Articles

Approximate in vivo intraocular lens (IOL) power can be determined using Scheimpflug imaging and could be applied in cases of unexplained postoperative refractive error.

Sodium hyaluronate 1% and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose 2% (HPMC) can cause significant intraocular pressure (IOP) increases during the first eight hours following cataract surgery.

The combination of latanoprost and brinzolamide for the treatment of normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) can successfully lower intraocular pressure (IOP) both during the day and at night.

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Decision to reimburse Avastin in Italy sparks controversy.

This year, from the 8th to 12th September, Stockholm will be playing host to the 25th Congress of the European Society for Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS). More than 5,000 delegates from all around the world are expected to attend what is Europe's largest ophthalmic conference and exhibition. Attendees will be able to choose from between 100 courses, more than 20 symposia, in excess of 600 free papers and almost the same number of posters, as well as perusing the stands at the exhibition.

One surgeon's quest to reduce intraoperative LASIK complications has led to the development of a new multifunctional instrument, which is hoped will help standardize surgical manoeuvres and reduce the need for retreatment.

Over the past five years, we have successfully performed oculoplastic surgery on several hundred patients at the Belgian Ocular Laser Center (BOLC; www.BOLC.org) in Ghent, Belgium and, during this time, I have found the CO2 laser to provide an excellent alternative to the scalpel for treating the eyelids. Finally, we can offer bloodless surgery and improved outcomes.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) in England produced its first Appraisal Consultation Document (ACD) regarding the use of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) drugs for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) recently. Essentially, the document recommended that the new anti-VEGF inhibitor Lucentis (ranibizumab; Novartis Ophthalmics) may be used only to treat predominantly classic subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) which shows evidence of progression in the second affected eye, provided the visual acuity is between 6/12 and 6/96.1 After considering feedback from formal consultees, the Appraisal Committee will prepare a Final Assessment Document (FAD) for submission to NICE who will then issue guidance.

Prior to the advent of wavefront-guided LASIK, the only parameters that could be modified in order to obtain optical correction for a given patient's refractive error were the sphere, cylinder and axis. This approach, however, would often not yield the ideal optical correction and, in many cases, the post-refractive surgery patient may be able to read the 20/20 line but not clearly. In some cases, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) would even decrease following surgery. This situation can usually be attributed to the persistence of significant amounts of higher order aberrations (HOAs).

Dr Richard Duffey seeks to answer this question by comparing the results of femtosecond LASIK flaps with those of the mechanical microkeratome.

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In recent years, excimer laser refractive surgery has provided solutions for myopia, astigmatism and hyperopia and now it is also taking on the challenges presented by presbyopia.

It's that time of year again and it seems like only yesterday when we were gearing up for the annual congress of the ESCRS in London. Now the European society is taking us to the Swedish capital city, Stockholm, for its annual event.

The quest for safe, effective surgery, which produces optimal results, has prompted much debate among experts on what the best procedure is for performing laser enhancements. For wavefront-guided enhancements, lamellar and surface procedures are both popular methods and I would like to discuss my experience and share my thoughts on their future in refractive surgery.

By mixing and matching diffractive and refractive IOLs, patients can achieve much better all round visual results.

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Ninety percent achieved the efficacy endpoint, and, furthermore, over two-thirds of patients improved by at least three lines and one-quarter improved by at least five lines in distance vision

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Call for papers

The practice of treating angle closure glaucoma (ACG) varies widely across the United Kingdom, according to a poster presented at the 8th congress of the European Glaucoma Society (EGS), held June 1–6 in Berlin.

Current screening and referral methods are thought to be inadequate. But what needs to be done to improve the situation?

Involving the general ophthalmologist in follow-up monitoring is recommended, whilst patient self-monitoring is essential in the long-term.

During the course of therapy, when should fluorescein angiography be performed? Also consider whether the general ophthalmologist could provide some much needed assistance.

Is it necessary to administer intravitreal injections in an operating theatre? Find out how to optimize patient flow during the treatment process.

Is a formal examination necessary following the administration of an intravitreal injection?

A good team structure involving bredth of technical staff is important to ensure smooth patient flow during the initial diagnosis procedure.

Healthcare authorities must be updated on AMD and the importance of new therapies. A system also needs to be implemented which advises on responsibility for payment.

According to some experts, the team approach is preferable to the production-line approach when organizing a clinic that administers intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy.

Sirion Therapeutics has initiated two new Phase III clinical studies for two of its pipeline compounds, ST-601 (difluprednate) and ST-603 (cyclosporine).