News

Implantation of a toric implantable contact lens for compound myopic astigmatism seems to be very effective, highly predictable, and relatively safe. A widely dilated pupil is very important, especially in the implantation of a toric lens, to align the axes properly. In the case of improper alignment of axes, repositioning of the lens is easy and safe.

A second-generation refractive multifocal IOL provides excellent distance and intermediate vision, with distance, intermediate, and near vision improving over time, according to preliminary results of an ongoing multicenter study.

A prospective study of 20 eyes in 20 patients found that implantation of an apodized diffractive IOL in patients with presbyopia and unilateral cataract and a healthy fellow eye resulted in improved distance and near vision, reduced spectacle dependency, and enhanced binocular function, with quality vision in most cases.

A new accommodating lens seems to be a safe option for properly selected patients, in whom excellent refractive results can be achieved.

An accommodating IOL provides excellent visual results in patients with hyperopia or myopia.

An aberration-free aspheric silicone IOL, performed better in eliminating spherical aberrations than two other silicone IOLs, one a conventional spherical IOL and the other an aspheric IOL with a prolate anterior surface and a spherical posterior surface.

Although expressing different levels of enthusiasm for accommodative IOLs, clinicians debating the merits of this technology agreed that the devices have promise and said they look forward to improvements and new designs.

Persons who have unilateral nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) that either is spontaneous or developed after cataract surgery should be cautioned that they are at increased risk for NAION after cataract surgery in the fellow eye.

Howard V. Gimbel, MD, MPH, has used intracameral injection of vancomycin to prevent endophthalmitis after cataract surgery since 1990. In an analysis of more than 35,000 eyes operated on over 15 years, the incidence of presumed endopthalmitis was only 0.01% and there was no evidence of complications associated with the antibiotic injection.

Horizontal eyelid tightening alone results in secondary improvement in the ptosis associated with floppy eyelid syndrome, according to the results of a case series in 24 eyelids of 18 patients.

Accommodation is the result of changes in the optical power of the crystalline lens that results from change in the lens anterior and posterior surface curvatures and thickness. The ciliary muscle is the engine that drives the accommodative process, and the lens capsule and the lens are important components of accommodation, according to Adrian Glasser, MD, from the College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston.

The short-term clinical experience with intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin, Genentech) supports growing perception that treatment is safe and effective for neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

Patients who complain of poor visual function after LASIK may have unstable tear film, which affects the smoothness of the ocular surface and disturbs vision. With the help of the functional visual acuity meter, clinicians can assess functional vision over 60 seconds and then address any instability of the tear film if necessary.

Researchers at Wilmer Eye Institute and Genentech collaborated to study retrospectively the incidence of myocardial infarction and strokes in persons with neovascular AMD. The initial results showed the rates increased with increasing levels of comorbidity.

Preparing the contracted socket for grafting requires careful assessment and planning to ensure a positive result.

Numerous small-incision approaches make it possible to gain access to orbital tumors. The choice of surgical approach or combination of approaches is dictated by the size and location of the lesion or the area being pursued.

Diseases of the canaliculus can be managed with microtrephination and the silicone stent.

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment of the pediatric retinal diseases-familial exudative vitreoretinopathy and retinopathy of prematurity-using pegaptanib sodium showed mixed results, with a marked decrease in exudation in the former but no effect in preventing retinal detachment in the latter.

The short-term clinical experience with intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin, Genentech) supports growing perception that treatment is safe and effective for neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

Ranibizumab for treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration was shown to prevent moderate vision loss over 24 months and to result in improved vision in some patients in the MARINA study.

Bimanual, three-dimensional robotic surgery seems to be technically feasible for performing ocular microsurgery when used in pig eyes, and may be a boon for surgeons in geographically remote areas that lack access to state-of-the-art technology.

S

Dry eye management may be one of the most prevalent, yet overlooked, aspects in ophthalmology.

A new generation of dry eye therapy is artificial tears offering both lubricating and osmoprotective components that protect the eye at the surface and the cellular level.

Nocturnal lagophthalmos frequently is missed by ophthalmologists. A three-level classification may help ophthalmologists spot the disorder in patients whose condition might otherwise be overlooked.

Botulinum toxin type A (Botox Cosmetic, Allergan) injected into the periocular region for the treatment of lateral canthal rhytids, usually does not suppress tear production. However, surgeons should warn patients that temporary dry eye is a possibility, although a rare occurrence.

Hormone fluctuations and the aging process combine to make dry eye syndrome a risk for perimenopausal women. For this age group, aggressive therapy that includes an anti-inflammatory agent is usually necessary.

Canalicular injuries must be repaired in a timely fashion for the patients to achieve the best outcomes. Even seemingly small lacerations require careful examination because when the eyelid is everted and a laceration is noted medial to the punctum, the laceration can have an impact on the canaliculus.

Manufacturers of punctum plug technology continue to improve their offerings, making their products easier to insert with better retention. This overview highlights new punctum plugs or plugs modified over the past year.

Dry eye symptoms and fluctuating or decreased visual acuity due to ocular surface disease puts individuals at increased risk for refractive surgery-related dry eye.