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Ablative skin rejuvenation procedures often are associated with prolonged healing, and can cause scarring, prolonged erythema, and hyperpigmentation.

Preliminary analysis of the second-and-final phase III clinical study of bepotastine ophthalmic solution (Bepreve, ISTA Pharmaceuticals) is encouraging, according to the company.

In contrast to the original finding in the Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study, re-analyses using new data collected during follow-up shows a history of diabetes mellitus does not protect patients with ocular hypertension from progression to glaucoma.

The rate of posterior capsule opacification (PCO) associated with hydrophobic acrylic IOLs (AcrySof, Alcon Laboratories) is lower than the rate seen with other lens materials for 3 to 5 years after implantation, but after that time, the rate approximates that seen with other lens materials, according to results of an ongoing prospective, consecutive-case study of 5,500 eye-bank eyes. The finding could affect IOL selection decisions, especially for the pediatric patient population, in whom a high rate of PCO typically is seen, and for patients in developing countries, where access to Nd:YAG lasers to address PCO is limited.

Relying on a combination of available evidence and expert opinion, a panel of ophthalmologists has reviewed nearly 150 statements pertaining to the evaluation and treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma and has reached consensus agreement or consensus disagreement with the majority of the statements. The results are intended to inform clinicians how glaucoma practitioners view this disease but are not guidelines or recommended practice patterns, according to several steering committee members of the project panel.

Refractive error is the leading cause of visual impairment in the world, and it is important that clinicians assess patient satisfaction and quality of life involving any effort to address refractive error, said George O. Waring III, MD. He made his remarks in a lecture after receiving the Mildred Weisenfeld Award for Excellence in Ophthalmology here at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology annual meeting.

After hearing a variety of testimonies to discuss the post-market experience of LASIK, advisers to the FDA determined that lasers need improved patient labeling information. The advisers determined that the LASIK procedure itself is not the culprit; rather, it may be poor screening of possible candidates and misconstrued or insufficient information about the procedure relayed to patients. Ophthalmologists said that LASIK has a very high patient satisfaction rate and enumerated considerations for approaching studies of patient dissatisfaction.

In a prospective, randomized, contralateral study of 75 adults, eyes in which an aspheric IOL (AcrySof IQ model SN60WF, Alcon Laboratories) had been implanted demonstrated better mesopic contrast sensitivity, significantly less spherical aberration, and significantly less total higher-order aberrations compared with eyes in which a standard spherical IOL (AcrySof model SA60AT, Alcon Laboratories) had been implanted. Cumulative uncorrected visual acuity and best-corrected visual acuity were equivalent between both groups.

An analysis of data from 5,300+ eyes with a posterior chamber phakic IOL (Visian ICL, STAAR Surgical) implanted by more than 400 surgeons are impressive in demonstrating the safety, predictability, and efficacy of this lens for correcting moderate to high myopia. Mean follow-up was 103 days, mean UCVA was 20/26, mean MRSE was –0.23 D, and the mean endothelial cell loss rate at 3 months was 1.7%.

A microincisional lens (Akreos MI60, Bausch & Lomb) can be implanted through a 1.8-mm incision. Although not yet available in the United States, excellent results have been achieved with the IOL internationally. Surgeons can use it after biaxial or coaxial microincisional phacoemulsification with an integrated phaco platform (Stellaris Vision Enhancement System, Bausch & Lomb) to provide patients with the benefits of less invasive surgery.

Results of a study evaluating contrast sensitivity in patients with a multifocal IOL (ReZoom, Advanced Medical Optics) implanted corroborate anecdotal reports that this zonal refractive implant provides excellent quality of vision under photopic conditions.

Use of a dual-optic accommodating IOL (Synchrony, Visiogen) results in good visual acuity and spectacle independence at all distances without inducing halos or glare, and outcomes remain stable over time, according to the findings of a prospective, non-comparative case series of patients.

In a 2-year follow-up of 17 patients, an investigational hydrophobic acrylic, one-piece IOL provided excellent visual outcomes, refractive stability, and safety.

