News

A scanning laser polarimetry device, which examines the retinal nerve fiber layer, is a beneficial diagnostic tool for glaucoma suspects because it targets the area where the earliest damage from glaucoma is likely to be seen. It also is valuable in monitoring stability or progression in patients with established disease.

Safety data from a multicenter, double-masked, randomized clinical trial comparing the three commercially available prostaglandin analogue IOP-lowering medications containing benzalkonium chloride (BAK) were analyzed to investigate a possible relationship between BAK content and incidence of ocular adverse events. Latanoprost 0.005% (Xalatan, Pfizer), which exposes patients to the highest daily BAK dose, was associated with significantly lower rates of both ocular adverse events and study medication-related adverse events compared with bimatoprost 0.03% (Lumigan, Allergan) and travoprost 0.004% (Travatan, Alcon Laboratories).

The fixed combination of brimonidine and timolol (Combigan, Allergan) provided greater overall patient comfort, and IOP decreased significantly, compared with the fixed combination of dorzolamide and timolol (Cosopt, Merck & Co.) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma.

Whether opting for an anterior or posterior approach when placing a glaucoma valve, both procedures appear to have similar success in lowering IOP and similar complication profiles, according to the results of a recent study. Nevertheless, some experts believe that the anterior approach may be more advantageous.

Frequency-doubling technology (FDT) has a role as a diagnostic and monitoring instrument for glaucoma, although it may be best used to complement the use of other testing methods, particularly with the newer version of this technology. Studies suggest that the FDT may detect early glaucoma in a different subgroup of patients than other testing devices, and long-term studies will be needed to confirm its effectiveness in detection of progression.

A recent study shows that although the Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT) is considered to be the standard in detecting eyes with elevated IOP and, therefore, glaucoma, a newer tonometer (Ocular Response Analyzer [ORA], Reichert) appears to be more effective. It also is suggested that glaucoma screening threshold pressure should be lowered from the current 21 mm Hg to 18 mm Hg, which may allow ophthalmologists to more effectively detect glaucoma in their patients.

Due to the frequent coexistence of ocular surface disease and glaucoma in older patients, clinicians should take steps to reduce the potentially damaging effects on the ocular surface of long-term use of glaucoma medication. Reducing the number of medications when possible and choosing those that do not contain the preservative benzalkonium chloride is an approach that may be beneficial in some patients.

Normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) is a form of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in which there is no known history of statistically elevated IOP; however, the definition of an upper limit of normal IOP is arbitrary. POAG is a multifactorial disease process with pressure-dependent and pressure-independent etiologic factors. In NTG, the pressure-independent factors likely play a more substantial role.

The retinal tomographer, a quantitative imaging instrument, is useful in both diagnosis and monitoring of ocular hypertension, suspected glaucoma, and early glaucoma.

The femtosecond laser may be useful in the treatment of advanced fungal keratitis, according to this case presentation.

Most physicians micromanage when a problem occurs in the office, instantly analyzing the issue and announcing the changes they want colleagues and staff to make. However, employees on the front line in factories, doctors' offices, etc., have more information, and often can come up with better solutions than the "all-knowing" manager. Delegation helps employees learn from the problem-solving experience, and that makes them more valuable.

Topcon Medical Systems Inc. has introduced a new slit lamp (SL-3G).

X-GEN Pharmaceuticals Inc. will begin marketing injectable acetazolamide for indications including open-angle glaucoma, secondary glaucoma, and preoperative use for the treatment of acute angle-closure glaucoma.

Allergan has received FDA approval for its 0.03% bimatoprost ophthalmic solution (Latisse) as a novel treatment for hypotrichosis of the eyelashes.

Ophthalmologists in Canada are hoping that an outbreak of ocular inflammation in patients being treated with bevacizumab (Avastin, Genentech) will not cause stricter regulations against its off-label intravitreal use or deter doctors from using it to treat wet age-related macular degeneration. All of the confirmed cases were linked to a specific lot of the drug that was distributed throughout Canada and other parts of the world. Health Canada currently is working with an independent laboratory to complete tests to determine the cause of the outbreak.

The FDA last month approved a lens (AcrySof IQ ReSTOR +3 D, Alcon Laboratories) designed for implantation in patients with cataract and presbyopia.

A recent study found that people with bilateral glaucoma read 29 words per minute slower than those without glaucoma and were twice as likely to have a reading impairment.

A protein has been identified that appears to prolong the lives of retinal cells in both healthy and diseased eyes, according to researchers.

Abbott and Advanced Medical Optics (AMO) announced in a joint prepared statement that an agreement has been reached for Abbott to acquire AMO for $22 per share in cash, for a total transaction value of approximately $2.8 billion, inclusive of estimated net debt at the time of closing, approved by both boards of directors.

Medical Management Services Group LLC have appointed both cataract and refractive surgeons as editorial advisors for 2009.

New research has indicated that a decrease in vision function is a key factor in older Americans recognizing when they can no longer drive safely and deciding that it is time to stay off the road.

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, and in observance, the four principal investigators of the Glaucoma Research Foundation (GRF) Catalyst for a Cure consortium will present a scientific overview of recent research advances.

Topcon Medical Systems Inc. has introduced a new slit lamp (SL-3G).

X-GEN Pharmaceuticals Inc. will begin marketing injectable acetazolamide for indications including open-angle glaucoma and secondary glaucoma as well as preoperative use for the treatment of acute angle-closure glaucoma in cases in which surgery has been delayed to lower IOP.

Allergan has received FDA approval for its 0.03% bimatoprost ophthalmic solution (Latisse) as a novel treatment for hypotrichosis of the eyelashes.

Alcon Inc. has received FDA approval for a lens designed for implantation during cataract surgery in patients with presbyopia (AcrySof IQ ReSTOR +3.0 D).

The FDA has recalled one lot of an ophthalmic viscosurgical device ([OVD] Healon D, Advanced Medical Optics [AMO]) following a voluntary recall by the manufacturer.

The number of Americans with major eye diseases is expected to increase drastically over the next several decades as more people are diagnosed with diabetes, according to a new study.

The recent developments in 2008 have left many of us with less wealth than we had just a year ago. The purpose of this article is to highlight a few tactics for regaining some of your lost wealth.

In cataract surgery cases where implantation of a monofocal acrylic IOL is planned, a recently approved model (Akreos Advanced Optics Aspheric Lens [model AO60], Bausch & Lomb) has rapidly become the IOL of choice for one surgeon who has implanted almost 100 of the lenses.