News

The author discusses beach soccer, Van Gogh, and yellowing of the vision.

The field of laser cataract surgery continues to evolve with the Dec. 22 announcement by OptiMedica that its proprietary laser system received FDA 510(k) market clearance for capsulotomy and lens fragmentation.

Genetic research has identified genes that can cause glaucoma primarily on their own and genes that require involvement of multiple genes and environmental factors in order for the disease to develop.

Rayner Intraocular Lenses Ltd. Received approval from the FDA in December 2011 to market the C-flex Aspheric 970C IOL in the United States.

Gregory Hageman, PhD, has been selected for the 2011 Lighthouse International Pisart Vision Award. Presented annually, this award honors an individual who has “distinguished himself or herself by invention or otherwise in the prevention, cure, treatment, or care of blindness.”

Quark Pharmaceuticals Inc. has announced favorable interim results from the first two cohorts of its open-label, first-in-human phase I clinical study of QPI-1007, its proprietary synthetic siRNA drug candidate for ocular neuroprotection, in patients with recent onset of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy.

Data from a large European study link daily aspirin use to increased risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Researchers found that people aged 65 and older who took aspirin daily had double the risk of developing wet AMD, compared with those who took it less frequently.

Avedro Inc.’s proprietary LASIK Xtra procedure has received CE mark approval. LASIK Xtra is a 2-minute corneal crosslinking procedure used in conjunction with standard LASIK to restore the biomechanical integrity and strength to the cornea after a LASIK procedure.

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. has entered into a non-exclusive license and partial settlement agreement with Genentech Inc. relating to U.S. ophthalmic sales of aflibercept injection (Eylea, Genentech).

EyeGate Pharma has enrolled the first patient in a milestone phase III pivotal study of its lead product EGP-437 (a late-stage asset with multiple indications for inflammatory ocular indications) for the treatment of anterior uveitis. The company, a private specialty pharmaceutical company developing therapeutics designed to address patient compliance and patient throughput, enrolled the patient at Tauber Eye Center in Kansas City, MO.

Cutera Inc. and IRIDEX Corp. have entered into a binding agreement for Cutera to purchase certain assets of IRIDEX’s global aesthetic business for about $5.1 million.

An algorithmic approach to problem solving for patients who are dissatisfied after implantation of presbyopia-correcting IOLs aims to streamline identification of the etiology of the visual complaints and implementation of a successful solution, said Parag Majmudar, MD.

Results from the prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled Dutch Lamellar Corneal Transplantation Study support performing deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty instead of penetrating keratoplasty in eyes needing corneal transplantation for stromal pathology not affecting the endothelium.

Using a femtosecond laser to create the capsulotomy results in an incremental, but statistically significant, improvement in the accuracy of refractive outcomes after cataract surgery.

The advent of femtosecond laser technology for cataract surgery has resulted in myriad issues for ophthalmologists to face: the actual benefits of the laser versus the cost to patients, establishment of the patient share of the costs, associated financial risks for the practice and ambulatory surgery center, advertising, and patient satisfaction.

Refractive lenticule extraction performed using a proprietary femtosecond laser platform is a safe and effective minimally invasive technique for correcting myopia and astigmatism.

Accumulating data are demonstrating that use of the femtosecond laser improves the efficacy and safety of cataract surgery.

Use of a femtosecond laser with its FDA-approved IntraLaser Enabled Keratoplasty software appears safe and effective for creating clear corneal and arcuate incisions, therefore enabling bladeless cataract surgery.

Genotyping of patients to determine the risk of progression to advanced age-related macular degeneration is going to be a critical part of current/ongoing clinical trials and those in the future.

Uveitic glaucoma in children is a common complication of anterior uveitis that often coexists with cataract and band keratopathy.

Early experience with sub-1-mm cataract surgery performed using a currently available femtosecond laser platform demonstrates the feasibility of the procedure.

With the latest-generation corneal femtosecond lasers, it is now possible to customize nearly every aspect of the flap, including shape.

Femtosecond laser-assisted procedures continue to be a focus of attention in cataract surgery as manufacturers and surgeons aim to elevate efficacy and safety outcomes to a higher level.

Results of a comparative study investigating capsulotomy features and ease of cataract extraction demonstrate clear benefits for using a femtosecond laser to create the capsular opening and fragment the nucleus.

Hansjoerg E.J.W. Kolder, MD, PhD, will e remembered as a beloved cataract surgeon, professor, and clinician whose natural curiosity led him to pursue a degree in ophthalmology after working extensively in physiology.

Legislators will try to sort out a fair compensation system for physicians after they staved off a scheduled 27.4% pay cut for those who treat Medicare patients.

Findings from a prospective study demonstrate that capsulotomy creation using a proprietary femtosecond laser system improves the predictability of effective lens position to deliver increased refractive accuracy and better visual acuity outcomes.

Before starting medical school, the author spent a summer doing chemistry research at his state university.

Every time the author makes a purchase or seeks to buy a new product, she receives a barrage of inquiries as to whether the service she received made her happy.

It's the season to be thinking of ways to create extra sales to increase the profit picture for your office.