News

Surgical treatment for glaucoma already offers good efficacy, but adverse event rates remain too high for routine use in mild-to-moderate disease. New devices promise to change that equation, said Ike K. Ahmed, MD, FRCSC, assistant professor, University of Toronto, Ontario.

This could be a banner year for breakthroughs in glaucoma care. New understanding of the central nervous system and the nature of glaucoma has advanced researchers to the verge of changing the standard of care in this leading cause of blindness. “We are not talking about an eye disease any more when we talk about glaucoma,” said Louis B. Cantor, MD, chairman and professor of ophthalmology and director of glaucoma service at Indiana University, Indianapolis. “We are talking about a central nervous system disorder. We are redefining the optic nerve. I am very excited about new concepts in neuroprotection.”

hough glaucoma is an optic neuropathy, it is defined by changes in visual field characteristics, explained Jeffrey L. Goldberg, MD, PhD, professor of ophthalmology and director of research at the Shiley Eye Center, University of California, San Diego. And by the time the visual field has changed, the disease has already progressed.

The second group of Catalyst for a Cure researchers outline their mission to find biomarkers for the earliest pathologic events in glaucoma onset and progression. The discussed the importance of their project and the benefits of the Catalysts for a Cure research model, pooling together individuals from different institutions providing unique skills and knowledge.

The first Catalyst for a Cure research team has been working together for 11 years to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration in glaucoma and new therapeutic targets. At the annual Catalyst for a Cure Benefit and Gala Dinner, the four principal investigators discussed their discoveries and how they are applying this new knowledge to impact the future of patient care.

Drug discovery is a wonderful experience. “When an experience works, it is very exciting,” said Anthony P. Adamis, MD, vice president, global head of ophthalmology, Genentech. In 1994, he was in the forefront of vascular endothelial growth factor research. “We just saw those vessels shut down.” But seeing vessels shut down in an experimental model is just the first step. He eventually left academic discovery for the world of biotechnology to drive research to clinical success to found Eyetech. “The company was successful because of the motivation of the people involved, especially given the natural history of age-related macular degeneration,” said Dr. Adamis during the Glaucoma 360 New Horizons Forum on Friday,

Bleb leaks can occur early or late following glaucoma filtration surgeries, develop with or without infection, and develop more frequently in cases in which an antimetabolite is used.

Alcon has announced the launch of nepafenac ophthalmic suspension 0.3% (Ilevro), a new once-daily treatment option for pain and inflammation associated with cataract surgery.

Mobius Therapeutics LLC is conducting a recall of two lots of mitomycin for solution 0.2 mg/vial (Mitosol Kit for Ophthalmic Use) because the affected lots may be non-sterile.

A recent study suggests that regular aspirin use appears to be associated with an increased risk of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

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

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.

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.