Lynda Charters

Amarillo, TX-The introduction of a photocoagulator (Pascal [PAttern SCAn Laser Photocoagulator], OptiMedica) has had a positive impact on the speed and precision of the laser procedure, has increased patient comfort, and has changed the treatment approaches to laser photocoagulation, according to J. Edward Ysasaga, MD.

Las Vegas-Intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (Avastin, Genentech Inc.) to treat proliferative diabetic retinopathy, an off-label use of the drug, induces marked regression of neovascularization and may be a valuable adjunct to vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy because there is markedly reduced bleeding at vitrectomy, according to Robert Avery, MD, who spoke at the American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting.

At month 24, 65.7% of patients treated with PDT, 90.0% of those treated with 0.3 mg ranibizumab, and 89.9% of those treated with 0.5 mg ranibizumab lost fewer than 15 letters compared with baseline. These results were very similar to the 12-month results.

Las Vegas-Patients with recurrent noninfectious posterior uveitis fared well in a European trial of an implant of fluocinolone acetonide (Bausch & Lomb) compared with the standard of care-systemic therapy.

Las Vegas-Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) offers major advantages to the clinician in providing high-resolution, cross-sectional images of the retina. These newly developed instruments can acquire three-dimensional (3-D) scans at a high speed and provide excellent point-to-point registration, explained Yale L. Fisher, MD, during the Retina Subspecialty Day at the American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting.

Las Vegas-Ruboxistaurin mesylate (Arxxant, Eli Lilly) may be a useful new tool to prevent visual loss from diabetic retinopathy based on the results of the protein kinase C (PKC)-DRS2 Study. The study showed a reduction in sustained vision loss compared with placebo, reported Lloyd P. Aiello, MD, PhD, during the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Las Vegas-The 1-year results of a study that evaluated the effects of pegaptanib sodium (Macugen, Eyetech Pharmaceuticals) on diabetic macular edema indicates that the drug might provide some patients with improved visual acuity and reduced central retinal thickness compared with no treatment with short follow-up (36 weeks).

Las Vegas-Two-year results of a study of a visual prosthetic device (Implantable Miniature Telescope [IMT], developed by Isaac Lipshitz, MD, VisionCare Ophthalmic Technologies Inc.) indicate that the device improves visual acuity and the quality of life in patients with end-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Few retinal complications were associated with the implantation of this device, according to Paul Sternberg Jr., MD, who spoke here at the American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting.

Las Vegas-The 25-gauge vitrectomy seems to be associated with a higher incidence of endophthalmitis compared with 20-gauge vitrectomy. The difference in the rates of endophthalmitis between the two procedures could be due to factors such as the unsutured wounds at the end of the 25-gauge procedure, postoperative hypotony, and lower infusion rates, according to Derek Y. Kunimoto, MD, JD.

Las Vegas-A trial is under way to evaluate the role of anecortave acetate (Retaane, Alcon Laboratories) in risk reduction for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Jason S. Slakter, MD, provided an update on the status of the C-02-60 Anecortave Acetate Risk Reduction Trial (AART) and the rationale for the use of anecortave acetate in preventing progression of non-exudative AMD to exudative AMD. He spoke on behalf of the Anecortave Acetate Clinical Study Group at the American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting.

Las Vegas-Laser treatment as applied in the Complications of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Prevention Trial (CAPT) proved to be neither beneficial nor harmful after 5 years of follow-up when compared with eyes that were observed for that period, Stuart Fine, MD, reported at the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) annual meeting.

Kaihai, HI-An intraocular epiretinal radiotherapy system (NeoVista Inc.) used during partial vitrectomy has provided encouraging results from a feasibility study of radiation to treat age-related macular degeneration (AMD), said Andrew P. Schachat, MD, here at the Royal Hawaiian Eye Meeting.

Las Vegas-India is now considered a model in the development of international research collaborations in the field of ophthalmology. Its success is based on the ability of individuals to cooperate through mutual respect, transparency, humor, and friendship, said R.D. Thulasiraj, MBA, here at the American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting held in conjunction with the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology.

Las Vegas-Implantation of a keratoprosthesis for pediatric corneal opacity seems to be a promising option for optical rehabilitation. One keratoprosthesis (Boston KPro, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary) is well tolerated in children and may offer an alternative to penetrating keratoplasty (PKP), which is associated with several potential complications, Matthew D. Gearinger, MD, said at the American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting.

