Cataract & Refractive

The Premium Experience Network (PEN), a membership programme designed to enhance the professional competitiveness of refractive surgeons? practices, has been launched by Shareef Mahdavi of SM2 Strategic.

The TearLab Osmolarity System and Osmolarity Test Card have been submitted to the FDA for premarket authorization in the US, according to an announcement from the manufacturer of TearLab, Occulogix.

Sensitivity analysis could determine the rate of human error in strabismus surgery and reduce the need for repeated operations, according to results published online ahead of print by Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology.

Multiple-use packs of preservative-free artificial tears are susceptible to contamination, according to study results published in the November issue of the British Journal of Ophthalmology.

Contrary to accepted wisdom, cataract surgery decreases mortality rates, according to results published online ahead of print by the British Journal of Ophthalmology.

As part of its crackdown on the use of unapproved drugs in the US, the FDA is warning all but two makers of balanced salt solution (BSS) to discontinue its manufacture and sale.

Dr Amar Agarwal and team describe a technique for adhering sutureless scleral-fixated IOLs with a biological fibrin sealant glue.

A young woman is suffering from a condition that leaves her blind, but only for half the time. For the last four years, Natalie Adler's eyes have regularly clamped shut for three days every week, and then reopened for the next three days.

The iSpheric Model YA-60BB intraocular lens (IOL) (Hoya) has received FDA approval.

The PARK 1 (Pachymeter/Autorefractor/Keratometer) imaging device (Oculus) has received premarket approval from the FDA.

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.