetrating keratoplasty (PK), although the best refractive results may be achieved in eyes with only mild to moderate astigmatism, said Irina S. Barequet, MD, at the refractive surgery subspecialty day meeting sponsored by the International Society of Refractive Surgery of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Los Angeles—A low-tech digital camera can offer a low-budget alternative for high-quality anterior segment photography, said Jonathan M. Davidorf, MD.

Lisbon, Portugal—Accurate adjustment of the new Light Adjustable Intraocular Lens (LAL) (Calhoun Vision) after implantation is possible using new digital light delivery systems and may eliminate the need for explantation of the IOL because of incorrect lens power after cataract surgery, reported Nick Mamalis, MD, at the annual meeting of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons.

Chicago—A number of incremental advances that have occurred in wavefront-guided treatment during the past year have added up to enhance outcomes of these customized procedures significantly, said Capt. Steven C. Schallhorn, MD, at the refractive surgery subspecialty day sponsored by the International Society of Refractive Surgery at the American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting.

Lisbon, Portugal—If presbyopia is the "final frontier" in refractive surgery, which surgical approach will stand out as the winner in treating patients with the condition? Will it be corneal surgery, intraocular surgery, or phakic-versus-pseudophakic approaches? Samuel Masket, MD, asked at the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS).

Since its introduction more than a decade ago, the anti-inflammatory efficacy of ketorolac has been well documented.

Baltimore—Extensive research has already led to the identification of a number of surgery- and IOL-related factors that can be targeted to reduce the occurrence of posterior capsule opacification (PCO). Investigators are continuing to evaluate new strategies to reduce its risk further in the future, said Albert S. Jun, MD, PhD, at Current Concepts in Ophthalmology, Baltimore.

Advanced Medical Optics (AMO) Inc.'s Tecnis foldable IOL has earned the title of New Technology IOL (NTIOL) from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The designation follows labeling claims approved by the FDA in April 2004 that the lens reduced postoperative spherical aberrations compared with lenses with spherical optics and improved night driving simulator performance. The designation was effective Feb. 27.

The recently reported success with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) provides an important new therapeutic modality for wet AMD and an exciting victory for biotechnology. Yet, the best results will eventually come from interventions that target earlier steps in AMD pathogenesis.

Lisbon, Portugal—Newer tonometry technology seems to offer an improvement over Goldmann tonometry for more accurate IOP measurement in post-LASIK eyes, explained Jay Pepose, MD, PhD, at the XXIII Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons.

Iowa City, IA—The University of Iowa's (UI) Center for Macular Degeneration (CMD) will be able to advance its mission with the creation of a large-scale nonprofit genetics testing laboratory, made possible by two gifts totaling $6.2 million.

Santa Ana, CA—Advanced Medical Optics Inc. (AMO) has launched its WhiteStar ICE technology for use in its Sovereign phacoemulsification system.

Bethesda, MD—Paris-based Neurotech is initiating a phase II human clinical trial here of its encapsulated cell technology (ECT) for the treatment of vision loss due to the dry form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Kleinostheim, Germany—Schwind eye-tech-solutions is launching the Carriazo-Pendular microkeratome in the United States.

Irvine, CA—Refractec Inc. will work with Eyemaginations Inc. to create an animated presbyopia patient education program to be distributed to more than 800 American ophthalmologists.

Irvine, CA—ISTA Pharmaceuticals Inc. announced that the FDA has approved its supplemental new drug application (sNDA) for bromfenac ophthalmic solution 0.09% (Xibrom). The indication expands bromfenac's indication to include the treatment of pain following cataract surgery.

Chicago?Results of a study evaluating post-cataract surgery endophthalmitis at a regional tertiary referral center in England show no evidence for an increase in incidence over a recent period of almost 8 years, reported Omar M. Durrani, FRCS, at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Chicago?Pay for performance (P4P) is going to be a reality in the very near future, according to William L. Rich III, MD, who explained the whys and wherefores of this complex topic during the retina subspecialty day at the American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting.

Chicago-The future of presbyopic lens exchange for high myopia looks bright with the development of various IOL options, according to one proponent. Yet, surgeons and patients should be aware of possible complications, such as retinal detachment, and seek alternatives, cautions another refractive surgeon.

Retinal surgeons need to retain skill in performing scleral buckling because that procedure has a benefit compared with primary vitrectomy for the management of complex retinal detachment in phakic patients, said Michael H. Foerster, MD, at the World Ophthalmology Congress.

Proper management of cataract cases involving intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) should keep surgeons from experiencing complications associated with the problem, reported Alan Crandall, MD, at the World Ophthalmology Congress on Thursday.

Knowledge of appropriate technique for intravitreal injection is becoming increasingly important as the indications and agents available for intravitreal therapy expand, said Rajendra S. Apte, MD, at the World Ophthalmology Congress.

Use of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide has quickly gained favor among retinal specialists as a first-line treatment for treatment of macular edema associated with retinal vein occlusion (RVO). However, findings from an evidence-based literature review indicate published data to support what has become a widespread clinical phenomenon are broad but not deep, said Robert Bhisitkul, MD, PhD, at the World Ophthalmology Congress."The purpose of this analysis was to look beyond the clinical impression that this therapy results in improved vision and reduced macular thickness by considering its long- versus short-term clinical effects. Its results show our best available evidence is inconclusive at best, but results of ongoing studies should give us a greater level of confidence in using intravitreal triamcinolone to treat patients with RVO," said Dr. Bhisitkul, professor of clinical ophthalmology, University of California San Francisco, in the United States.

Glaucoma implants may fail for a number of reasons, said Felix Gil Carrasco, MD, at the World Congress of Ophthalmology on Wednesday. However, inappropriate patient selection and improper placement of the shunt are probably the most common reasons.

New techniques and technology in cataract surgery was the theme of a symposium Wednesday night at the World Ophthalmology Congress. The symposium touched on new phacoemulsification technology, the use of a new ophthalmic viscophthalmic device (OVD), anti-infectives, and the latest intraocular lens technology.

Challenging phacoemulsification cases can present problems for the cataract surgeon. How a surgeon manages those challenging cases can prevent the case from turning into a nightmare.