News

Miami-Microbiologic studies indicated that Mycobacterium chelonae and M abscessus respond to antibacterial treatment differently from other atypical nontuberculous mycobacteria, reported Eduardo Alfonso, MD, of the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami.

Mainz, Germany-Corneal thickness can be reproducibly measured using either noncontact optical coherence tomography (OCT) or ultrasound pachymetry. A comparison of results obtained with those two techniques, however, indicates that ultrasound pachymetry may underestimate corneal thickness, probably due to its applana- tion of the cornea, said Peter Breil, MD.

As an ophthalmologist, you work too hard not to consider tax planning a priority. That is, of course, unless you like spending 40% to 50% of your time working for the IRS. Still, if you are like most physicians, you don't even dedicate 1 day per month to see how you could reduce your tax liability.

Virginia Beach, VA-Femtosecond laser (IntraLase FS) creation of channels for implantation of intrastromal corneal ring segments (Intacs micro-thin prescription inserts, Addition Technology) represents an improved technique relative to mechanical dissection because it is easier and associated with better visual outcomes as well as fewer explantations and exchanges, according to the results of a comparative study.

Montreal-PRK using adjunctive intraoperative mitomycin-C (Mutamycin, Bristol-Myers Squibb) is a safe and effective tech- nique for treating eyes with high myopia, thin corneas, and large pupils, according to Pierre E. Demers, MD.

Wilmington, NC-There's new help available for creating LASEK flaps. Instead of making one large, hinged flap in LASEK, the Brown Butterfly trephine (Rhein Medical) allows ophthalmologists to create two smaller flaps, which, according to its inventor, is significantly more manageable.

El Paso, TX-Laser presbyopia reversal (LAPR) is showing promise in the treatment of presbyopia in early clinical trials, according to Bobby Maddox, MD.

San Diego-Analyses of subjective and objective outcome parameters indicate wavefront-guided LASIK offers better quality of vision compared with conventional LASIK, according to Steve C. Schallhorn, MD.

Wilkes-Barre, PA-Preoperative oral intake of nutritional supplements containing omega fatty acids prevents the precipitous drop-off in tear lactoferrin that occurs following the LASIK-induced creation of a neurotrophic cornea, reported Frank A. Bucci Jr., MD.

Imaging studies in typical glaucomatous cupping are usually unnecessary because the diagnosis can normally be made on clinical grounds alone (e.g., elevated IOP, glaucomatous cupping, nerve fiber layer visual field defects). In addition, glaucoma produces a specific and differentiating form of optic atrophy (i.e., cupping). Although most patients with glaucoma have an elevated IOP, some have normal-tension glaucoma.This article reviews the "red flags" for considering imaging in suspected glaucomatous optic atrophy.

Detroit-Careful tracking of socket surgery cases will allow surgeons to analyze their results and thereby learn valuable lessons that will enable them to take better care of future patients, said Murray D. Christian-son, MD.

New York-More drugs are in the pipeline that may have a positive impact on the treatment of patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). One that is providing good results is anecortave acetate (15 mg) for depot suspension, (Retaane, Alcon).

Toronto-Offering dual linear control of vacuum and phaco power in conjunction with burst mode, the Millennium microsurgical system (Bausch & Lomb) enhances phaco safety and efficiency to optimize patient outcomes, said Rosa M. Braga-Mele, MD.

Although patients with uveitis are at increased risk of complications following cataract surgery with IOL implantation, due to pre-existing inflam- mation, improvements in technology, materials, and surgical techniques have greatly improved outcomes.

Stanford, CA-Tube shunt surgery is an efficacious way to lower IOP in complicated glaucomas, according to Mary Ann Lloyd, MD.

Durham, NC-Central corneal thickness (CCT) may be the best parameter for predicting the severity of glaucoma, according to Jennifer S. Weizer, MD.

Chicago-Ophthalmologists confront many issues in managing glaucoma, but patients with exfoliation syndrome, cataracts, and a history of refractive surgery present additional challenges.

"Give a man a fish and he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish and he eats for a lifetime."

The sunny, southern California city of Anaheim plays host this year to the 107th annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). The program is being held at the completely renovated Anaheim Convention Center and features a new compact format that conveniently consolidates all of the educational opportunities of subspecialty days and the annual meeting into 5 days.

Denver-It's been said that one learns more from experience than from reading or observing. Some ophthalmic procedures, such as myopic LASIK, can be performed safely by house staff physicians-provided they are properly supervised by an experienced mentor, said Darren G. Gregory, MD.

Aliso Viejo, CA-C&C Vision, developer of the CrystaLens, has changed its name to eyeonics Inc. The company said the new name more clearly identifies what it does.

San Francisco-The American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (AAPOS) is offering its annual "I Care for Eye Care" calendar and note cards, featuring children's artwork from all over the world.

Wilmette, IL-More intensive staffing and better preparation can reduce various aspects of procedure time associated with cataract procedures performed at ambulatory surgery centers.

Fountain Hills, AZ-Coronado Industries Inc.'s glaucoma treatment device will be sold and distributed in Italy under a new agreement signed with EuPharmed of Rome.

Washington, DC -- Members of the Alliance for Eye and Vision Research updated Congressional staffers about the latest developments in LASIK and corneal healing, and asked that Congress keep its promise to double the National Eye Institute's budget.

Fort Myers, FL-Takayuki Akahoshi, MD, will present the 2004 John H. Sheets Memorial Lecture during the SEE Island Quality Sur-gery XVIII Seminar Feb. 28 to March 3.

Irvine, CA -- Two phase III clinical trials of ovine hyaluronidase (Vitrase, ISTA Pharmaceuticals) reveal a statistically significant reduction in vitreous hemorrhage density in patients with diabetes during each of 3 months following a single intravitreous injection of ovine hyaluronidase when compared with a single injection of saline solution.

Fort Worth, TX-A third generic version of brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution 0.2% now gives ophthalmologists yet another alternative for lowering IOP in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

Beverly Hills, CA-Centration on the coaxially sighted corneal light reflex (visual axis) is a safe and effective technique for LASIK when treating low to moderate hyperopia with or without astigmatism, according to the results of a retrospective study.

Editor's Note: Although less common than uveitis in adults, uveitis in children can present unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Emmett T. Cunningham Jr., MD, PhD, MPH, editor of the "Uveitis Update" column in Ophthalmology Times, asked a panel of uveitis specialists to comment on various aspects of the condition in this roundtable discussion. Their comments have been edited for length and clarity.