Surgery

Fort Lauderdale, FL-Initial clinical trial experience suggests that CO2 laser-assisted nonpenetrating deep scle- rectomy (NPDS) holds promise as an excellent option for glaucoma therapy, said Ehud I. Assia, MD, at the annual meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology.

Fort Lauderdale, FL-In a comparison study that has implications for wound healing in surface ablation procedures, investigators found that four commonly used topical ophthalmic antibiotics-moxifloxacin (Vigamox, Alcon), levofloxacin (Quixin, Santen), gatifloxacin (Zymar, Allergan), and ofloxacin (Ocuflox, Allergan)-all showed evidence of toxicity on human corneal epithelial cells, with moxifloxacin causing the least amount of toxicity.

Santa Ana, CA-Advanced Medical Optics Inc. (AMO) is offering an extended low-diopter and plano range of its Array silicone IOL.

Half of cataract surgeons only wait 2 weeks between the time of the first and second eye surgery.

San Diego - Two-year follow-up of eyes with the ClariFlex with OptiEdge silicone IOL (AMO) implanted show that the second-generation silicone IOL with its novel edge design is performing well. Furthermore, risk of posterior capsular opacification (PCO) and glare was minimal, according to the results of a study presented by Elizabeth A. Davis, MD, FACS, at the annual meeting of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.

PJD is a relatively quick procedure that uses a blunt-tipped cannula inserted between the bulbar conjunctiva and the sclera.

Digital light delivery system allows adjustment of lens, eliminates need for explantation

Patients can get full refund if unhappy with lenses

Study shows cell loss equal to natural aging, allowing IOL to be implanted in young patients

Researchers around the world have been working diligently over the last 25 years to develop artificial corneas for patients who are not good candidates for the current techniques of keratoplasty, according to Eduardo C. Alfonso, MD.

More than 330 ophthalmologists from 24 states and several countriesattended "Glaucoma 2004: Mastering Tools and Techniques for the 21stCentury," on Friday, June 4, and Saturday, June 5, at the Plaza Hotel.

The use of antiproliferative agents has helped increase thelikelihood of successful filtering surgery by inhibiting the wound healingresponse. The problem is that these agents also contribute to the risk ofbleb leak and bleb-associated infection, reported Paul J. Lama, MD, of theUniversity of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, and the Veterans'Administration Medical Center, East Orange, NJ.

San Diego-The key to achieving the most from refractive surgery is an understanding of the biomechanics of the refractive procedures in the eye coupled with advances in pharmaceuticals to facilitate wound healing.

Baltimore-Peripheral iris fixation of a foldable posterior chamber IOL using a modified McCannel suture appears to be a useful technique for the management of delayed-onset within-the-bag IOL subluxation in eyes with pseudoexfoliation syndrome, said Aruoriwo M. Oboh-Weilke, MD

Optical complications were substantial glare in about 20% of patients, halos in 30%, and problems with night driving in 20%.

Ellex Medical Pty. Ltd. introduces the Laserex Solo laser for the treatmentof open-angle glaucoma.

Advanced Medical Optics Inc. presents its ClariFlex with OptiEdge, anextended-diopter range intraocular lens for cataract surgery.

Weighing the risks when complications may be significant

Other medical specialties join AAO to limit procedures by non-surgeons

High-frequency waves cut and coagulate tissue at same time, providing excellent wound healing

Material, shape, cost, and pegging are among the factors surgeons need to weigh

Correct dosing, depth of injections are among requirements for doing the procedure correctly

Dorado, Puerto Rico-After positive results from a European clinical trial showed transforming growth factor-b2 (TGF-b2) mono clonal antibody was effective in delaying wound healing after first-time trabeculectomy, U.S. investigators are undertaking a multicenter clinical trial to compare the new agent with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), reported Marshall N. Cyrlin, MD.

San Francisco-Clinical trials are under way in centers in Germany and Colombia to evaluate a dual-optic accommodating IOL (Synchrony, Visiogen) designed to offer amplified, consistent accommodation across a wide range of IOL powers, said Stephen D. McLeod, MD.

The Royale Injector (ASICO), a single-handed injection system for implanting the AcrySof lens (Alcon), has in- corporated a plunger mechanism into the design that cataract surgeons appreciate.

Dorado, Puerto Rico - Refractive lens exchange (RLE) does look promising as a viable option to corneal refractive procedures, particularly in those patients with high myopia or hyperopia. However, surgeons need to review the advantages and limitations of the intraocular procedure carefully with patients, according to Terrence P. O'Brien, MD.

Fremont, CA-Nidek Inc. will lend its YC-1600 Nd:YAG ophthalmic laser to Mercy Ships International to treat the poor in developing nations.

Madison, WI-Leaking blebs occur fairly often now that antimetabolites are used in glaucoma surgery. A variety of treatment approaches can be used to manage them, and the outcomes are usually successful if care is taken in the management process, according to Todd Perkins, MD.

Mendoza, Argentina-Intraocular contact lenses (ICLs) (STAAR Surgical) have been used for many years outside the United States, and the results indicate that the ICLs can be tolerated over the long term. More patients have been opting to have this type of lens implanted following a previous LASIK procedure, and their visual outcomes have been good, according to Roberto Zaldivar, MD.

Carlsbad, CA-The Vision Membrane multifocal IOL (Vision Membrane Technologies Inc.) is a silicone anterior chamber phakic IOL that is intended to treat patients with myopia, hyperopia, and presbyopia. The IOL is extremely thin, even for cases of extreme myopia, and can eliminate the glare and halos normally associated with corneal refractive procedures.