News

Iowa City, IA-The development of gene-directed therapy for common genetic ocular diseases that will be deployable on a population scale rests on coordinated research involving a series of steps. However, judging from progress made so far, such modalities might become clinically available soon, said Edwin M. Stone, MD, PhD.

Miami-Treatment with small interfering RNA (siRNA) directed against vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is showing promise as a new therapy for choroidal neovascularization (CNV), according to Michael J. Tolentino, MD, who spoke at Angiogenesis 2004.

Animal studies show efficacy of VEGF Trap where VEGF is over-expressed in photoreceptors

Fort Lauderdale, FL-A series of studies is evaluating the angiostatic cortisene compound anecortave acetate (Retaane, Alcon Laboratories) as both a prophylactic and therapeutic intervention for choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in eyes with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), said Jason S. Slakter, MD, at the annual meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology.

After successful animal study, researchers focus on PCNA ribozyme to delay, inhibit development

Serial OCT morphing videos support theory of hydration as cause of macular hole progression

This instrument can provide film-quality images because of its 6-megapixel resolution

Digital light delivery system allows adjustment of lens, eliminates need for explantation

Irvine, CA-ISTA Pharmaceuticals Inc. is seeking FDA approval of its bromfenac sodium ophthalmic solution 0.1% (Xibrom) for the treatment of ocular inflammation following cataract surgery.

The FDA has approved Nidek Inc.'s advanced 200 Hz Eye Tracker for use with its EC-5000 excimer laser system.

The FDA has approved Merck Human Health's dorzolomide HCI (Trusopt) ophthalmic solution 2% for use in pediatric patients. The drug is used to treat elevated IOP in patients with ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma.

The FDA has accepted for filing and granted expedited review status to the Miravant Medical Technologies' premarket application for the IRIS Medical OcuLight 664 ophthalmic photodynamic therapy (PDT) laser used to activate drug SnET2, a proposed drug and light treatment for patients with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Washington, DC-Age-related vision loss should be regarded as a major public health problem, leading to lost independence and quality of life, according to Janine Smith, MD, deputy clinical director for the National Eye Institute (NEI).

Santa Ana, CA-Advanced Medical Optics Inc. (AMO) has forged a 1-year research and evaluation licensing agreement with Quest Vision Technologies Inc. to develop accommodating IOL designs. Under the agreement, which was announced May 3, AMO will own a minority interest in Quest Vision, with an option to buy the company after 1 year.

Erlangen, Germany-WaveLight Laser Technologie AG has created a new subsidiary in Spain to develop that market through the former Tetramedic SA, in which WaveLight has become a majority shareholder. The company, which will operate under the WaveLight SA name, will be managed by Eckhard Rohr, a founding member of Tetramedic.

San Luis Obispo, CA-Santen Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd. has halted development of its phacoemulsification systems and closed Phacor Inc., its wholly owned subsidiary.

Washington, DC-Four manufacturers of ocular products have received FDA approval to market ofloxacin ophthalmic solution 0.3%, a generic version of Allergan Inc.'s Ocuflox, for the treatment of certain strains of bacteria in conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers.

Washington, DC-New technology that advances cataract surgery is critical to boosting the quality of life of America's senior citizens, representatives of the ophthalmic industry told congressional leaders.

Atlanta-An Australian medical device company will take over the Epi-LASIK surgical product line as part of CIBA Vision's divestiture of its surgical business (also see Page 1). Norwood Abbey Ltd., Melbourne, Australia, bought the Centurion SES system and EpiEdge epikeratome separator for $10 million. The company paid $1 million when it signed the agreement in May, and it signed a note with CIBA Vision for $9 million for the balance of the technology and inventory price.

It is important to recognize that patients with low vision want to be able to participate in the same activities that patients with normal vision desire, such as watching TV or a movie.

Double-digit sales forecast for Asia region

San Diego-A prospective comparison of objective wavefront analysis using CustomVue LASIK (VISX) in one eye with patient subjective analog scale reports after a conventional LASIK procedure in the other eye found that there was an increased preference for use of the nondominant eye regardless of the treatment performed, according to John F. Doane, MD, FACS. The reason for this effect on patient preference is not known.

Procedure able to preserve contrast sensitivity, depth perception

System opens new luxury market in excimer laser technology

Patients' subjective complaints of halos and glare are improved; also optical zone enlarged

San Diego-A study of the custom aspheric transition zone (CATz) module (Nidek) on eyes undergoing LASIK showed increased visual acuity and a transient slight decrease in contrast sensitivity, said Mihai Pop, MD, at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery an-nual meeting.

Study shows cell loss equal to natural aging, allowing IOL to be implanted in young patients

Anterior chamber lens meets or exceeds FDA guidelines in multicenter European trial