News

Now is the time to focus on the lessons that can be learned in the current economic situation. Take a close look at your staffing levels, practices within your office, and the effect of days spent out of clinic by physicians, among other things, to try to identify ways to weather bad economic times better in the future.

The apprenticeship model suffers from inherent limitations that have called into question not only the safety but the quality, appropriateness, and effectiveness of the training model for residents. External stakeholders in the educational process, including the public, the payers, and the government, have called for reform in the graduate medical education process and for transformation from the apprenticeship model to a competency-based model of education.

William B. Trattler, MD, provides an overview of LASIK enhancements and explains why he frequently uses PRK for this purpose.

Sulcus placement of a proprietary three-piece multifocal IOL (ReZoom, Abbott Medical Optics) is a viable option in eyes in which capsular bag support is not adequate to ensure good lens stability. Then, if the lens decenters in the sulcus, scleral suturing is a safe and effective option for recentering the IOL and restoring good vision.

The co-authors conducted two studies to determine patient satisfaction related to their cataract-IOL surgeries, based on online health forums.

The introduction of a new fourth-generation fluoroquinolone for ophthalmic use may prompt an assessment of the pros and cons of the available agents. James P. McCulley, MD, explains his continued preference for moxifloxacin 0.5% (Vigamox, Alcon).

Napa and Sonoma counties, located approximately an hour from San Francisco, are well known around the United States and the world for their superior wine and wineries.

Diabetic macular edema responds to treatment with ranibizumab (Lucentis, Genentech), according to results of the RESOLVE study. The patient responses to the drug in the changes in the visual acuity and central macular thickness were significantly better in the groups treated with two concentrations of ranibizumab compared with the sham-treated group.

The FDA will resume scientific review of the STAAR Surgical Co. premarket approval (PMA) application for its toric implantable contact lens ([TICL]; Visian Toric Implantable Collamer Lens) for patients with myopia and astigmatism after removing the "integrity hold" restrictions it put in place in 2007, according to the company.

Descemet's stripping endothelial Keratoplasty (DSEK) was shown to be a safe and effective treatment for corneal endothelial diseases, according to a 2009 review by the cornea panel of the American Academy of Ophthalmology's (AAO) Ophthalmic Technology Assessment Committee, led by W. Barry Lee, MD.

Abbott announced a definitive agreement to acquire Visiogen Inc. for $400 million, providing the company with a next-generation accommodating IOL technology to address presbyopia for patients with cataracts.

Pfizer has entered into a collaboration with Private Access to create a new online community aimed at increasing clinical trial awareness and participation. It will be rolled out in phases starting late this year.

Hoya Surgical Optics has introduced a preloaded IOL injection system (iSert) in the United States.

Aton Pharma has launched new education, distribution, sampling, and reimbursement programs for its preservative-free formulation of timolol maleate (Timoptic in Ocudose), which according to the company is the only preservative-free medication for glaucoma available in the United States.

STAAR Surgical Co. President and Chief Executive Officer Barry G. Caldwell said he is “encouraged and pleased” with feedback the company has received from the Japanese government regarding the possibility of marketing its implantable contact lens ([ICL] Visian Implantable Collamer Lens) products there.

ISTA Pharmaceuticals plans to ask the FDA to approve a change to the label of its bromfenac 0.09% ophthalmic solution after obtaining positive preliminary phase III results in a confirmatory clinical study of once-daily bromfenac (Xibrom QD) for the treatment of inflammation and pain after cataract surgery.

To mark the global observance of AMD [age-related macular degeneration] Week, Lighthouse International and AMD Alliance International (AMDAI) will host an exhibit of the works of London-based portrait artist Adam Hahn, whose paintings illustrate how patients with AMD see the world.

The CBS crime drama 'CSI: Miami' will feature a proprietary automated lensometer (AL200, Reichert) in an episode airing Oct. 12, according to its manufacturer.

One in five at-home eye injuries are due to home repair or power tools according to results from the ?Sixth Annual Eye Injury Snapshot? by the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Ocular Trauma.

New software (MatchedFlicker, EyeIC) uses time series retinal photographs to convert change into motion and could improve the accuracy and speed of detecting glaucomatous progression.

An investigational compound for the treatment of dry eye disease consisting of a proprietary formulation of sodium hyaluronate ophthalmic solution 0.18% (Vismed, Lantibio Inc.) was shown to be safe and effective in a multicenter phase III trial conducted in the United States. A new drug application has been filed for the solution, which is already marketed in parts of Europe and Asia as a viscoelastic lubricant eye drop.

While ophthalmology has traveled down the road harnessed to organized medicine and thereby exposed to all of the exploding impediments to practice, dentistry has alertly remained aloof to these changes and continues to be viable, productive, and secure.

Healthy vision is vital for success in life and should begin with regular vision screenings during childhood, but the level of inadequate vision care for children in the United States is significant, however. The author addresses ways to address this issue to positively affect high school graduation rates, social and emotional problems, juvenile delinquency, adult literacy problems, incarcerations, and workforce quality and productivity.

A retrospective study analyzed outcomes of 345 consecutive eyes with the proprietary glaucoma minishunt (Ex-PRESS, Optonol) implanted, including 114 eyes having combined cataract surgery. During a mean follow-up of about 2 years, the implant provided effective IOP control whether used alone or in a combination procedure and was associated with few complications.

Results of a survey of 124 ophthalmologists show interest in preservative-free formulations of IOP-lowering medications to preserve ocular surface health. Preservative-free timolol maleate (Timoptic in Ocudose, Aton Pharma) can be a good choice for appropriately selected patients, according to one ophthalmologist.

Implantation of a trabecular micro-bypass (iStent, Glaukos Corp.) in patients with open-angle glaucoma who are undergoing cataract surgery represents an alternative surgical approach that can provide clinically significant reductions in IOP and use of ocular hypotensive medications.

Endocyclophotocoagulation (ECP) can be performed easily in patients with medically controlled glaucoma who are undergoing cataract surgery, to provide additional IOP lowering and reduce medication use. Misunderstanding that ECP is a completely different procedure than transscleral cyclodestruction contributes to under-use of this very safe procedure, according to one ophthalmologist.

Recent literature has identified ocular perfusion pressure as a glaucoma risk factor. Ophthalmologists need to be aware of the growing evidence supporting this theory, according to one expert.

Hyperemia is one of the main reasons why patients with glaucoma do not adhere to or persist with their topical therapeutic regimen. Patients end up switching to another possibly more tolerable medication, and the changing of medications has significant financial implications. Latanoprost has the lowest incidence of hyperemia among the prostaglandin analogs. Patient adherence is crucial in a chronic progressive disease such as glaucoma, where non-adherence can lead to visual loss and decline in quality of life, creating societal health and economic burdens.

Longer duration of use of monotherapy with prostaglandin analogues may be associated with lower annual costs of glaucoma treatment because adjunctive therapy is one of the primary factors affecting the cost of care, suggest findings of a retrospective analysis of a pharmacy claims database.