News

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.

Prevent Blindness America’s Most Beautiful Eyes Contest emphasizes that keeping children’s eyes and vision healthy should be a priority for everyone.

The LEITR 2012 Eye Ball Gala helps raise approximately $125,000 and showcases the need for ocular advancements and research for the blind and visually impaired.

KalVista Pharmaceuticals has received a £2.4 million grant to accelerate development of an oral plasma kallikrein inhibitor for the treatment of diabetic macular edema.

Focal lamina cribrosa defects were highly correlated with glaucomatous structural and functional damage in an evaluation performed with EDI-OCT.

Results from recent multicenter randomized clinical trials are providing glaucoma surgeons with valuable information to guide their use of aqueous shunts.

Preliminary results from a retrospective multicenter chart review study provide further insight on the long-term outcomes after keratoprosthesis surgery.

Intravitreal injection of aflibercept provides marked improvement in visual acuity in treatment-naive eyes with macular edema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion in results from follow-up to 76 weeks in the phase III GALILEO study.

Intraoperative wavefront aberrometry has been a helpful tool for refining refractive outcomes after cataract surgery in the difficult group of eyes with a history of refractive surgery.

A partnership with Escalon Medical Corp. and Modernizing Medicine Inc. aims to provide cloud-based, end-to-end electronic medical records and image management solutions for ophthalmic practices.

Reichert's next-generation ultrasound biomicroscope offers a larger viewing area, a user-friendly, touch-screen interface, and software improvements.

During this week's meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, several ophthalmic organizations are asking health-care professionals to join them in giving the gift of life by registering as eye, organ, and tissue donors.

A review of experience with the first 850 cases of laser-assisted cataract surgery using a proprietary femtosecond laser system highlights advantages for using the technology in routine and challenging cases.

A new refraction system based on point spread function provided better or equal accuracy and reliability in refractive endpoints compared with a standard phoropter in a study.

Data from a study designed to compare satisfaction with LASIK and contact lenses for vision correction provides important and somewhat surprising information on the experience of established contact lens wearers.

A microdroplet fluid ejection device is a promising new technology for topical delivery of ophthalmic medications.

Carl Zeiss Meditec introduces new optical coherence tomography platforms that span the full spectrum of multi-modality imaging for glaucoma and retinal disease.

Though the association of aspirin use and age-related macular degeneration is controversial, the totality of evidence suggests there is no major harmful effect of aspirin use.

Results from studies of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy for neovascular age-related macular degeneration can be interpreted in a variety of ways, depending on the baseline bias of the individual.