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Angiogenesis pioneer dies

Judah Folkman, MD, the pioneer of angiogenesis research, died on January 15th 2008.

Cancer gene also coordinates retina growth

A gene, which also behaves as a cancer precursor, has also been found to play a central role in the coordination of retinal proliferation and eye growth during foetal development.

Novagali's IND application for DME treatment granted

Novagali Pharma's Investigational New Drug Application (IND) to conduct Phase I clinical trials of its Nova63035, for the treatment of diabetic macular oedema (DME), has been granted by the FDA.

Bausch & Lomb to buy eyeonics

Bausch & Lomb has entered into an agreement to purchase eyeonics, the maker of the Crystalens accommodating IOL.

BAK linked to ocular surface damage in animal studies

Prostaglandin analogues preserved with benzalkonium chloride (BAK) can cause more extensive loss of goblet cells and a breakdown of cell-cell adhesions, which could increase the risk of ocular surface disease, according to findings from a pair of studies conducted in rabbits.

AAO has good news for its members

The American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) are pleased to report that a solution has been found that addresses Genentech's decision to no longer allow compounding pharmacies to purchase Avastin (bevacizumab) directly from authorized wholesale distributors.

RP drug receives orphan drug designation

Fovea Pharmaceuticals has received designation as Orphan Medicinal Product from the European Commission for rh-RdCVF, its treatment for retinitis pigmentosa (RP).

Fluid-based phaco outperforms ultrasound

Performing cataract surgery using a fluid-based method of phacoemulsification results in less corneal endothelial cell loss compared with conventional ultrasound phacoemulsification.

Endostatin prevents abnormal blood vessel growth

A research report published in the December issue of the FASEB Journal, describes a new experimental drug, endostatin, which can significantly reduce or eliminate abnormal blood vessel growth within the eye.

All of a flutter: Allergan tries to prevent cosmetic companies using bimatoprost

It has long been noticed that one side effect of the glaucoma drug Lumigan (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution; Allergan) is increased eyelash growth, however, nobody could have predicted that cosmetic companies would start using small quantities of prostaglandins in products specifically designed for the "beauty" market.

Advantages of surface ablation debated

The pros and cons of surface ablation procedures were reviewed at the opening session of the refractive surgery subspecialty day at the American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting.

Managing presbyopia in cataract patients

An overall spectacle independence of 90% was achieved, however, I have found that some patients do still require glasses when using a computer for intermediate vision

PresbyLASIK versus multifocal refractive IOLs

PresbyLASIK treatment uses the principles of LASIK surgery to create a multifocal corneal surface aimed at reducing near vision spectacle dependence in presbyopic patients. This treatment constitutes the next step in the correction of presbyopia after monovision LASIK.1-3 Among the presbyLASIK techniques, central presbyLASIK 4 creates a central area, which is hyperpositive for near vision leaving the midperipheral cornea for far vision. 5 Positive clinical results of this surgical technique have been recently reported 4 and also tested objectively with a light propagation algorithm. 6