Cataract & Refractive

Alcon is continuing to invest heavily in its future drug portfolio by forging links with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) for the global ophthalmic rights to cilomilast, a phosphodiesterase IV inhibitor, and by expanding an existing alliance with Origenis GmbH for the discovery and development of small molecules.

Akten Ophthalmic Gel 3.5%, a topical anaesthetic for the eye, has become the first new ocular anaesthetic to receive FDA approval in 40 years, according to a statement released by Akorn, Inc, the maker of Akten.

Sirion has announced the preliminary results of the clinical trial comparing the safety and efficacy of Durezol (difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion; Sirion) with that of Pred Forte (prednisolone acetate ophthalmic suspension; Allergan) for the treatment of anterior segment uveitis.

Healon D latex-free viscoelastic (AMO) has been granted premarket approval by the FDA. The clear dispersive ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD) is designed to be used during phacoemulsification, intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, keratoplasty and glaucoma filtration surgery.

Durezol 0.05% (difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion; Sirion Therapeutics Inc), a topical corticosteroid to treat postoperative ocular inflammation and pain, is now commercially available, following FDA approval in June 2008.

Immunosupressants are an effective in controlling ocular inflammation caused by severe or steroid-resistant autoimmune disease, according to study results published online ahead of print by Acta Ophthalmologica.

LASEK produces better safety and efficacy outcomes than Epi-LASIK, according to a study published in the September edition of the American Journal of Ophthalmology.

Consumption of caffeine prevents against the formation of cataracts due to ultraviolet (UV) light radiation, according to study results published in the October edition of the Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics.

Outcomes are equivalent to or better than femtosecond procedures, says Dr Richard Duffey

Don't deny patients access to care known to be effective say Ken Bradley & Timothy Gels

Dr George Beiko advises on how to prepare patients for the gradual postoperative changes

Dr Marguerite McDonald believes preoperative treatment of dry eye limits complications

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.

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.

OcuSense, makers of the innovative TearLab Osmolarity System for the diagnosis of dry eye, announced the signing of multi-year agreements with four distributors in five EU countries, for the exclusive distribution of the TearLab system.

The "One" range of single-use ophthalmic instruments has been introduced by Moria. The range comprises instruments commonly used during cataract surgery; instruments are available individually, or as part of a custom pack.

The search for a presbyopic treatment that is universally effective and universally applicable is viewed in the industry and the profession as the holy grail because of the number of people in the presbyopic age group today.

The age of microkeratomes is coming to an end as femtosecond lasers come of age. That's the chief conclusion drawn by Dr Gunther Grabner, professor of ophthalmology at the Paracelsus University of Salzburg, in a survey on the advantages and limitations of femtosecond lasers.

Refractive outcomes for Femtosecond Lenticule Extraction (FLEx) are getting close to those of eximer-based Femto-LASIK, and patients are expressing high degrees of satisfaction with both techniques, Dr Walter Sekundo told delegates at a session on current trends in laser refractive surgery.

Bimanual microincision cataract surgery (MICS) and microaxial phacolemulsification provide optically better incisions but bimanual MICS respects more corneal prolateness than microaxial phaco, Mr Jorge Alio, told delegates. "MICS is associated with less corneal oedema in the short term and less inducation of corneal aberrations in the long term," he said.

In a worldwide first, Dr Luis Ruiz presented the preliminary clinical results of an ongoing pilot study concentrating on the non-invasive intrastromal correction of presbyopia.

Ophthalmology is perhaps two steps closer to a possible clinical application of lens refilling with silicon gel for restoring ocular accommodation thanks to a refined procedure developed by Dr Okihiro Nishi, MD of the Nishi Eye Hospital, Japan.