News

CA-The FDA approval of gatifloxacin ophthalmic solution 0.3% (Zymar, Allergan) marks a milestone as the first fourth-generation fluoroquinolone to enter the ophthalmic market. The therapy for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis caused by susceptible strains of bacteria also has a unique mechanism to prevent development of antibiotic resistance, according to Allergan.

Taking outdoor activities to an extreme is a way of life for William L. Benedict, MD. Whether it's kayaking, mountain biking, or snow skiing, he is constantly pushing his skills to the limit.

S?o Paulo-A comparative study has demonstrated that the M2 130 Single-Use microkeratome (Moria, Antony, France) performs identically to its reusable counterpart, the conventional M2 110. In addition, the Single-Use microkeratome is significantly easier to use and allows greater visibility, according to Renato A. Neves, MD, director of Eye Care Oftalmologia LASER Vision Centers here.

Baltimore-All phakic IOLs are associated with potential problems, although evolution in implant design has been accompanied by declining complication rates, said Walter J. Stark, MD.

In the past decade, porous orbital implants have become the implant of choice for many surgeons managing the anophthalmic socket after enucleation or evisceration. By permitting fibrovascular ingrowth, these porous implants are better able to resist infection, migration, and extrusion when compared with acrylic or silicone implants.

A craniocervical arterial dissection usually results from a tear in the intimal arterial layer. This tear allows the formation of a false lumen containing a clot, which can lead to thromboembolic complications (stroke). If the dissection is subintimal, stenosis of the artery is the likely end result. If it is subadventitial, the result is a "pseudo-aneurysm" (Figure 1).

San Francisco-A few years have passed since Kentucky became the first state to pass a law mandating its children have comprehensive eye exams by an optometrist or ophthalmologist before entering kindergarten.

London-Routine testing for color vision deficiency is not a reliable method to detect digoxin toxicity in patients taking the drug for heart failure or other cardiac problems, said J.G. Lawrenson, PhD.

Niagara Falls, Ontario-Switching to once-daily instillation of nedocromil sodium 2% ophthalmic solution (Alocril, Allergan) is an effective alternative for maintaining control of ocular symptoms of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis after acute relief is obtained with twice-daily administration, according to an environmental study conducted by Michael Alexander, MD.

Boston-The mast-cell stabilizer pemirolast potassium 0.1% (Alamast, Santen) is a safe, comfortable, and effective agent for preventing and relieving ocular itching of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis throughout the allergy season, according to a pooled analysis of data from phase III trials.

Tampa, FL-Loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic suspension 0.2% (Alrex, Bausch & Lomb Pharmaceuticals and Pharmos Corp.), the first corticosteroid specifically designed for signs and symptoms of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC), is safe for long-term use, according to a recent multicenter study.

Ophthalmic drops that combine immediate antihistamine relief with prophylactic care in the form of mast cell inhibition and eosinophil blockage are the mainstay of therapy for allergic conjunctivitis.

This year's fierce winter is now about to bring a big dose of misery to the 60 million Americans who suffer from seasonal allergies. Experts predict a fast-peaking, intense spring allergy season. Moisture accumulated from heavy snow and excessive rain has nurtured mold, and will fuel tree-pollen production-all of which will trigger an early and severe allergy season.

Chicago-The diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory glaucoma remain one of the most challenging problems for ophthalmologists, according to Chicago glaucoma specialist Jon M. Ruderman, MD.

Maui, HI-Evidence-based guidelines for the medical management of glaucoma developed by a panel of glaucoma specialists aim to enhance clinical decision-making for the general ophthalmologist, said Anne L. Coleman, MD, PhD, at the annual Royal Hawaiian Eye meeting here.

S?o Paulo, Brazil-Hyperhomocysteinemia appears to be associated with exfoliation syndrome and might be a modifiable risk factor for that disorder, said Roberto M. Vessani, MD, who was a glaucoma fellow with Glaucoma Associates of New York and is currently glaucoma preceptor, glaucoma service, department of ophthalmology, University of S?o Paulo, Brazil.

San Francisco-LASIK continues to be the predominant refractive procedure for treating patients with refractive errors ranging from +3 to -9 to -10 D, according to Richard J. Duffey, MD, who presented the results of the 2002 ASCRS survey of U.S. trends in refractive sur-gery.

Atlanta-Americans say having itchy, watery eyes is their most annoying allergy symptom, according to a new national survey.

Columbia, MO-Neuroretinitis may be linked to multiple sclerosis in some patients, according to the results of a small case series. Further study, however, is warranted, reported Kyle Williams, MD.

New York-The Glaucoma Foundation is funding seven research projects in 2003 under its Grants-in-Aid program.

Golden, CO-Noridian, the Medicare carrier for 14 western states, has proposed limiting coverage for monitored anesthesia care (MAC) for cataract surgery, except for severely ill patients.

Irvine, CA-IntraLase Corp. has hired Ber-nard Haffey as its new vice president, business development.

Paris-Neurotech will collaborate with INSERM, the French National Institute for Health and Medical Research, to develop a technology platform and therapies for retinal diseases.

Alameda, CA-The U.S. Patent & Trademark Office said InSite Vision Inc.'s patent gives the company sole rights to the use of azalide antibiotic formulations as a topical treatment of ocular infections.

Mountain View, CA-IRIDEX Corp. has completed enrollment in a clinical trial for its TTT4CNV, to determine whether trans-pupillary thermotherapy (TTT) laser treatment can reduce the risk of vision loss for patients with occult wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Irvine, CA-ISTA Pharmaceuticals is regrouping after an FDA advisory committee said the company's tests of ovine hyal-uronidase (Vitrase) failed to demonstrate sufficient statistical evidence to support its efficacy in treating vitreous hemorrhage.

Irvine, CA-In early April, cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion 0.05% (Restasis, Allergan) became commercially available for the treatment of eye inflammation associated with keratoconjunctivitis sicca. The introduction of the product marks the first therapeutic option for people with dry eye by not only providing temporary relief of dry eye, but also treating the associated ocular inflammation, according to the company.

Boston-Multiple intravitreal injections of rhuFab V2 (Genentech Inc., San Francisco) are well-tolerated and appear to have favorable biologic activity for the treatment of exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD), said Jeffrey S. Heier, MD, of Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston and the Center for Eye Research, principal investigator for that trial.