News

Glaucoma treatment can, in certain metrics, improve quality of vision, according to a study published in the August 2008 issue of Eye.

Erythropoietin (EPO) could be responsible for the development of diabetic retinopathy, according to a study published in the August 2008 issue of Eye.

Patients with thicker corneas are less likely to progress to primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) from ocular hypertension (OHT), according to a study published in the June 2008 issue of Contact Lens and Anterior Eye.

Genetic factors explain up to 74% of the variability in intraocular pressure (IOP) levels, according to a study published in the July 2008 issue of the British Journal of Ophthalmology.

The incidence of sterile endophthalmitis occurring subsequent to an intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) is increasing, according to a study published in the August 2008 issue of the British Journal of Ophthalmology.

Focal/grid photocoagulation is more effective than intravitreal injections of preservative-free triamcinolone for the treatment of diabetic macular oedema (DME), according to a study published in the July 2008 issue of Ophthalmology.

Pfizer has begun dosing subjects in its Phase II trial for PF-4523655, an experimental treatment for Diabetic Macular Oedema (DME) developed in partnership with Quark Pharmaceuticals Inc.

The Afinity Collamer aspheric single piece Intraocular Lens (IOL) Model CC4204A and the Elastimide Silicone aspheric IOL Model AQ2015A, both manufactured and marketed by STAAR Surgical, have been designated New Technology IOLs (NTIOLs) by the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid.

Reading may be a risk factor for childhood myopia, according to a study published in the August 2008 issue of the British Journal of Ophthalmology.

Spectacles with a biotic telescope embedded within the lens promise to make everyday life easier for individuals with low vision, according to a paper published in the May/June 2008 issue of the Journal of Biomedical Sciences.

All diagnosed diabetics aged 12 years and over should have access to free, annual retinal screening, according to Diabetes UK's Your Vision awareness campaign.

Intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) can be beneficial in the treatment of severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), according to a study published in the July 2008 issue of the British Journal of Ophthalmology.

A refinement in the manufacturing of contact lens material has enabled scientists to build a contact lens with an integrated sensor than can detect changes in intraocular pressure (IOP), according to results published in the July 2008 issue of Advanced Functional Materials.

Bevacizumab (Avastin) has been shown to inhibit angiogenesis and growth of retinoblastoma, according to results of a study published in the July 2008 issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology.

A hydroxypropyl cellulose ophthalmic insert (Lacrisert, Aton Pharma) is a preservative-free product recommended for once-daily insertion in the inferior cul-de-sac. Its convenience, efficacy, and safety make it a valuable option for the management of dry eye disease.

Visual impairment is associated with an increased risk of suicide, according to results of a study published in the July 2008 issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology.

Bottles of timolol ophthalmic solution 0.25% and 0.5% (Sandoz Canada Inc.) have been recalled in Canada because of an increased risk of adverse events.

Gauges and knives used during microincision cataract surgery (MICS) should be of equal thickness, according to a study published in the July 2008 issue of the Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery.

The risk of adverse events following implantation of a glaucoma drainage device (GDD) is higher than the risk following either primary trabeculectomy (PT) or trabeculectomy with scarring (TS), according to results of a study published in the July 2008 issue of Ophthalmology.

Sales of the Visian ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens; STAAR Surgical Company) grew 38% in the US over the previous year, while the rate of LASIK procedures declined by approximately 40% in the second quarter of last year.

Geuder Group discussed several new products, including Brilliant Peel vitreoretinal fluid dye and Siluron 2000, during a posterior segment symposium at this year's Euretina meeting.

Following disappointing clinical trial results, Alcon has discontinued its plans to develop anecortave acetate for the prevention of choroidal neovascularization secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

A 20-item questionnaire is expected to be useful for evaluating the health-related quality of life of adults with strabismus and practical application in a clinical setting. The patient-derived questionnaire assesses both psychosocial and functional aspects of strabismus.

A direct ophthalmic artery infusion of melphalan for retinoblastoma can enable eyes designated as enucleated to be salvaged, according to a study published in the July 2008 issue of Ophthalmology.

The Glaucoma Foundation in the US has created an award scheme for innovation and excellence in glaucoma, recognizing the contribution of individuals who have "played a unique and significant role in promoting the medicine and science of glaucoma".

Novartis has completed the first stage of its purchase of 74 million shares of common stock of Alcon. This step maintains Nestle as the majority shareholder of Alcon, with 52% of the company's issued capital, and establishes Novartis as a minority shareholder, holding 24.85% of Alcon's shares.

Performing LASIK in patients with glaucoma should be carefully considered before making the commitment because of changes in the eye that might result in lower IOP measurements, according to two ophthalmologists. PRK, however, might be a better option for this subgroup of patients, suggests one surgeon.

In instances of repeated corneal transplantation, ulcers and persistent epithelial defects are relatively commonplace, according to a study published in the August 2008 issue of Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology.

Timolol, latanoprost, and the fixed combinations of latanoprost/timolol (Xalcom; Pfizer) and dorzolamide/timolol (Cosopt; Merck) have equal efficacy and tolerability as well as equal levels of patient satisfaction, according to a study published online, ahead of print, by Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology.

Longevinex (Resveratrol), a nutraceutical matrix, can remove lipofuscin deposits from the retina to improve visual acuity and night vision, according to research presented at this year's meeting of the American Academy of Optometry in Seattle, US.