Innovative IOL breaks new ground in presbyopia-correcting implant technology
October 15th 2014A new presbyopia-correcting IOL has a novel optic combining two complementary diffractive technologies. Results from bench and clinical testing show it provides a full range of continuous, high-quality vision, minimizes dysphotopsias, and may be more tolerant to refractive errors than multifocal IOLs.
Researchers seek novel inflammatory modulatory protein to treat corneal alkali injury
October 14th 2014Outcomes of an initial pilot study conducted in a preclinical animal model support further research investigating tumor necrosis factor-? stimulated gene/protein-6 (TSG-6) as a novel treatment for chemical injury to the cornea, said Samuel F A Fulcher, MD.
FDA approves VisionCare implant for AMD in patients over 65
October 14th 2014The FDA has approved VisionCare Ophthalmic Technologies’ Implantable Miniature Telescope (by Dr. Isaac Lipshitz) for use in patients living with bilateral end-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD) who are age 65 or older.
Study: 123 million+ lost workdays per year caused by blindness or eye diseases
October 14th 2014The European Forum Against Blindness (EFAB) has revealed the results of an 11-country study-an extension to the data reported last year covering six countries-which reports on the economic impact of blindness and four leading eyesight conditions, and concluded that blindness and vision loss lead to a reduced quality of life and increased economic burden to society.
Access to quality care, impact of ACA lead list of physician challenges
October 1st 2014Welcome to the latest installment of “Sight Lines,” a feature in which J.C. Noreika, MD, MBA, an ophthalmologist in Medina, OH, discusses trends in ophthalmology, medicine, and health care with key leaders in their fields. In this issue, Dr. Noreika talks with U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH).
Earlier glaucoma detection: Study finds progress, but at very slow rate
October 1st 2014Analyses of visual field data collected at centers across England showed the average level of severity of vision loss at the time of glaucoma detection decreased-improved-over time. Still, the rate of improvement between 1998 and 2012 was only 0.1 dB per year.
At issue: Is MRSA testing and prophylaxis a worthwhile approach?
October 1st 2014Although infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are a prominent concern for cataract surgeons, leading ophthalmologists discuss the pros and cons of performing universal MRSA screening to guide targeted prophylaxis.
We [ophthalmologists] are the 99%!
October 1st 2014Like you, I chose to attend medical school with the goal of helping patients who were ill and needed curing, comforting, or both. So perhaps the financial rewards of a career in medicine have made you feel slightly embarrassed and concerned that people might be resentful or jealous. Well, here’s good news: research suggests we physicians aren't so financially successful after all.
Dexamethasone implant shows good safety, visual outcomes in MEAD study
October 1st 2014Dexamethasone intravitreal implant 0.7 and 0.35 mg provided statistically and clinically significant improvement in best-corrected visual acuity and reduction in central subfield retinal thickness with an average of 4 to 5 injections over 3 years.