News

Those suffering from thyroid disorders may also be at increased risk of glaucoma, according to study results published online ahead of print by the British Journal of Ophthalmology.

On World Sight Day, Windows to Health, the Pfizer UK initiative to promote regular eye test attendance, unveiled results of the All Eyes on Glaucoma survey, which highlighted the UK's ignorance around glaucoma and its prevention.

iSONEP (sonepcizumab), Lpath, Inc's drug candidate for treating age-related macular degeneration (AMD), has been administered to the first patients in its Phase I trial.

The fixed combination of brimonidine/timolol is more cost effective than dorzolamide/timolol, according to a study published in the September/October issue of the European Journal of Ophthalmology.

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

INS117548, a solution designed to treat glaucoma, has entered Phase I clinical trials, according to an announcement from Inspire Pharmaceuticals Inc.

The intellectual property dispute between Carl Zeiss Meditec and Optovue has been resolved by the companies, ahead of the legal case reaching court.

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.

QLT091001 (QLT Inc), a synthetic retinoid, has begun a Phase I safety study. The orally administered compound is designed to replace 11-cis-retinal, a part of the retinoid-rhodopsin cycle that is essential for visual function, in Leber's Congenital Amaurosis (LCA) sufferers.

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.

Bevacizumab injections can improve vision in patients with diabetic macular oedema, according to study results published in the October 2008 issue of the journal Retina.

Visual acuity (VA) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients may vary significantly between measurement sessions, according to study results published in the October 2008 issue of Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences.

The Reichert 7, a seventh-generation non-contact tonometer (NCT) with integrated one-touch measurement system, has been launched by Reichert Inc.

Azarga (brinzolamide 1%/timolol 0.5% ophthalmic suspension; Alcon Laboratories) has received a positive opinion from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP), which recommends Azarga be granted marketing authorization from the European Medicines Agency (EMEA).

Combined vitrectomy and phacoemulsification with foldable intraocular lens (IOL) implantation is safe but should only be recommended in selected patients, according to study results published online ahead of print by Acta Ophthalmologica.

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.

Consuming dark-coloured fruits and vegetables increases the levels of macular pigment (MP) and is associated with improved vision in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) sufferers, according to study results published in the New Straits Times Online on September 22.

There are several factors that might increase the risk of uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP) after phacoviscocanalostomy combination surgery, according to study results published in the September 2008 issue of Journal of Glaucoma.

Perioperative use of mitomycin-C (MMC) improves the long-term outcomes of trabeculectomy as a treatment for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), according to a study published online ahead of print by the British Journal of Ophthalmology.

VEGF Trap-Eye, Regeneron's treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), has demonstrated improved visual acuity (VA) and reduced biological markers of neovascular disease at one year of follow-up, according to final Phase II results presented at this year's Scientific Meeting of the Retina Society, held September 26–28 in Scottsdale, Arizona, US.

NeoVista's epiretinal brachytherapy for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) increases the visual acuity of eyes treated with bevacizumab (Avastin) at 18 months, according to Phase II study results announced on September 29th at this year's Scientific Meeting of the Retina Society in Scotsdale, Arizona, US.

Optical is just as good as digital pachymetry say Mohammed Hassan & Ali Yagan

Red wavelength should not be forgotten, Professor Michael Stur advises.

News In Focus, October 2008

An article authored by Josef Reiter, MD, titled "My way to Epi-LASIK", which appeared in the July/August issue of Ophthalmology Times Europe, contained an error on page 20.