News

Sunnyvale, CA-Oculex Pharmaceuticals Inc. has completed patient enrollment in its phase II clinical trial of its lead product, Posurdex, for the treatment of persistent macular edema (PME).

San Francisco-Education as a tool in the fight against glaucoma is being stressed during January-National Glaucoma Awareness Month.

New York-Using a doughnut and its hole in an analogy, David S. Greenfield, MD, said glaucoma specialists are now focusing on the doughnut rather than the hole-and retinal imaging advances have made this possible.

Mixing an optical dispensary with an ophthalmic practice used to border on being unethical. Today, however, many ophthalmologists who maintain an optical shop believe that it provides not only an added revenue center, but also offers more complete patient service.

The following awards were bestowed at the 2002 annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) in recognition of outstanding service in a variety of fields.

Bethesda, MD-The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is conducting a study to evaluate whether vitamin E can help in the treatment of cystoid macular edema (CME) due to uveitis.

San Francisco-Allan D. Jensen, MD, will serve as the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) president-elect in 2003 and president in 2004.

Mississauga, Ontario-Rheo Clinic, subsidiary of TLC Vision, will develop, own, and manage commercial facilities for the treatment of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Hershey, PA-The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) has launched a $6.3-million Center for Mechanisms and Intervention of Diabetic Retinopathy at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.

Ophthalmology Times, a leading publication of Advanstar Healthcare Communications, announced today that it has been nominated for two awards in the 49th annual Jesse H. Neal National Business Journalism Awards competition.Ophthalmology Times is a finalist in the following categories: Best Single Issue of Newspaper/News Tabloid for the October 15, 2002 issue, and Best Regularly Featured Department or Column for the new InDispensable section. Neal Award winners will be revealed at the awards luncheon in New York City on March 12th.

New year begins with ophthalmic resolution to halt 4.4% cut in Medicare reimbursement

Micro-suction ring eases flap creation in deep-set eyes; fits in smaller fissures

Phase III studies for high myopia, hyperopia show stable refractions, few complications

Those with moderate myopia, hyperopia are potential candidates for vision correction surgery

Orlando-The MK-2000 (Nidek) is a one-piece automated microkeratome designed for ease of use and safety, reported Maria C. Arbelaez, MD, during the refractive surgery subspecialty day prior to the American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting.

Orlando-The Carriazo-Pendular microkeratome (Schwind eye-tech-solutions GmbH) represents a new generation in mechanical microkeratomes and brings a unique approach to LASIK flap creation that is designed for safety and reproducibility, said Maria C. Arbelaez, MD, at the refractive surgery subspecialty day prior to the American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting.

Nice, France-The disposable Steritome microkeratome (Refractive Technologies) brings unparalleled safety and predictability to LASIK flap creation, according to Ronald Singal, MD.

Orlando-The Amadeus microkeratome (Advanced Medical Optics, AMO) combines the advantages of a pre-assembled microkeratome with a number of "bells and whistles" that further increase its ease of use and contribute to safe and reliable performance in creating lamellar flaps, according to Eric D. Donnenfeld, MD.

Orlando-The M2 (Moria) is an easy-to-assemble, automated microkeratome that allows customization of various flap features and offers an excellent safety profile, said Raymond M. Stein, MD.

Always measure corneal thickness to decrease the risk of ectasia, since various factors can affect final flap thickness, expert advises

Orlando-Laser vision correction can be an effective treatment for anisometropic amblyopia in children, according to Deepinder K. Dhaliwal, MD.

Waterjet deal dries up

Baltimore-Amblyopia is a relatively common problem in children, but there is no consensus on the best treatment. Recently, there has been increasing interest in using atropine drops instead of patching, but they are not FDA approved for that indication, said Michael X. Repka, MD.

Orlando-Recent advances in macular surgery are now making it possible to treat the various disorders associated with pathologic myopia, according to Yasuo Tano, MD, who delivered the Edward Jackson Memorial Lecture during the opening session of the American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting.

Orlando-Ophthalmologists should be aware of the risks to the ocular surface associated with long-term use of glaucoma medications, according to Robert J. Noecker, MD, MBA, who also spoke at the Cornea Health symposium during the American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting.

Orlando-Pay attention to the ocular surface before undertaking a cataract or refractive procedure, advised John D. Sheppard, MD, who outlined strategies in his practice for avoiding surgical complications at the Cornea Health symposium held during the American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting.

Needham, MA-Ruthanne B. Simmons, MD, who followed in her father's footsteps to make her mark in ophthalmology and laser surgery research, died Nov. 8 of breast cancer. She was 43.

Santa Barbara, CA-Volunteer ophthalmologists with Surgical Eye Expeditions International will visit 50 clinics in 32 developing countries to restore eyesight to disadvantaged patients with surgically correctable blindness during 2003.

Cleveland-Modified proteins found in drusen might play a role in the onset of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), according to a study by researchers at the Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute.

Los Angeles-Researchers are one step closer to restoring some level of usable vision to certain blind eyes.