News

Eyes categorized as having keratoconus based on corneal topography and subsequently determined to be non-keratoconic by epithelial thickness profile criteria demonstrate good refractive stability after LASIK during up to 2 years of follow-up.

A user-friendly diagnostic ultrasound device offers a range of features that makes it a valuable instrument for anterior and posterior ophthalmic imaging both for clinical use and for teaching applications.

Studies conducted with waveform data obtained using a non-contact applanation tonometer show that this information pertaining to corneal biomechanical properties may have value in helping to identify early-stage compromised corneas.

Medical therapy for glaucoma is the first option for most patients in developed countries, according to one expert.

As members of the healthcare industry try to unravel the comprehensive health reform legislation that President Obama signed into law March 23, they are voicing concerns about such issues as patient access, payment for physicians, the creation of a new oversight board, and new taxes on medical devices.

Ludwin Monz, PhD, MBA, is the new chief executive officer of Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, succeeding Michael Kaschke, PhD, who now is chairman and a member of the company?s supervisory board.

The FDA has accepted the filing of Lux Biosciences? new drug application for oral voclosporin (Luveniq) and has granted the application priority review, according to the company.

Acucela Inc. and Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. have received fast-track designation from the FDA for ACU-4429, an investigational oral treatment for dry age-related macular degeneration.

The FDA has accepted for review the supplemental new drug application (sNDA) of ISTA Pharmaceuticals Inc. for once-daily bromfenac ophthalmic solution (XiDay).

Alcon Laboratories Inc. has received regulatory approval and finalized the acquisition of the rights in the United States for difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion 0.05% emulsion (Durezol) and the global rights, excluding Latin America, for cyclosporine (Zyclorin) from Sirion Therapeutics Inc. Alcon immediately assumed responsibility for all marketing, promotion, and sales of the difluprednate formulation.

Haag-Streit USA has appointed Alcon Laboratories Inc. as its exclusive distributor in the United States for an optical biometer (Lenstar LS900).

Aton Pharma Inc. has launched an authorized generic version of its timolol maleate ophthalmic gel-forming solution (Timoptic-XE). The non-selective beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agent is indicated in the treatment of elevated IOP in patients with ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma. The company also will continue to make available timolol maleate under the brand name.

Bausch + Lomb has relaunched its multipurpose contact lens solution (renu fresh) in a clear bottle designed to enable users to see exactly how much solution is remaining.

Physicians who see patients thought they were getting another 30-day reprieve in a planned 21.2% pay cut. Instead, as of March 1, the cut will take effect.

Bausch + Lomb, with a foundation built on a "legendary" 157-year-old brand, is poised for growth, according to its CEO.

Highlighting the many developments in the area of oculogenetics, Edwin M. Stone, MD, PhD, is concentrating on a gene therapy experiment.

The FDA granted approval March 10 for marketing of a single-piece version of a multifocal IOL for cataract patients with and without presbyopia.

According to an article in the February 2010 issue of the journal Annals of Epidemiology, a study of 180,000 patients showed that taking statins lowers the risk of cataract.

"For sight: the future of eye and vision research" is the theme of the 2010 meeting of the Association for Research in Vision in Ophthalmology.

Arnall Patz, MD, may not have had instant name recognition among most Americans, but among ophthalmologists, he was a legend.

Adrienne L. Graves, PhD., who led Santen Inc., U.S. subsidiary of Santen Pharmaceutical Co., has resigned as its president and chief executive officer.

Results from a pilot study suggest that topical treatment with the ribonucleotide GS-101 is safe for reducing corneal neovascularization in certain patient populations.

Follow appropriate steps to implement electronic health records plans

In this point-counterpoint overview, David S. Greenfield, MD, speaks in favor of trabeculectomy, whereas Dale K. Heuer, MD, argues the merits of tube shunts.

Early results from a clinical study of a non-incisional procedure indicate the approach produces substantial corneal flattening and improves visual outcomes.

The medical records service, Google Health, lets users enter information such as medications taken, procedures undergone and lab tests.

An intracorneal inlay for the treatment of presbyopia uses the pinhole effect to increase depth of focus by selecting for the central light ray and minimizing refraction.

Preliminary results from a phase 1 safety and tolerability study show no dose-limiting toxicity so far in patients treated with intravitreal injections of volociximab in combination with anti-VEGF therapy for neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

University of Iowa's Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences has long developed a reputation for educating its residents in a nurturing and supportive environment.

Optic atrophy is itself not a diagnosis, but a stepping stone for further work-up.