News

The FDA has approved Alimera Sciences’ fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant (Iluvien) for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) in patients who have been previously treated with a course of corticosteroids and did not have a clinically significant rise in IOP.

Novaliq GmbH has reported positive phase I results with its clear cyclosporin solution eye drop formulation (CyclASol) in clinical development for patients with dry eye syndrome.

The FDA has approved Allergan’s dexamethasone intravitreal implant 0.7 mg (Ozurdex), a sustained-release biodegradable steroid implant, for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME).

Bausch + Lomb’s next-generation sub-micron gel formulation of loteprednol etabonate has been found to be statistically superior to placebo (vehicle gel) in eliminating inflammation and pain following cataract surgery by study day 8-the primary endpoints in the first phase III, multicenter, double-masked, vehicle-controlled, parallel-group study.

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International’s wholly owned subsidiary, Bausch + Lomb, and Nicox S.A. have announced positive top-line results from the pivotal phase III studies conducted with latanoprostene bunod (Vesneo, previously known as BOL-303259-X and NCX 116) for the reduction of IOP in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

A femtosecond laser can create circular, well-centered capsulotomies to facilitate implantation of capsular tension rings and IOLs without decentration in pediatric patients with Marfan’s syndrome. Tim Schultz, MD, and H. Burkhard Dick, MD, of the University Eye Clinic Bochum, Bochum, Germany, described the case of a 10-year-old boy with Marfan’s syndrome.

The American Medical Association (AMA)-in responding to physicians’ demands for solutions to electronic health record (EHR) systems that have neglected usability as a necessary feature-has outlined eight priorities for improving EHR usability that would benefit caregivers and patients.

The recent agreement between Valeant and Croma-which would provide for the distribution of Croma’s ophthalmology products in Western Europe-is expected to expand Bausch + Lomb’s (B + L) ophthalmic portfolio in the United States.

Nicox S.A has agreed to acquire the Carragelose anti-viral eye drop program from Marinomed Biotechnologie GmbH of Austria. The acquisition will provide Nicox with an anti-viral ophthalmic product, expected to launch in Europe within 2 years and pending CE marking.

Ophthalmology technology from Quantel Medical and AcuFocus recently received CE Mark approval.

Alphaeon Corp. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire all of the outstanding shares and assets of Clarion Medical for an undisclosed sum.

The European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) never fails to entice ophthalmology with cutting-edge technology, and the XXXII Congress in London has not disappointed attendees. This year’s congress has displayed a wide range of new technologies from cataract and refractive platforms to diagnostic units to surgical instruments. From all the equipment presented, IOL advances have again captured the attention of attendees.

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International recently hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Bausch + Lomb ULTRA contact lens manufacturing lines and solar array assembly at the company's Optics Center in Rochester, NY.

Glaucoma specialists discuss the use of laser peripheral iridotomy and lens extraction as surgical intervention for chronic angle closure.

In retrospect-even though Army life was not for me-going to France was a unique opportunity for a young man to gain perspective on the culture of Western Europe. With my 2-year “vacation” at an end, I was ready to focus on my future in ophthalmology.

Inder Paul Singh, MD, shares his surgical pearls for how advances in YAG laser vitreolysis can make the procedure a safe, effective option for the treatment of floaters.

A novel multifocal IOL with a unique axiconic-like shape changes a ray of light into a focal line and provides patients with an extended depth of focus.

Encouraging results have been achieved using topical riboflavin and ultraviolet A irradiation to treat infectious keratitis.

Anterior-segment optical coherence tomography was used to characterize changes in the corneal epithelial thickness patterns after myopic LASIK and PRK.

Outcomes from up to 12 months of follow-up in a prospective case series including 25 patients show promising results using the transparent, hydrogel corneal inlay for correction of presbyopia.

Specialty lenses are filling the gap for patients with corneal ectasia who previously were considered intolerant of contact lenses.

Achieving super-vision after LASIK may rest on the addition of corneal collagen crosslinking around the time of surgery.

The next decade will be a period of remarkable research discoveries for glaucoma and their translation into enhanced patient care, according to Robert N. Weinreb, MD.

The successful optician must have the ability to recognize the signs that a prospective shopper is ready to become a buyer of optical products.

Analyses of data from the Inhibition of VEGF in Age-related Choroidal Neovascularisation trial conducted to explore relationships between temporal changes in serum VEGF and safety events showed that at 1 year, a larger fall from baseline serum VEGF was associated with a lower hazard of death.

Here are several key steps that every practice should consider for successful implementation of an electronic health record vendor.

Eye-care professionals should have a checklist of key considerations in mind before deciding on an electronic health record system.

Implementing and maintaining an electronic health record system requires constant auditing and training, but it can also improve efficiency throughout the practice.

The self-pay, lifestyle health care market is poised for huge growth as the population of the United States ages. A new cooperative offers a host of tools and services to help board-certified ophthalmologists capitalize on opportunities in the self-pay market.

Findings from the CONSTELLATION study show that once-daily latanoprostene bunod lowered IOP more than twice-daily timolol in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.