Cataract & Refractive

Insights gained from research into keratoconus using extremely intense x-rays could refine laser surgeries, including LASIK, and may one day even lead to the development of an artificial cornea, according to researchers at Cardiff University, UK.

Patients with nystagmus who posture their head to compensate for the condition tend to suffer restricted neck movements, concluded a study published in the February issue of Eye.

Visalis 100, a surgical cataract treatment system, has been launched by Carl Zeiss Meditec at the All India Ophthalmology Congress (AIOC), held February 5–8 in Jaipur. The system was presented in India as it has been designed specifically to be used by doctors in emerging markets.

The Gebauer SL Keratome, a sterile single-use instrument for performing Epi-LASIK and LASIK surgeries, has received FDA clearance and can now be distributed for sale in the US.

Fungus and microbial infection are the most common causes of infectious scleritis, according to study conclusions published in the February issue of Eye.

Human corneal epithelial cells, grown in the lab, are being used in preclinical trials, evaluating if it is possible to enhance the photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) procedure, according to a statement from the trial organizer, International Stem Cell Corporation (ISCO).

ESBA105, an anti-TNF alpha antibody fragment designed to reduce inflammation in patients undergoing cataract surgery, has begun a Phase Ib/IIa trial, according to an announcement from ESBATech AG, the antibody's developer.

Ophthalmology Times Europe, in conjunction with Carl Zeiss Meditec, is to host a free online seminar aimed specifically at cataract and refractive surgeons, explaining how to integrate the Acri.LISA multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) into practice.

Prolacria (diquafosol tetrasodium ophthalmic solution) 2% has entered a Phase III trial for the treatment of dry eye disease, according to an announcement from the solution's developer, Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

No clear link between cataract surgery and progressive age-related macular degeneration (AMD) could be established by a study published in the February issue of Ophthalmology.

A New Drug Application (NDA) for ganciclovir ophthalmic gel 0.15% against herpetic keratitis, submitted by Sirion Therapeutics, Inc, has been accepted for review by the FDA.

OptiMedica Corp has donated a PASCAL photocoagulator to non-profit organization ORBIS International, under a new partnership between the two companies.

Jay Dermott discusses complications that can ensue during microkeratome and femtosecond flap creation and considers how to apply lessons in clinical practice.

Performing LASIK surgery that is customized for each eye can offer more pleasing outcomes in terms of both patient safety and comfort, claims Kerry K. Assil, MD.

Professor Michael Knorz discusses his experiments on the adhesion strength of flaps, comparing the femtosecond with the microkeratome.

Professor Günther Grabner, MD compares Carl Zeiss Meditec's new XL Stabi ZO with its spherical equivalent, the XL Stabi Sky.

ISTA Pharmaceuticals' dry eye candidate, ecabet sodium, has successfully completed Phase IIb testing and will soon be progressing to Phase III trials taking it a step closer to regulatory approval.

Former US President Jimmy Carter has dedicated a statue representing the "Gift of Sight" to the Lions Clubs International in Oak Brook, Illinois.

The Vision Care for Kids Bill of 2009, legislation to provide vision care to children without health insurance, has been introduced in the US after being approved both by the Senate and by the House of Representatives.

Phacoemulsification can increase visual acuity in uveitis patients, concluded a study published in the January issue of the British Journal of Ophthalmology.

The Tecnis multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) has been approved by the FDA, according to an announcement made by AMO, the manufacturer of the lens.

Use of warfarin or clopidogrel is associated with a significant increase in non-sight-threatening complications during cataract surgery, concluded a study published in the January issue of Eye.

"The Big Eye Test", a programme to provide privately-funded eye examinations to the general public, has been launched in the UK.

The Investigational New Drug (IND) application for NVC-422, a molecule under investigation by NovaBay Pharmaceuticals for the treatment of eye infections, has been cleared by the FDA, triggering a development milestone payment from Alcon to NovaBay of $1 million.

A great variety of fungal agents may cause endophthalmitis, and accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment, according to a study published in the November/December 2008 issue of Retina.

As of March 31st this year, Cary Rayment will retire as president and chief executive officer of Alcon, Inc; he will be replaced on April 1st by Kevin Buehler.

Advanced Medical Optics (AMO) has been acquired by Abbott, a global pharmaceutical and medical device company, the companies have announced in a statement.

Cell apoptosis caused by free-radical formation during phacoemulsification can be mediated by the introduction of ascorbic acid, according to a study published in the December 2008 issue of the Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery.

Most candidates for cataract surgery have a degree of corneal astigmatism, which should be considered by intraocular lens (IOL) manufacturers, concluded a study published in the January issue of the Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery.

It is difficult to determine whether or not cataract surgery is being used more frequently in the UK than is necessary, according to study results published in the January 2009 issue of the British Journal of Ophthalmology.