News

Orlando-Advancements in refractive surgery were the talk of Nidek's workshop on customized ablation at the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) annual meeting here last fall. The symposium was intended as a forum for ophthalmologists to gain a better understanding of the technology available to them.

Editor's Note: In this month's column,a panel of experts offers tips on when and how to administer intraocular injectionsof corticosteroid for patients with uveitis.

FDA OKs trials of laser reversal of presbyopia

New York-Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB), a voluntary health organization supporting eye research, awarded 94 grants totalling $9.7 million last year for research into the causes, treatment, and prevention of all blinding diseases.

New York-Pfizer Inc. and Eyetech Pharmaceuticals Inc. will jointly develop and commercialize Eyetech's pegaptanib sodium (Macugen) as a potential treatment for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME).

Indianapolis-Eli Lilly and Co. will delay the submission of its ruboxistaurin for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema (DME) after two clinical trials failed to achieve satisfactory results on disease progression.

Alameda, CA-InSite Vision Inc. and SIFI (Societa Industria Farmaceutica Italiana), a leading Italian pharmaceutical company, will exclusively manufacture, distribute, and promote the OcuGene genetic glaucoma test in Italy.

Ophthalmologists are always looking to broaden their procedure offerings to increase their revenue stream.

A Maryland woman received care instructions for the decorative contact lenses she was buying to match her new dress.

Orlando-The incidence of iris hyperpigmentation associated with unoprostone isopropyl ophthalmic solution 0.15% (Rescula, Novartis) was about 1% in two long-term studies, a rate that compares favorably with the incidence of 10% to 20% associated with latanoprost ophthalmic solution (Xalatan, Pharma-cia) in similar patient populations, reported Bernard E. McCarey, PhD.

Bimatoprost 0.03% (Lumigan, Allergan) offers more efficacy than latanoprost 0.005% (Xalatan, Pharmacia) for lowering elevated IOP and is similarly well tolerated, according to the results of a 6-month, multicenter, randomized, double-masked study.

Orlando-Although challenging to set up and conduct, studies that check glaucoma patients' IOP at intervals around the clock for 24 hours or longer provide valuable data about the ability of a medication to lower IOP and reduce fluctuation.

Orlando-Optical coherence tomography (OCT, Carl Zeiss Meditec) offers supe-rior sensitivity and specificity in detect-ing glaucoma and its progression, according to Boston glaucoma specialist Joel S. Schuman, MD.

Orlando-In scanning laser polarimetry (SLP), eye-specific correction of corneal polarization axis and magnitude can be obtained for the quantitative assessmentof the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber lay-er (RNFL) if macular-based strategies are used in eyes free of macular pathology, according to glau-coma specialist David S. Greenfield, MD.

Brimonidine tartrate 0.15% (Alphagan P, Allergan) is a "new and improved" version of brimonidine 0.2% (Alphagan, Allergan). It continues to have an efficacy profile similar to the one ophthalmologists have grown used to with brimonidine 0.2%.

Orlando-Optic nerve head (ONH) imaging forms an essential part of the management of suspected glaucoma, as well as in patients with established glaucomatous visual field loss, according to a London glaucoma specialist.

Fullerton, CA-An analysis of tear film function after LASIK and LASEK indicates patients fared equally in the two groups when LASEK was performed for high myopia.Tear film dysfunction seems to be best correlated to the depth of the ablation and not flap dimension, according to Robert Lingua, MD.

Manhasset, NY-In addition to being an effective mast cell stabilizer, pemirolast potassium ophthalmic solution 0.1% (Alamast, Santen) is soothing to the eyes, according to Peter D'Arienzo, MD.

Orlando-More than 30 ophthalmology residents are vying for top honors in the American College of Eye Surgeons' (ACES) 2003 Bloomberg Memorial Resident Videotape Competition for cataract/implant surgery.

Orlando-Topical application of autologous serum 20% is effective for fortifying the bleb wall and stopping aqueous oozing, but cessation of the oozing may be associated with an increase in IOP, reported Atsuo Tomidokoro, MD, PhD.

I base my therapeutic approach to LASIK on the idea that the refractive procedure is every bit as significant as cataract or other ocular surgery, with the attendant risks.

The Selecta Duet (Lumenis), a new dual-purpose laser system, brings anterior segment surgeons a cost-effective and space-saving solution for treating both glaucoma patients undergoing selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) and pseudophakic patients in need of Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy for secondary cataract.

Patients with high-risk glaucoma have a sight-saving option that is providing promising results.

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.