News

A retrospective study including more than 614,000 eyes undergoing femto-LASIK at a single practice over a 5-year period identified a flap striae incidence of 0.85% overall, however a climate conditions influence was also noted.

Knowledge about the circadian pattern of IOP and the 24-hour efficacy of glaucoma medications is increasing, which is expected to improve medical management of glaucoma in the future.

By asking a series of targeted questions, the optician learns about the specific set of needs and wants of the customer. The goal is to learn how, when, where, and why the customer uses his or her eyes each day.

Contractor advisory committee members function as a bridge to communication between providers and the Medicare contractor. They are a valuable resource in the many instances when clarification is required.

Despite Valeant Pharmaceuticals International upping its unsolicited takeover proposal for Allergan twice, Allergan has again rejected the offer, claiming it highly undervalued the company.

Analyses of safety data from Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network (DRCR.net) trials show a very low rate of endophthalmitis can be achieved in eyes receiving intravitreal drug injections using protocol that does not use topical antibiotics, said Abdhish R. Bhavsar, MD.

Following deliberations, the FDA’s ophthalmic devices advisory panel has determined that the benefits of AcuFocus’ Kamra inlay outweigh the risks for patients suffering vision loss as a result of presbyopia.

The FDA has granted orphan drug status to Ocugen’s recombinant lens epithelium derived growth factor 1-326 (OCU100) for the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa (RP).

FDA 510(k) clearance has been granted to CenterVue’s next-generation Macular Integrity Assessment (MAIA).

By the end of the week, Edward Kondrot, MD, and his wife will begin a 500-mile pilgrimage through Spain along the Camino de Santiago de Compostela to raise awareness for macular degeneration.

Allergan has fired back in response to Pershing Square Capital Management’s announcement that it will hold a special meeting with Allergan shareholders, where it will ask to oust six of Allergan’s nine directors in an attempt to pass Valeant Pharmaceuticals International’s re-revised unsolicited takeover proposal of the company.

Alcon Laboratories’ Dave Sattler, FAAO, will retire Aug. 2 after 28 years of service.

The FDA has approved Omeros’ phenylephrine and kertorolac injection 1%/0.3% (Omidria) for use during cataract surgery or IOL replacement (ILR) to maintain pupil size by preventing intraoperative miosis and to reduce postoperative pain.

Allergan has publicly acknowledged that Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, along with Pershing Square Capital Management, have made a second revised, unsolicited proposal to acquire all of the outstanding shares of the company.

Although patients undergoing thin-flap LASIK performed with modern femtosecond and excimer lasers can expect excellent vision on the day after surgery, faster visual recovery might enhance the procedure’s appeal, according to Daniel S. Durrie, MD.

The Affordable Care Act continues to change and ophthalmology must change in order to adapt.

A phase III clinical trial of lifitegrast 5% ophthalmic solution for treatment of dry eye showed treatment benefit across all symptom endpoints.

The Infant Aphakia Treatment Study evaluated outcomes after unilateral cataract surgery during early infancy in children randomly assigned to primary aphakic correction with an IOL or contact lens. Visual acuity results and clinical findings during follow-up through age 5 were recently published.

A thermal pulsation system can safely and effectively treat meibomian gland obstructions in both the upper and lower eyelids simultaneously during an in-office procedure that takes only 12 minutes.

A new hypochlorous acid lid cleanser is a safe and effective option for cleaning the lids, lashes, and periocular skin of debris and microorganisms.

A new test for the diagnosis of Sjögren’s syndrome may change ophthalmic practices’ approach to the management of dry eye.

Use of an inverted side cut when performing LASIK speeds recovery of corneal sensation.

CO2 laser-assisted sclerectomy surgery reduces elevated IOP by thinning the sclera of the eye while leaving an intact membrane.

Use of a femtosecond laser for cataract surgery is accompanied by increases in cost and time. However, available information on these and other issues support the procedure.

The "Glaucoma 360 Annual Gala" raises money for GRF research and education. The gala includes a reception, silent and lives auctions, dinner, entertainment, and awards. For a glimpse of the evening's festivities, view the slide show.

John Sheppard, MD, highlights results of a phase III randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial of lifitegrast in dry eye patients previously on artificial tears. He presented these results, a subset analysis of the OPUS-1 phase III trial, at the 2013 meeting of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.

Early treatment of pediatric cataracts is crucial, with proper consideration being given to age and the type of postoperative correction to be used.

The advent of 24-hour IOP monitoring will transform the care of patients with glaucoma and usher in a new era of personalizing IOP.24-hour IOP monitoring set to revolutionize glaucoma research and clinical care.

Increased patients and patient access, new payment models, and the rise of comparative effectiveness research top the list of challenges that ophthalmologists will face in the future, according to William L. Rich, III, MD, FACS.

“New Horizons in Glaucoma Drug Delivery” session reviewed nine development programs. Some companies are focusing on micro- and nano-scale particles, others on gels and solid drug depots. All aim for controlled, steady state delivery over specific time periods to enhance drug delivery to the target tissue and improve therapeutic outcomes.