Articles

All diagnosed diabetics aged 12 years and over should have access to free, annual retinal screening, according to Diabetes UK's Your Vision awareness campaign.

Intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) can be beneficial in the treatment of severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), according to a study published in the July 2008 issue of the British Journal of Ophthalmology.

A refinement in the manufacturing of contact lens material has enabled scientists to build a contact lens with an integrated sensor than can detect changes in intraocular pressure (IOP), according to results published in the July 2008 issue of Advanced Functional Materials.

Bevacizumab (Avastin) has been shown to inhibit angiogenesis and growth of retinoblastoma, according to results of a study published in the July 2008 issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology.

A hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic insert (Lacrisert, Aton Pharma) is a preservative-free product recommended for once-daily insertion in the inferior cul-de-sac. Its convenience, efficacy, and safety make it a valuable option for the management of dry eye disease.

Visual impairment is associated with an increased risk of suicide, according to results of a study published in the July 2008 issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology.

Bottles of timolol ophthalmic solution 0.25% and 0.5% (Sandoz Canada Inc.) have been recalled in Canada because of an increased risk of adverse events.

Gauges and knives used during microincision cataract surgery (MICS) should be of equal thickness, according to a study published in the July 2008 issue of the Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery.

The risk of adverse events following implantation of a glaucoma drainage device (GDD) is higher than the risk following either primary trabeculectomy (PT) or trabeculectomy with scarring (TS), according to results of a study published in the July 2008 issue of Ophthalmology.

Sales of the Visian ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens; STAAR Surgical Company) grew 38% in the US over the previous year, while the rate of LASIK procedures declined by approximately 40% in the second quarter of last year.

Geuder Group discussed several new products, including Brilliant Peel vitreoretinal fluid dye and Siluron 2000, during a posterior segment symposium at this year's Euretina meeting.

Following disappointing clinical trial results, Alcon has discontinued its plans to develop anecortave acetate for the prevention of choroidal neovascularization secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

A 20-item questionnaire is expected to be useful for evaluating the health-related quality of life of adults with strabismus and practical application in a clinical setting. The patient-derived questionnaire assesses both psychosocial and functional aspects of strabismus.

A direct ophthalmic artery infusion of melphalan for retinoblastoma can enable eyes designated as enucleated to be salvaged, according to a study published in the July 2008 issue of Ophthalmology.

The Glaucoma Foundation in the US has created an award scheme for innovation and excellence in glaucoma, recognizing the contribution of individuals who have "played a unique and significant role in promoting the medicine and science of glaucoma".

Novartis has completed the first stage of its purchase of 74 million shares of common stock of Alcon. This step maintains Nestle as the majority shareholder of Alcon, with 52% of the company's issued capital, and establishes Novartis as a minority shareholder, holding 24.85% of Alcon's shares.

Performing LASIK in patients with glaucoma should be carefully considered before making the commitment because of changes in the eye that might result in lower IOP measurements, according to two ophthalmologists. PRK, however, might be a better option for this subgroup of patients, suggests one surgeon.

In instances of repeated corneal transplantation, ulcers and persistent epithelial defects are relatively commonplace, according to a study published in the August 2008 issue of Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology.

Timolol, latanoprost, and the fixed combinations of latanoprost/timolol (Xalcom; Pfizer) and dorzolamide/timolol (Cosopt; Merck) have equal efficacy and tolerability as well as equal levels of patient satisfaction, according to a study published online, ahead of print, by Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology.

Longevinex (Resveratrol), a nutraceutical matrix, can remove lipofuscin deposits from the retina to improve visual acuity and night vision, according to research presented at this year's meeting of the American Academy of Optometry in Seattle, US.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is not the leading cause of ocular co-morbidity in diabetic subjects, according to a study published in the June 2008 issue of the British Journal of Ophthalmology.

Current screening of patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) does not sufficiently identify those patients most at risk of wet AMD and hence is unable to prevent its development, according to a report published in the June 2008 issue of Eye.

Photoablation increases the refractive index of the stroma following laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery, according to a study published in the July 2008 issue of the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.

EyeSite, a free, interactive, self-service vision screening booth developed by Bart Foster of SoloHealth, has been launched, with the first kiosk taking residence in a Wal-Mart store in Georgia, US.

INO-8875, an Adenosine 1 agonist in Phase I testing for the treatment of glaucoma, has begun patient enrolment.

The fourth-generation Crystalens HD (Bausch & Lomb) accommodating intraocular lens (IOL) has received FDA marketing approval, five years after the lens was initially launched on the market.

A survey, released by the global campaign, All Eyes on Glaucoma, has revealed that more than 8.4 million people in Asia will be blinded by glaucoma by 2010 if they do not undergo treatment.

You are invited to join Ophthalmology Times Europe's European Ophthalmology Group on LinkedIn, the professional networking site.

Low doses of Alimera Sciences' Medidur FA provide visual acuity improvements and reduce the risk of ocular side effects commonly associated with corticosteroids, when administered to diabetic macular oedema (DME) patients, according to the three-month interim results of the first human pharmacokinetic (PK) study.

ThromboGenics' experimental enzyme therapy, microplasmin, has been shown to induce a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) in over 30% of patients in the high dose group, without the need for surgical intervention, according to the results of the Phase IIb MIVI III (Microplasmin for Vitreous Injection) trial.