News

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-A carefully designed comparison study has shown that the fixed combination of dorzolamide-timolol (Cosopt, Merck) is at least as effective as its concomitant components and might provide better trough control in some patients, said Stanley J. Berke, MD, FACS.

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.

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.

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