News

The SMC has accepted fluocinolone acetonide (Iluvien, Alimera Sciences Inc.) - the only sustained-release treatment for chronic DME - for restricted use within the NHS Scotland after completing an assessment and review of a simple patient access scheme.

The new layer in the cornea plays an important role in the structure of the tissue that controls the flow of fluid from the eye, according to recent findings.

Trabeculectomy with mitomycin C is less effective in maintaining reductions in IOP in eyes with uveitic glaucoma (UG) compared with eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), according to a recent study.

For the management of keratoconus, diamond-knife?assisted DALK is effective and predictable in patients with keratoconus, and may offer visual and refractive outcomes that are similar to those achieved with big-bubble DALK, according to a recently published study.

The Optimis Fusion integrated laser platform from Quantel Medical has received CE Mark approval. The system is a combination of advanced selective laser trabeculoplasty photoregeneration therapy with traditional YAG photodisruption treatment for treating both cataract and glaucoma.

Corneal refractive surgery may be more successful in eyes in which the cylinder mainly originates from the anterior cornea; therefore, in candidates for refractive surgery, surgeons should carefully assess the interaction between topographic, refractive and ocular residual astigmatism (ORA) to identify those at high risk for having significant differences between subjective cylinder and topographic astigmatism.

Patients with advanced glaucoma have higher oxygen saturation in venules and lower arteriovenous difference in oxygen saturation compared with healthy individuals. The decrease in arteriovenous difference in patients with severe glaucoma may be related to lower oxygen consumption secondary to neuropathy

According to Prof. Lois, peeling the internal limiting membrane when operating on patients with idiopathic full-thickness macular hole improves the outcomes of surgery. This article reviews her recent review study and highlights the outcomes.

The membranes found on the retinal surface can cause visual symptoms in various conditions and a patient's vision can often be improved with surgical removal of these membranes, according to Mr Mahmut Dogramaci (The Lister Surgicentre, Lister Hospital, Stevenage, UK).

Ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography may help improve treatment in patients with recalcitrant diabetic macular oedema by visualizing areas of peripheral nonperfusion that can benefit from targeted photocoagulation.

Comparing phaco tips

Phaco tips are an important part of the phacoemulsification tool set. Dr Bazzigaluppi performed a comparison on a traditional and newer tip to evaluate the efficiency, safety and stability differences. Here, we explore his reasons for performing this study.

Treating coma aberration

Here, Dr Cadarso discusses how he targets vertical coma specifically through adaptation of the Keraring ICRS implantation technique.

In this article, the authors report on a case of two brothers with genetically proved Leber's disease associated with the rarer mutation G3635A, which is the only family case encountered in Bulgaria thus far.

Nocturnal IOP

Nocturnal IOP measurements are critical in evaluating drugs, according to Professor Cordeiro speaking at the 4th World Congress on Controversies in Ophthalmology.

According to this article, not all patients may benefit from routine testing prior to surgery. A better option may be selective screening for those at greatest risk for adverse systemic events.

In this article, Dr Akpek discusses the pros and cons of currently available options in the management of meibomian gland dysfunction.

Post-refractive surgery dry eye is an unwanted yet reoccurring problem for surgeons, according to Dr Cummings. In this article, he discusses the pre-op approach taken in his practice, which leads to a more certain diagnosis and higher patient satisfaction rates.

Various issues impact the effectiveness of population screening for open-angle glaucoma (OAG). However, use of ethnicity-specific normative databases for structural tests may improve their diagnostic performance, said Dr Mingguang He, PhD.

The European Academy of Optometry and Optics (EAOO) has launched its first 3-year strategic plan for 2014 through 2016.

Retinal injury following childhood exposure to laser 'toys' is a public safety concern, according to the first case series of such injuries, which has recently been published.

Premature infants with very low birth weight who receive an intravenous fat emulsion containing fish oil are less likely to develop retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), according to a recent study.

IOP measurements obtained with the rebound tonometer (Icare Pro) are more comparable to those achieved with the Goldmann applanation tonometer than those obtained with ultra-high-speed Scheimpflug technology, according to a recent study.

A novel, patented multi-component IOL (IVO Lens, InfinitVision Optics) allows for postoperative adjustments for changes in refraction, making it an ideal solution for paediatric cataract surgery, according to a recent report.