Alexandria, Egypt-The debate over the efficacy of epi-LASIK and LASIK continues. Both procedures are safe, although the visual rehabilitation is slower in patients who undergo epi-LASIK. However, the visual results ultimately surpass those who had LASIK, according to Ahmed A. El-Massry, MD, who reported on a comparison study of the two procedures.

Las Vegas-The use of a femtosecond laser (IntraLase, Advanced Medical Optics) to create channels for placement of corneal implants (Intacs, Addition Technology Inc.) seems to provide better visual and refractive improvements compared with mechanical implantation of the segments, according to Aylin Ertan, MD.

Santiago, Chile-Torsional phacoemulsification seems to be an improvement over standard phacoemulsification because of lower amounts of turbulence, less repulsion of the nuclear fragments, and a different pattern of cavitation due to a 90? shift in the delivery of the ultrasonic power, according to Jaime Zacharias, MD.

Investigators are eagerly comparing ways to perform phacoemulsification to obtain the best results for patients. Bimanual microincision phaco has been receiving a great deal of attention and is being compared with ultra-small-incision coaxial phaco and with conventional phaco.

New York-An octyl-2 cyanoacrylate formulation (Liquid Bandage, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products) is an effective clear corneal wound sealant up to an applied pressure of 40 mm Hg.

Cincinnati-Use of the Cionni endocapsular tension ring (Morcher, FCI Ophthalmics) in traumatic cataract with zonular dialysis provided improved best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in 95% of eyes. In addition, none of the eyes with preoperative phacodonesis or decentration had these complications postoperatively, according to Daniela Marques, MD, MBA.

Charleston, SC-A large study of routine phacoemulsification found the total incidence of intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) to be 3.8%. In addition to the use of tamsulosin (Flomax, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals) before surgery, angiotensin antagonists and saw palmetto also were implicated in the development of IFIS.

The use of fibrin glue during pterygium surgery has been gaining in popularity. Generally, investigators from different institutions have reported the glue to be a safe and effective alternative to sutures that can effectively reduce surgical time as well as postoperative pain and discomfort.

Las Vegas-The long-term results of the multicenter Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) indicated that the beneficial effect of treatment with antioxidants and zinc with copper persisted 10 years after the AREDS 1 trial ended in patients who were at higher risk of progression to advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Emily Y. Chew, MD, reported during the retina subspecialty day at the American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting.

Jacksonville, FL-The 5S Classification System, developed by Arun C. Gulani, MD, is an approach to classifying various corneal refractive surgery complications. Clinicians can use it to describe the cornea based on appearance rather than by previously used technologies, said Dr. Gulani, founding director of Gulani Vision Institute, Jacksonville, FL.

Muscat, Sultanate of Oman-The Carriazo-Pendular microkeratome (Schwind eye-tech-solutions) has been shown to be safe and to produce flaps of predictable thickness with two different cutting head sizes and two different suction ring sizes in a large, multicenter European study.

Tampere, Finland-The M2 microkeratome (Moria) received high marks from researchers who used the instrument to create thin flaps during LASIK.

Pleasanton, CA-Certain elements are key to building a successful lenticular refractive practice, according to Shareef Mahdavi, BA. While technology will continue to evolve, success with implants will likewise require physicians to evolve their approaches to the business side of refractive surgery, namely, upgrading their customer service.

San Francisco-Cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion 0.05% (Restasis, Allergan) does not seem to provide a benefit for patients with a normal ocular surface when the drug is started postoperatively for either dryness or photophobia during the first month following LASIK. The light sensitivity in patients using topical cyclosporine was slightly higher 5 weeks after LASIK compared with the control patients randomly assigned to carboxymethylcellulose sodium 1.0% (Celluvisc, Allergan).

Cincinnati-"Regardless of whether we are talking about full-thickness transplants or endothelial transplants, corneal transplant rejection is the leading cause of graft failure," said Edward J. Holland, MD, director, Cornea and External Diseases, Cincinnati Eye Institute, Cincinnati.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates-The use of topical peripheral annular application of mitomycin-C (MMC) 0.02% for 2 minutes is safe and effective in preventing corneal scarring after PRK with more predictable refractive outcomes. In addition, it decreases the potential for side effects, especially damage to the corneal endothelium, associated with topical MMC disc application and central corneal exposure to MMC, according to Elias F. Jarade, MD.