Optical coherence tomography an emerging technology
May 15th 2002Many ophthalmologists are aware of the uses of optical coherence tomography (OCT)1 in diagnosing glaucoma and retinal pathologies such as macular hole and cystoid macular edema. However, anterior segment OCT imaging2 is still rarely used because of lack of dedicated commercial instrumentation. Maldonado et al. have shown that the commercial OCT retinal scanner (Zeiss Humphrey Systems, Dublin, CA) can be used to image corneal anatomy after LASIK.3 This has sparked an interest in developing dedicated anterior segment OCT systems.
Cytotoxic factors, trauma may cause cataract in AD patients
May 15th 2002Yokohama, Japan-Cataract is a major complication in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) with the characteristic facial eczema, according to Japanese researchers. They advise that patients with this condition be monitored closely and cautioned not to rub their eyes.
A collaborative effort: Needle revision for failed bleb helped by preoperative MMC
May 15th 2002Glaucoma researchers at Pusan University Medical Center, Pusan, South Korea and the Kresge Eye Institute (KEI) of Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, working in collaboration, have found that the preoperative injection of mitomycin-C (MMC) can be an effective and safe adjunct to a needling revision procedure for a failed bleb.
Another approach: Change in paramacular region may indicate early glaucoma
May 15th 2002San Juan-Assessment of retinal thickness beyond the optic disc may play a role in glaucoma detection, according to Duke University researchers, who presented their findings at the annual meeting of the Amer-ican Glaucoma Society held here.
Beware of pitfalls in assessing glaucoma drug results
May 15th 2002In our clinics we face practical decisions every day. Multiple competing drugs are often available for any particular problem. Glaucoma treatment options are especially numerous. A little math can easily demonstrate the complexity of glaucoma treatment options.
Selective laser trabeculoplasty a safe alternative to ALT
May 1st 2002Boston-Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) could potentially be used as a first-line therapy for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG)because it is much less traumatic to the eye than the currently used argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT), according to its inventor, Mark Latina, MD.
Lid speculum maximizes patient comfort, surgical exposure
May 1st 2002Los Angeles-In the continuing effort to improve cataract and refractive surgery, a new lid speculum designed by Barry S. Seibel, MD, offers lid control for cataract and refractive procedures and several new innovative features that not only enhance patient comfort but also provide better surgical exposure.
Academy offers free online training for physicians, staff
May 1st 2002Where on the Internet can you enhance your training and education-as well as that of your administrative staff-with high-quality materials, a minimum investment of time, and no expense? The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)'s Web site.
The birthplace of our nation's freedom
May 1st 2002A visit to Philadelphia during this year's American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery annual meeting (June 1 to 5) is not complete without a trip to Independence National Historical Park. Within America's most historic square mile, you will want to see two of the most treasured symbols of America's freedom: the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.
Allergy control before surgery helps ensure outcome
April 15th 2002Norfolk, VA-Preoperative control of allergic eye disease is an important goal in the management of patients undergoing ocular surgery, and ketotifen fumarate (Zaditor, Novartis) is an excellent choice for that indication, according to John R. Sheppard, MD, MMSc.
Comfort level of ocular allergy agent is key to patient compliance
April 15th 2002San Antonio, TX-A treatment for seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, pemirolast potassium 0.1% ophthalmic solution (Alamast, Santen Inc., Napa, CA), was shown to be more comfortable for patients and equally effective when used twice a day during ragweed season when compared with nedocromil sodium 2% ophthalmic solution (Alocril, Allergan, Irvine, CA). These two drugs are the two latest mast-cell stabilizers that have become commercially available to treat ocular allergies.
Ocular symptoms from seasonal allergic conjunctivitis benefit from topical drops
April 15th 2002London, Ontario, Canada-Patients with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis that includes ocular symptoms may benefit from a combination of fexofenadine HCl capsules (Allegra, Aventis Pharmaceuticals Inc., Bridgewater, NJ) supplemented with the ophthalmic solution of nedocromil sodium 2% (Alocril, Allergan, Irvine, CA).
Allergic conjunctivitis symptoms relieved in challenge model
April 15th 2002Olopatadine HCl 0.1% (Patanol, Alcon) is significantly more effective than ketotifen fumarate 0.025% (Zaditor, Novartis), nedocromil sodium 2% (Alocril, Allergan), and azelastine HCl 0.05% (Optivar, Muro) in relieving itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis and has a comfort advantage as well, according to results of prospective, double-masked comparison studies.
Loteprednol, azelastine provide potent arsenal for acute, chronic allergic conjunctivitis
April 15th 2002Loteprednol etabonate 0.2% (Alrex, Bausch & Lomb) and azelastine hydrochloride 0.05% (Optivar, Muro) are both valuable options for the management of seasonal and perennial allergic conjunctivitis, said Charles Slonim, MD.
Ocular allergy signs, symptoms best handled after specifics answered
April 15th 2002Ocular allergies are a major source of discomfort and annoyance. Allergic symptoms often interfere with such common activities as reading, sports, or working on a computer. Greater public awareness of allergic conditions and less tolerance of their signs and symptoms are driving the need for better diagnosis and treatment.
New antibiotic seen as more effective in fighting bacteria
April 1st 2002San Francisco-Levofloxacin (Quixin, Santen)-the new kid in the fluoroquinolone family-is less likely to encounter resistant strains of bacteria than the two older members of that antibiotic family, ofloxacin (Ocuflox, Allergan) and ciprofloxacin (Ciloxan, Alcon), according to David Hwang, MD.
Wavefront scanning device helpful toolin correcting higher-order aberrations
April 1st 2002London-A Hartmann-Shack wavefront scanning device is an effective aid in correcting difficult irregular astigmatism following previous LASIK, according to London anterior segment specialist and refractive surgeon Julian Stevens, MD, FRCO.
Using thinner flap reduces risk of ectasia from LASIK
April 1st 2002New York-The risk of inducing ectasia during LASIK could be reduced if refractive surgeons would aim for thinner flaps, according to Dan Z. Reinstein, MD, of the Reinstein Institute and the Weill Medical College of Cornell University in New York.