Inflammation & Infection

Trivaris (triamcinolone acetonide injectable suspension; Allergan), a synthetic glucocorticoid corticosteroid, has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of inflammatory ophthalmic conditions.

The inadequate refrigeration of chloramphenicol generics in India could be contributing to the evolution of resistant organisms and impacting the quality of Indian-made products available in Europe, according to a study published in the May 2008 issue of the British Journal of Ophthalmology.

The use of ophthalmic solutions tends to increase with age; however, as use of these solutions, both therapeutic and diagnostic, rises, so too does a patient's risk of infections.

Results of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) study of endophthalmitis prophylaxis do not appear to have had a significant impact on the practices of US cataract surgeons, according to the findings of an online survey conducted by the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) Cataract Clinical Committee.1 The survey results were reported by David F. Chang, MD, at the Spotlight on Cataracts 2007 symposium held during the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

A study published in the January issue of Antimicrobial Agents & Chemotherapy, has found that the high proportion of corneal infections linked to contact lens solutions are fuelled and made resistant to treatment by the formation of a highly resistant structure of microbial cells held together with a glue-like matrix material, called biofilms.

Events that have taken place in the market of contact lens hygiene and care products over the last two years give the impression that the hygiene scene is again in crisis. A crisis which is perhaps comparable with the "chlorhexidine shock" of almost three decades ago, which raised the question "is there a completely effective, safe and trouble-free way of caring for contact lenses?"

The clinical assessment of an anterior chamber inflammatory reaction may be difficult to determine in eyes where corneal clarity is reduced by corneal oedema. Slit lamp examination is currently the gold standard method to assess inflammation1-3 but in conditions such as poor corneal clarity, the clinician routinely encounters difficulties.

The use of intravitreal dexamethasone (IVD) is not warranted as a routine adjunctive treatment in postoperative endophthalmitis.

A study of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) treated with Humira, a tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) blocker, has found that the drug cuts the rate of uveitis flares by approximately half.

Research published online ahead of print by Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology, has revealed that allergic ocular diseases can be classified and clinically evaluated using a grading system.

Topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often used off-label for multiple purposes in cataract surgery, but such treatment is often being administered with limited supporting evidence and carries a high cost along with potential risks.

According to the results of an online survey conducted by the ASCRS Cataract Clinical Committee, the results of the ESCRS study of endophthalmitis prophylaxis do not appear to have had a significant impact on the practices of US cataract surgeons.

Clear corneal incision (CCI) is not a risk factor for post-cataract surgery endophthalmitis.

In a review of culture-positive fungal keratitis seen at Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK, over a 13-year period, Candida has been identified as the principal isolate.

Ophthalmic solutions containing steroids are 5.8 times more likely to be contaminated with bacteria than solutions that are steroid-free.

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in Japan has approved Alcon's treatment for glaucoma and ocular hypertension, TRAVATANZ 0.004%.

A "strong association" has been discovered between use of AMO''s Complete MoisturePlus Multi-Purpose Solution and an increased risk of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK).

The FDA has granted fast track designation to LX211, a next generation calcineurin inhibitor developed by Lux Biosciences.

The EMEA committee for Orphan Medicinal Products has adopted a positive opinion on orphan medicinal product designation for Isotechnika's ISA247, a treatment for chronic, non-infectious uveitis.

The use of intracameral cefuroxime at the end of cataract surgery reduces the occurrence of postoperative endophthalmitis.

Recent trials have demonstrated progress is being made in the treatment of uveitis, with the last 12 months yielding almost 2,000 scientific citations. Dr Emmett Cunningham investigates the most significant advances.

AMO is voluntarily recalling its Complete MoisturePlus contact lens solutions after receiving data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) linking the solution with an increase in the occurrence of the eye infection, acanthamoeba keratitis.

The FDA has approved InSite Vision's New Drug Application (NDA) for AzaSite (azithromycin 1%) for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis.

Ophthalmic solutions that contain steroids are 5.8 times more likely to be contaminated than steroid-free solutions.

Assessing povidone-iodine as method for preventing endophthalmitis.