Aspheric IOLs represent a major move forward in IOL design. In this study of 40 patients, visual acuity achieved with the aspheric lens was equal to or better than that achieved with the spherical lens, and patient satisfaction was significantly higher with the aspheric lens on several visual disturbance ratings.

Results from a series of 100 eyes with an accommodating IOL (crystalens, Bausch and Lomb) implanted shows that meticulous anterior capsule lens epithelial cell removal using a combination of ultrasonic irrigation-aspiration with free-flow fluidics and capsule polishers is associated with stable anterior capsulotomy diameters, stable refraction, and excellent vision outcomes.

In a 1-year follow-up study, 119 patients in whom a toric IOL (AcrySof Toric, Alcon Laboratories) had been implanted had excellent results, including minimal residual refractive cylinder. The lens, which is available in three toricities, provides very accurate results for several different patient populations.

Spherocylindrical corrections were performed in six patients implanted with a photosensitive IOL (Light-Adjustable IOL, Calhoun Vision) after cataract surgery. Mean cylinder was –0.50 D postadjustment, and uncorrected visual acuity improved in all patients to 20/25 or better.

Implanting specialty IOLs in patients with glaucoma requires special attention because of changes in vision that result from anti-glaucomatous medications.

Many features that are specific to glaucoma patients raise concerns about whether they are appropriate candidates for multifocal IOLs. In the absence of extensive clinical data to guide decision-making, the benefits and compromises must be considered carefully in each patient.

IOL effects on contrast sensitivity are a major consideration for selecting implants in patients with glaucoma who are undergoing cataract surgery. On this basis, an aspheric IOL is preferred except in the rare patient with a history of hyperopic LASIK, whereas presbyopia-correcting IOLs are best avoided.

Increasing the funding for the National Eye Institute is one of the goals of non-profit advocacy coalition National Alliance for Eye and Vision Research and its education affiliate, the Alliance for Eye and Vision Research. The organizations, however, do not expect the budget for fiscal year 2009 to be finalized until February, after the presidential election.

Ongoing analysis of data from the Early Manifest Glaucoma Trial (EMGT) has shown that positive cardiovascular history and thinner central corneal thickness increase the risk of progression, but only in patients with higher baseline IOP. Low blood pressure emerged as a risk factor in normal-tension glaucoma.

High blood pressure and high cholesterol may be connected to an increased risk of retinal vein occlusion, according to a study conducted by researchers at the Royal College of Surgeons.

Rockville, MD-The FDA has postponed a review of an investigational prosthetic device for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) at the request of its developer, VisionCare Ophthalmic Technologies Inc., so that the company can submit additional long-term clinical data.

Irvine, CA-Preliminary analysis of the second-and-final phase III clinical study of bepotastine ophthalmic solution (Bepreve, ISTA Pharmaceuticals) is encouraging, according to the company.

Buffalo Grove, IL-Akorn Inc. has received FDA approval of its abbreviated new drug applications for 0.1% diclofenac sodium ophthalmic solution and 0.3% ofloxacin ophthalmic solution USP.

Management of thyroid eye diseases should be individualized to the severity of signs and symptoms of each patient and based as well on whether the disease is in an active or quiescent phase. Some corrective procedures should be postponed for months or years until the disease no longer is active.

Novartis plans to acquire a majority share of Alcon for $39 billion in a two-part deal. First, Novartis and Nestle have reached an agreement under which Nestle will sell 74 million of its shares of Alcon to Novartis for about $11 billion. Then, Novartis has an exclusive option to purchase the remaining 52% share from Nestl? for $28 billion between Jan. 1, 2010, and July 31, 2011.

A retrospective study of eyes with a spherical IOL implanted found the lens haptics maintained a stable position in most eyes, but significant rotation was observed in a small proportion. This information is important to consider when implanting toric IOLs where orientation and rotation can affect vision outcomes.

Posterior keratocyte densities were significantly lower in ectatic eyes than in normal eyes following both histopathologic and confocal microscopic analysis in a recent small study. If further studies verify that finding, serial confocal measurements of density could be used to monitor progression of post-LASIK ectasia.