News

Researchers have identified a cell that causes eye cancer, suggesting for the first time that deliberate genetic manipulations may encourage the brain to heal itself.

Neurotech Pharmaceuticals has completed enrolment for three ongoing clinical studies evaluating NT-501 as a treatment for retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Smokers with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) should not be taking the age-related eye disease study (AREDS) formulation of vitamins and antioxidants, as it puts them at an increased risk of developing lung cancer, according to a presentation given at the Retina Subspecialty Day of this year's AAO congress in New Orleans, US.

Secondary glaucoma is a common consequence in patients undergoing surgery for congenital cataracts, although it may not occur until years after the initial operation.

Eye problems are going undiagnosed in many children in the UK because of poor screening and the low uptake of free testing.

High quality optical coherence tomography (OCT) images cannot be obtained in a large percentage of glaucoma patients without pupillary dilation.

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.

Amblyopia nearly doubles the lifetime risk of bilateral visual impairment.

First eye cataract surgery is probably more cost-effective over a patient's remaining lifetime than if they have no surgery at all.

Bilateral implantation of the Acri.LISA 366D distance-dominant bifocal intraocular lens provides a satisfactory full range of vision.

Conformal fractionated radiotherapy should be the first choice of treatment for optic nerve sheath meningiomas.

Transvitreal optic neurotomy (TON) improves the visual acuity and visual fields in patients with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) of recent onset.

The final report of the Optic Neuritis Treatment Trial (ONTT) showed that the long-term visual outcome is favorable for patients with unilateral acute optic neuritis even in the presence of multiple sclerosis.

CCI unrelated to endophthalmitis risk. US surgeons not following recommendations of European endophthalmitis study. NSAID use questioned, and much more.

All the news from the meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, held November 10–13 2007 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

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.

Daily audio coverage of the 2007 AAO annual meeting.

When thinking about administering medications intracamerally during cataract surgery, it is important to consider whether their potential benefits are worth the risk.

Concomitant delivery of focal radiotherapy and bevacizumab (Avastin, Genentech) showed promise in a small multicenter feasibility study of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

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.

New crystalens looking good. Practical tips for ocular surface disease in glaucoma patients. Ellex announces results for retina regeneration, and much more.

Results of 10-year follow-up of patients with high myopia who underwent LASIK indicate that the procedure is safe and effective over the long term.

The use of medical adjuvant therapy for macular holes during vitreous surgery seems to be decreasing in macular hole surgery, said Alain Gaudric, MD, of Lariboisière Hospital, Paris.

New roles for the femtosecond discussed. Subretinal implant disappoints. Genentech defends its actions relating to Avastin decision. Glaucoma pipeline looks very healthy, and much more.

A fourth-generation version of an accommodating IOL (HD-100 crystalens, eyeonics) provides excellent uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) at all distances without degrading contrast acuity, according to the results of an FDA multicenter clinical trial.

Intravitreal therapy for venous occlusive disease is promising in the short term, however, multiple injections are needed, dosing schedules are presently unclear, and rebound has to be evaluated.

Posterior continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (PCCC) with optic capture of a posterior chamber IOL is a safe and effective technique to afford stable IOL fixation and maintain visual axis clarity after cataract surgery in pediatric eyes.

The condition of the ocular surface influences the outcome of cataract and refractive surgery and can also affect recovery following some surgical procedures.

An analysis of visual outcomes in a contemporary series of cataract surgery eyes that underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for retained lens material indicates these complicated cases tend to do well.