Selective laser trabeculoplasty a safe alternative to ALT
May 1st 2002Boston-Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) could potentially be used as a first-line therapy for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG)because it is much less traumatic to the eye than the currently used argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT), according to its inventor, Mark Latina, MD.
Lid speculum maximizes patient comfort, surgical exposure
May 1st 2002Los Angeles-In the continuing effort to improve cataract and refractive surgery, a new lid speculum designed by Barry S. Seibel, MD, offers lid control for cataract and refractive procedures and several new innovative features that not only enhance patient comfort but also provide better surgical exposure.
Academy offers free online training for physicians, staff
May 1st 2002Where on the Internet can you enhance your training and education-as well as that of your administrative staff-with high-quality materials, a minimum investment of time, and no expense? The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)'s Web site.
The birthplace of our nation's freedom
May 1st 2002A visit to Philadelphia during this year's American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery annual meeting (June 1 to 5) is not complete without a trip to Independence National Historical Park. Within America's most historic square mile, you will want to see two of the most treasured symbols of America's freedom: the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.
Allergy control before surgery helps ensure outcome
April 15th 2002Norfolk, VA-Preoperative control of allergic eye disease is an important goal in the management of patients undergoing ocular surgery, and ketotifen fumarate (Zaditor, Novartis) is an excellent choice for that indication, according to John R. Sheppard, MD, MMSc.
Comfort level of ocular allergy agent is key to patient compliance
April 15th 2002San Antonio, TX-A treatment for seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, pemirolast potassium 0.1% ophthalmic solution (Alamast, Santen Inc., Napa, CA), was shown to be more comfortable for patients and equally effective when used twice a day during ragweed season when compared with nedocromil sodium 2% ophthalmic solution (Alocril, Allergan, Irvine, CA). These two drugs are the two latest mast-cell stabilizers that have become commercially available to treat ocular allergies.
Ocular symptoms from seasonal allergic conjunctivitis benefit from topical drops
April 15th 2002London, Ontario, Canada-Patients with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis that includes ocular symptoms may benefit from a combination of fexofenadine HCl capsules (Allegra, Aventis Pharmaceuticals Inc., Bridgewater, NJ) supplemented with the ophthalmic solution of nedocromil sodium 2% (Alocril, Allergan, Irvine, CA).
Allergic conjunctivitis symptoms relieved in challenge model
April 15th 2002Olopatadine HCl 0.1% (Patanol, Alcon) is significantly more effective than ketotifen fumarate 0.025% (Zaditor, Novartis), nedocromil sodium 2% (Alocril, Allergan), and azelastine HCl 0.05% (Optivar, Muro) in relieving itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis and has a comfort advantage as well, according to results of prospective, double-masked comparison studies.
Loteprednol, azelastine provide potent arsenal for acute, chronic allergic conjunctivitis
April 15th 2002Loteprednol etabonate 0.2% (Alrex, Bausch & Lomb) and azelastine hydrochloride 0.05% (Optivar, Muro) are both valuable options for the management of seasonal and perennial allergic conjunctivitis, said Charles Slonim, MD.
Ocular allergy signs, symptoms best handled after specifics answered
April 15th 2002Ocular allergies are a major source of discomfort and annoyance. Allergic symptoms often interfere with such common activities as reading, sports, or working on a computer. Greater public awareness of allergic conditions and less tolerance of their signs and symptoms are driving the need for better diagnosis and treatment.
New antibiotic seen as more effective in fighting bacteria
April 1st 2002San Francisco-Levofloxacin (Quixin, Santen)-the new kid in the fluoroquinolone family-is less likely to encounter resistant strains of bacteria than the two older members of that antibiotic family, ofloxacin (Ocuflox, Allergan) and ciprofloxacin (Ciloxan, Alcon), according to David Hwang, MD.
Wavefront scanning device helpful toolin correcting higher-order aberrations
April 1st 2002London-A Hartmann-Shack wavefront scanning device is an effective aid in correcting difficult irregular astigmatism following previous LASIK, according to London anterior segment specialist and refractive surgeon Julian Stevens, MD, FRCO.
Using thinner flap reduces risk of ectasia from LASIK
April 1st 2002New York-The risk of inducing ectasia during LASIK could be reduced if refractive surgeons would aim for thinner flaps, according to Dan Z. Reinstein, MD, of the Reinstein Institute and the Weill Medical College of Cornell University in New York.
Basic understanding of wavefront technology essential
April 1st 2002Rochester, NY-The greatest impact in diagnosing wavefront error and treating higher-order aberrations will be seen in patients with irregular astigmatism, post-refractive surgical errors, and post-penetrating keratoplasty, according to New York refractive surgeon Scott M. MacRae, MD.
Ophthalmic team fulfills a dream of restoring vision
April 1st 2002New Delhi, India-A married couple of ophthalmic surgeons in New Delhi, India, had a dream. Arun Sethi, MD, and his wife, Reena Sethi, MD, wanted to donate their time and professional skills to help reverse the tide of curable blindness in their area. However, never did they imagine what an impact they could make with a variety of assistance.
AAO survey details subspecialty practices
April 1st 2002San Francisco- A recent survey conducted by the American Academy of Ophthalmology found that the proportion of respondents who described themselves as "general" or "comprehensive" ophthalmologists has held steady at between 48% and 51% since the 1998 survey.
Accurate dispensary paperwork is key in post-cataract stage
March 15th 2002If your practice does any appreciable amount of cataract surgery, it is important to make sure that both your optical and billing staff are well trained in the proper paperwork procedures should patients require eyewear after surgery. This means providing eyewear that satisfies and enhances both their vision needs and their personal preferences.