News

More than 330 ophthalmologists from 24 states and several countriesattended "Glaucoma 2004: Mastering Tools and Techniques for the 21stCentury," on Friday, June 4, and Saturday, June 5, at the Plaza Hotel.

The use of antiproliferative agents has helped increase thelikelihood of successful filtering surgery by inhibiting the wound healingresponse. The problem is that these agents also contribute to the risk ofbleb leak and bleb-associated infection, reported Paul J. Lama, MD, of theUniversity of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, and the Veterans'Administration Medical Center, East Orange, NJ.

What are the best approaches to the glaucoma suspect, establishedglaucoma patient, and the patient with low-tension glaucoma? Those weresome of the topics covered in the afternoon session on Friday, June 4.

Global risk assessment is a relatively new concept in ophthalmology.In the field of cardiology, risk factors to aid in treatment decisions havebeen used for 50 years. Cardiologists and internists document such factorsas blood pressure and serum lipid profiles in all patients to determinethose who are at risk and need treatment.

Automated perimetry is an important tool for the diagnosis andmanagement of glaucoma. Using this tool, clinicians can identify the abnormalvisual field and then monitor for ongoing visual field deterioration, saidJody R. Piltz-Seymour, MD, of the University of Pennsylvania, and the ScheieEye Institute, Philadelphia. She described the strengths and weaknessesof three systems currently used by clinicians.

Clinicians need to recognize the fundamental characteristicsof the glaucomatous optic nerve in daily practice. While understanding cup-to-discratio is important, it is also important to recognize other structural characteristics.

The new technology has the potential to be safer with the delivery of micropulses of BSS, which results in littleor no increase in temperature or vibration inside the eye.

Patients with atypical or stereotypical symptoms present more cause for concern.

Visual field testing, fundus photography help to document condition of optic nerve over time

Debate weighs merits of both modalities; further research may elucidate preferences

The typical signs and symptoms of shunt malfunction include headache, neck pain, malaise, nausea and vomiting, mental status changes, increased blood pressure, or seizure.

Inhibition of PKC shown to affect changes in retinal blood flow as well as leukocyte adhesion

Inflammatory mechanisms, infectious agents, and environmental and systemic co-factors explored

Glaucoma agent may be more protective of optic nerve by blunting IOP spikes, expert says

New this year: A rapid-fire paper session consisting of almost 30 cutting-edge refractive surgery-based papers from around the world.

San Diego-The key to achieving the most from refractive surgery is an understanding of the biomechanics of the refractive procedures in the eye coupled with advances in pharmaceuticals to facilitate wound healing.

When should intraocular lymphoma be considered, and when it is suspected what steps should be taken to make the diagnosis?

The risk of endophthalmitis after clear corneal surgery was significantly higher compared with both scleral and limbal incisions.

Baltimore-Peripheral iris fixation of a foldable posterior chamber IOL using a modified McCannel suture appears to be a useful technique for the management of delayed-onset within-the-bag IOL subluxation in eyes with pseudoexfoliation syndrome, said Aruoriwo M. Oboh-Weilke, MD

Presence of pigmentation may be inhibitory factor for blood vessel growth, researchers report

However, IOP remains most important risk factor for blindness

Fixed combination compares favorably with concomitant use of prostaglandin analogue, beta-blocker

Waltham, MA-Interleukin Genetics Inc. has received a U.S. patent for a method that uses specific genetic markers to identify people with diabetes who are at an increased risk of retinopathy.

Des Plaines, IL-First-quarter 2004 sales of Addition Technology Inc.'s micro-thin prescription inserts (Intacs) increased 57% over the same period a year ago and 93% over the previous quarter, according to the company.

Irvine, CA-Medennium Inc. is working with GD Services Inc. of Newport Beach, CA, to help raise money for its SmartIOL, an injectable, full-sized, accommodating IOL under development.

New York-Eyetech Pharmaceuticals and Archemix Corp. will collaborate on the research and development of aptamers for use in the treatment of ophthalmic diseases.

Fort Lauderdale, FL-The ARVO Foundation, the non-profit research support group for the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), received a $500,000 grant from Pfizer Ophthalmics, New York, to fund in partnership interdisciplinary research conferences and awards to promote research related to preventing blindness.

Progressive condition involving tissue damage is related to IOP, not necessarily elevated pressure

Branded drug with lower concentration does offer a better side effect profile than generics

Surgeons should reconsider system that allows for rapid rise in vacuum, increased efficiency