Articles

Survey reveals ophthalmologists' concerns relating to BAK-containing eye drops and the incidence of dry eye

US documentary film director Joseph Lovett discusses his latest film project, which he hopes will change public and ophthalmologists' perception of blindness.

A drug that has traditionally been used to treat cardiovascular conditions has shown promise in the treatment and prevention of diabetic retinopathy. The claim was based on data from a large-scale programme assessing the effect of an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) on the incidence and progression of diabetic eye disease. Findings from the study will be published in The Lancet.

Dr Marguerite McDonald believes preoperative treatment of dry eye limits complications

ORBIS International's Flying Eye Hospital has completed an intensive two-week training programme for approximately 40 ophthalmology residents in Harbin, China.

The UK's medical reimbursement governing body, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), is to reimburse Lucentis (ranibizumab; Novartis) jointly with Novartis under a dose-capping scheme, reversing NICE's earlier, much derided, decision not to reimburse the drug.

The discovery of the first gene known to be associated with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has significant implications for the prevention and treatment of the condition, according to a study published in the October 2, 2008 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Intravenous administration of IPLEX, Insmed Inc's rhIGF-I/rhIGFBP-3 complex, is well-tolerated and efficacious in significantly premature infants, according to Phase I study results announced at this year's European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology meeting, held 20?23 September in Istanbul, Turkey.

iCo-007, the experimental intravitreal injection for the treatment of diabetic macular oedema (DME), has produced pleasing interim trial results and been approved to progress to the third stage of the Phase I study, according to a statement released by the drug's licence holder, iCo Therapeutics Inc.

The body mass index (BMI) of a patient may affect the results of a water-drinking test (WDT), according to study results published in October issue of the Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics.

The two Phase III trials of Iluvien (fluocinolone acetonide; Alimera Sciences Inc) in diabetic macular oedema (DME) have been assessed for safety and efficacy by an independent Data Safety Monitoring Board and are to progress without change.

Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) and dynamic contour tonometry (DCT) do not produce identical results when measuring intraocular pressure (IOP), according to study results published in the September 2008 issue of the Journal of Glaucoma.

Intraocular lenses (IOLs) soaked in antibiotics have antimicrobial properties, according to results published in the October issue of the Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics.

Postoperative visual acuity (VA) is the factor with the most significant impact on stereopsis in paediatric unilateral pseudophakic subjects, according to study results published online ahead of print by the British Journal of Ophthalmology.

Amaris is the first refractive laser in the world to offer two separate energy levels for optimal corneal smoothing, according to an announcement from Schwind, the laser's manufacturer.

An Indian doctor is planning to perform 200 cataract extractions free of cost within 15 hours in November in order to secure a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Ablation simulation

Othera Pharmaceuticals' topical beta blocker, OT-730, indicated for the reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) in subjects with ocular hypertension and open-angle glaucoma, has begun a Phase I/II clinical trial for safety and efficacy.

Visual loss in subjects with diabetic retinopathy (DR) is caused by factors other than the disease, according to study results published in the September issue of Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science.

SOLX 790, a glaucoma laser, has received 510(k) clearance from the FDA and can now be used for Titanium:Sapphire laser trabeculoplasty (TLT) in the United States, the laser's manufacturer, SOLX, has announced.

NT-501, a Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor (CNTF)-releasing polymer indicated for the treatment of visual loss in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), has been granted a Fast Track designation by the FDA, Neurotech Pharmaceuticals Inc, the compound's manufacturer, has announced.

Height and fit data

Markus Schill, PhD and Clemens Wagner, PhD of VRMagic GmbH have received the European VitreoRetinal Society's annual Relja Zivojnovic Award for outstanding contributions to the field of vitreoretinal surgery.

Highlights from the 2008 congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery

Recent acquisitions, division restructuring, and management changes prove that Carl Zeiss Meditec is very much committed to change. Ophthalmology Times Europe spoke with CEO, Dr Michael Kaschke about the challenges that he faces in an ever evolving market.

Volk Optical has launched the H-R Wide Field Laser Lens, a pan-retinal lens intended for diagnosis and PRP laser treatment.

Dr Rudi Nujits, presented new research on femtosecond laser assisted Descemet Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty (FS-DSEK) at a session on the femtosecond laser and therapeutic corneal surgery.

Oertli proudly showcased their new product that enables coaxial microincision cataract surgery through 1.6 mm: the CO-MICS 2 tip is fully compatible with the firm's existing OS3, SwissTech and CataRhex platforms.

Haag-Streit has taken the opportunity of the ESCRS meeting to unveil its innovative non-contact optical biometer, the LENSTAR LS900.

Femtosecond lasers provide a safe and effective way to create corneal flaps and tunnels, explained Professor Ionannis Pallikaris.