OptiMedica sells retina, glaucoma units to Topcon
September 15th 2010OptiMedica has sold its pattern scan laser photocoagulator along with its retina and glaucoma divisions to TopCon Corp. to focus its attention on what it sees as a paradigm shift in the way cataract surgery will be performed in the near future.
Multiple factors determine residual refractive error
September 15th 2010Attention to a host of preoperative and intraoperative factors can minimize the risk of residual refractive error after cataract surgery, but when a refractive surprise occurs, there are multiple variables to consider before deciding on intervention according to one expert.
Femtosecond facilitates 'big bubble'
September 15th 2010Use of the femtosecond laser holds promise for standardizing the 'big bubble' technique and expanding the use of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty as an alternative to penetrating keratoplasty in eligible patients, according to Luca Buzzonetti, MD.
Relative afferent pupillary defect a red flag in decreased visual acuity
September 15th 2010Relative afferent pupillary defect can be clinically relevant as a red flag indicating that a decrease in visual acuity may be due to something more ominous than a refractive error or media opacity, namely a retinal or optic nerve problem.
Novartis becomes Alcon's majority owner
September 15th 2010With word that Novartis has completed its $28.3 billion acquisition of Nestle S.A.'s shares of Alcon, investment analysts watching the drama unfold expect Novartis and Alcon's Independent Directors Committee will attempt to resolve differences.
Intense pulsed light therapy aids in dry eye
September 15th 2010Results of a study designed to investigate the addition of microdermabrasion to intense pulsed light therapy in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction and dry eye syndrome corroborate the efficacy of IPL for increasing tear breakup time and decreasing dry eye symptoms but fail to confirm the hypothesis that the benefits of IPL may be enhanced by microdermabrasion, according to Rolando Toyos, MD.
Outcomes similar for heavy, standard silicone oil
September 15th 2010Neither heavy silicone oil or standard silicone oil offers any advantages compared with the other for use as an endotamponade to eyes with inferiorly and posteriorly located proliferative vitreoretinopathy, according to Antonia M. Joussen, MD.
FDA panel supports premarket approval of stent
August 27th 2010The FDA ophthalmic devices panel supports the premarket approval of an implant (iStent Trabecular Micro-Bypass Stent Model GTS-100 L/R, Glaukos) for use in conjunction with cataract surgery to reduce IOP in patients with mild-to-moderate, open-angle glaucoma treated with ocular hypotensive medication.