News

Ike K. Ahmed, MD demonstrates TSCPC with treatment at 1250 mW of power for 4000 ms, with an application of approximately 12 to 15 spots along the limbus with the Iridex G-Probe.

Femtosecond laser cataract surgery results in more predictable and accurate refractive outcomes compared with conventional phacoemulsification.

Bausch + Lomb (B + L) has acquired an exclusive global license to a technology that may lead to a faster, more effective, and longer-lasting treatment for ocular redness.

James (Jim) Mazzo has joined the board of directors of AcuFocus Inc. as chairman.

Haag-Streit USA announces the launch of Haag-Streit Surgical, a new division that will market a line of surgical microscopes.

The Oculus Corvis ST, a non-contact tonometer and optical pachymeter, has received the approval of the FDA.

ThromboGenics NV has confirmed a date of Jan. 14 for the U.S. launch of ocriplasmin intravitreal injection (Jetrea).

Malcolm A. McCannel, MD, the pioneering ophthalmic surgeon who developed practice management techniques as well as the McCannel suture, died Dec. 30, 2012.

Isotechnika Pharma Inc. has announced that the phase III clinical study of voclosporin for the treatment of non-infectious uveitis did not meet its primary endpoint of change from baseline.

Prevent Blindness America (PBA) has chosen Jim Mazzo, senior vice president of Abbott and president of Abbott Medical Optics (AMO), as its recipient for the 2013 Person of Vision Award.

Fight for Sight and Prevent Blindness America (BPA) will co-sponsor a new annual public health research fellowship. The award, entitled “Fight for Sight-Prevent Blindness America Public Health Award,” is a one-time, $20,000 grant for 1 year of full-time research on improving eye health and safety.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has ruled that eyeglasses and contact lenses are exempted from the medical device excise tax that will take affect on Jan. 1, 2013.

Initial findings based on 2 years of follow-up in a randomized, fellow-eye controlled study indicate that adding cornea collagen crosslinking (CXL) routinely to LASIK for treatment of hyperopia or hyperopic astigmatism is safe and may stabilize the refractive outcome better compared with LASIK alone, according to Jonathan B. Kahn, MD.

A recent study found that between 40% and 50% of older adults with visually impairing eye disease limit their activities due to a fear of falling, a strategy that could put them at risk for social isolation and disability.

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Bayer HealthCare reported that Bayer HealthCare has submitted an application for marketing authorization in Europe for Eylea (aflibercept) injection for the treatment of macular edema (ME) following central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO).

Nonrefractive visual impairment in the United States has been found to have increased significantly in recent years, possibly related to an increase in prevalence of diabetes.

The Oculus Corvis ST, a non-contact tonometer and optical pachymeter, has received the approval of the U.S. FDA.

A new, larger designed size of AmnioGraft biologic ocular transplantation graft, AmnioGraft AG-5050 (Bio-Tissue Inc.), is now available for the treatment of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. The graft consists of amniotic membrane to protect, repair, and heal damaged eye surfaces.

The fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant (Iluvien, Alimera) has not met the UK’s cost-effectiveness thresholds for treating DME. Alimera has, however, signed an agreement with Quintiles for the implant’s European launch.

The TxCell Scanning Laser Delivery System (Iridex), which allows physicians to deliver laser power in a multi-spot scanning mode, has received FDA 510(k) and CE clearance.

The LensAR Laser System for refractive cataract surgery is now cleared for executing corneal incisions during cataract surgery.

In 99 patients seeking refractive surgery and considered at high risk for colonization with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus spp, results of nasal and/or ocular cultures were positive in seven patients.

A mobile clinic provided exams, screenings, and glasses to underserved individuals in the San Francisco area.

B + L-sponsored “Run for Vision” generates more than $16,000 for corneal transplants.

HCPCS code for mitomycin for solution (Mitosol) created for billing Medicare, private insurance providers.

Addition of SensoMotoric Instruments technology adds capabilities in ocular surgery guidance technology to Alcon's existing global cataract portfolio.

Alcon's LensSx SoftFit Patient Interface provides the latest update to the LenSx laser system for refractive cataract surgery.

Presbia announces that the Presbia Flexivue Microlens implantable corneal inlay for presbyopia is now under active consideration for an IDE.

Data from studies of corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) for keratoconus and postLASIK ectasia were analyzed to understand quantitative changes in topography.