News

You can help influence the reimbursement level for specific CPT codes by participating in the Five-Year Review of Work Values, a comprehensive review of all physician relative work values conducted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

An implantable miniature telescope (IMT, VisionCare Ophthalmic Tech- nologies, Saratoga, CA) may offer improved visual acuity and quality of life in patients with bilateral, endstage age-related macular degeneration (AMD), according to Paul R. Lichter, MD, who made a presentation on behalf of the investigators.

The AcrySof ReSTOR apodized diffractive IOL (model MA60D3, Alcon Laboratories Inc.) provides patients with excellent near visual acuity without compromising distance vision.

Better accommodating IOLs are also needed, and ideally, the new technology will be so sophisticated that it allows accommodation to be under the patient's control.

Coronado Island, CA—A new, high-output filtered xenon light source (Photon, Synergetics, St. Charles, MO), provides excellent illumination during vitreoretinal surgery when paired with a series of novel fiberoptic devices, according to Carl C. Awh, MD.

Durham, NC—Researchers are exploring new ideas on the mechanism by which IOP is elevated in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). David L. Epstein, MD, proposed theories such as loss of dynamic function and proteasome function and emphasized that POAG has multiple causes.

Boston—Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is finally coming into its own. The technology has advanced to the point that the resolution is down to micrometers and three-dimensional images of retinal structures can be obtained. These advances are expected to make possible diagnosis and management of retinal diseases before they become clinically apparent.

Irvine, CA—Refractec Inc. has hired R. Keith Burgess for the newly created position of director of international sales.

Pittsburgh—Senior executives from some 50 biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and device firms examined the potential for combination drug/device therapies in a weekend conference showcasing the most promising advances.

Irvine, CA—ISTA Pharmaceuticals is asking the FDA for permission to conduct a phase IIb clinical trial for ecabet sodium, a prescription eye drop for treating keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye syndrome).

Ophthalmology is a man's world-not! At least not for long. While the numbers have historically shown many more men than women enrolling in medical school and entering surgical subspecialties like ophthalmology, things have changed a lot since most of us graduated from school and finished our residencies.

In more than 280 scientific articles and his textbook—nicknamed the "Gass Atlas"—Dr. Gass explained such phenomena as the pathogenesis of disciform macular degeneration.

Albuquerque, NM—The FDA approved a wavefront-guided LASIK procedure (CustomVue, VISX/AMO) for treating mixed astigmatism on March 22.

The FDA approval for marketing of bromfenac ophthalmic solution 0.09% (Xibrom, ISTA Pharmaceuticals) gives the topical medication the distinction of being the first nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) in the United States indicated for twice-daily instillation in the management of ocular inflammation after cataract surgery.

Washington, DC &#8212 Circular lamellar keratomileusis (CLK) is a new surgical procedure that offers a potentially safer alternative to LASIK for the treatment of low myopia (up to -5 D), myopic presbyopia, and emmetropic presbyopes, said Gholam Peyman, MD, at the Innovators Session.

Washington, DC &#8212 Members of Ophthalmic Women Leaders (OWL) gathered Monday for an evening of networking at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) meeting.

Washington, DC &#8212 Alcon Laboratories Inc. introduced the newest addition to its IOL family during a press conference Monday. The AcrySof ReSTOR apodized diffractive IOL recently received FDA approval for cataract surgery in patients with or without presbyopia.

Washington, DC &#8212 The AcrySof Natural SN60AT IOL (Alcon Laboratories) provides the same quality of vision as the conventional single-piece AcrySof IOL (Alcon Laboratories) under different degrees of contrast and different light conditions, reported Newton Kara-Jose Jr., MD, during a cataract symposium on phacoemulsification and IOLs at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery annual meeting.

Washington, DC &#8212 Good near and distance visual acuity may be achieved in mild-to-moderate hyperopia in patients using a bilateral treatment approach, reported Marguerite B. McDonald, MD, who spoke at a refractive symposium on hyperopia, conductive keratoplasty (CK, Refractec), and LASIK during the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery annual meeting.

Washington, DC &#8212 Results of a prospective, randomized, double-masked, vehicle-controlled clinical trial demonstrate the efficacy and safety of nepafenac 0.1% ophthalmic suspension for reducing anterior segment inflammation and minimizing pain after cataract surgery, said Stephen S. Lane, MD.

Washington, DC &#8212 Significant wound burn occurs in about 1 in 1,000 cases of phacoemulsification, but its incidence is influenced by surgical technique, reported Randall J. Olson, MD.

Washington, DC &#8212 Circular lamellar keratomileusis (CLK) is a new surgical procedure that offers a potentially safer alternative to LASIK for the treatment of low myopia (up to -5 D), myopic presbyopia, and emmetropic presbyopes, said Gholam Peyman, MD, at the Innovators Session.

Washington, DC &#8212 Accruing experience with the AlphaCor synthetic keratoprosthesis has led to the identification of risk factors for complications along with the development of protective procedures that are enabling better results, said R. Doyle Stulting, MD.

Washington, DC &#8212 Conventional LASIK for moderate myopia generally reduces night-driving performance, but the frequency of that effect differs between laser platforms, said Steve C. Schallhorn, MD.

Washington, DC &#8212 The topic of healthcare continues to garner much debate on Capitol Hill. Former congressman and practicing physician Sen. Tom A. Coburn, MD (R-OK) kicked off the Government Relations General Session at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery meeting.

Washington, DC &#8212 phthalmologists discovered something "new" and something "old" Sunday evening during the "Innovations in Cataract and Refractive Surgery" symposium, sponsored by the Dulaney Foundation and supported by an educational grant from Alcon Laboratories.

Washington, DC &#8212 Attendees of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery meeting enjoyed a festive evening of Australian wines, hors d'oeuvres, and music at a Sunday evening reception sponsored by Norwood EyeCare, a subsidiary of Norwood Abbey Ltd. The Australian-based company has much to celebrate.