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Boston-The Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary (MEEI) appointed Reza Dana, MD, MSc, MPH, of Cambridge, MA, as director of its cornea and refractive surgery service. Dr. Dana has been an associate surgeon at MEEI since 2001 and has served as acting director of the cornea and refractive surgery service since April.

Hinsdale, IL-Preoperative topical application of semi-frozen balanced salt solution (BSS) given immediately before the epi-keratome pass is a highly effective technique for significantly reducing or even eliminating pain after epi-LASIK, said Bruce Larson, MD, who is a clinical instructor, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, and in private practice in Hinsdale, IL.

Many factors play a role in wound healing after epi-LASIK. For example, use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) after surgery, advanced age, and a compromised tear film have been associated with delayed wound healing, whereas younger age, healthy tear film, and certain nutritional supplements have been associated with rapid wound healing.

The device processes images captured by a head-mounted miniature camera and transmits them to the optic nerve.

Danbury, CT-Cataract onset appears to be delayed among consumers of diet soda relative to their counterparts who drink non-diet beverages, according to a study by Ralph J. Falkenstein, MD, and colleagues.

"Reported cases of ectasia have been diagnosed up to 4 years after LASIK," said R. Doyle Stulting, MD, PhD, during a symposium on ectatic diseases in corneal and refractive surgery.

Triamcinolone acetonide injections for macular edema associated with retinal vein occlusion have become a therapeutic mainstay, but conflicting data have emerged about the safety of these injections, and some reports indicate that visual stabilization rather than visual improvement is occurring.

Enhancements can help prevent dispensary fraud, embezzlement

When it comes to pseudophakic correction for eyes where there is no capsule fixation, a surgeon should select an IOL and fixation technique based on personal experience, skill, and comfort level while also taking into account the specific clinical presentation of the patient, said Roger F. Steinert, MD.

The recent availability of anti-VEGF agents to treat age-related macular degeneration (AMD) offers the tantalizing promise of maintaining or even improving vision, but as many questions as answers surround these new drugs.

A study on the natural course of primary acquired melanosis of the conjunctiva (PAM) shows that there is no risk of progression to melanoma if there is no atypia, with increasing risk for mild to severe atypia.

Triamcinolone acetonide injections for macular edema associated with retinal vein occlusion have become a therapeutic mainstay, but conflicting data have emerged about the safety of these injections, and some reports indicate that visual stabilization rather than visual improvement is occurring.

Enhancements can help prevent dispensary fraud, embezzlement

"The best way to improve your bottom line is to improve your top lines-sell luxury, branded eyewear," said Sam Buemi, regional manager, Safilo USA. "If you carry fashion eyewear and your staff learns to sell fashion eyewear, your bottom line will improve."

In a retrospective analysis of the phase III MARINA study results, patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) who were treated with the 0.5-mg dose of ranibizumab (Lucentis, Genentech) had improvement in anatomic outcomes that corresponded to improved visual acuity and was compared to a sham group, according to Nancy M. Holekamp, MD.

Oral antiviral medications offer an effective, more convenient option compared with topical antiviral therapy for patients with acute infectious ulcers associated with herpes simplex keratitis, increasing the likelihood of therapy adherence, Deborah P. Langston, MD, FACS, told a full-capacity crowd at a symposium on eye infections Monday

The Foresee PHP, a second-generation Preferential Hyperacuity Perimeter is available for improved detection and early diagnosis of the most aggressive and sight-threatening form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Developed by Notal Vision and distributed exclusively in the United States by MSS, the device represents a technologic leap for monitoring AMD and is a clinically validated diagnostic device for improved early detection of choroidal neovascularization (CNV).

Lenstec Inc. announced that the FDA has granted the company an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) to begin a clinical trial of the Softec HD posterior chamber IOL.

Neuroprotection, a strategy to slow or prevent the death of retinal ganglion cells, offers the possibility of slowing the rate of glaucomatous progression and preventing blindness. But although the underlying theory appears to be sound, much has yet to be learned through basic and clinical research before neuroprotection could become an integral part of glaucoma therapy.

There are a number of measures that can be employed to improve success with implantation of the new IOLs. Speaking in a spotlight session on pseudophakic IOLs at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Samuel Masket, MD, presented a series of clinical tips for achieving excellent results and high patient satisfaction in recipients of the AcrySof ReSTOR (Alcon Laboratories) apodized diffractive IOL.

Blue-light-filtering IOLs provide protection against potential blue light toxicity without significantly affecting clinical functioning of recipients, said James D. McCulley, MD, during a spotlight session on pseudophakic IOLs at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Wavefront-guided PRK in eyes with high aberrations after keratorefractive surgery was highly predictable and safe, with the vast majority of patients within 0.50 D of the intended correction, said Edward Manche, MD, of Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA.

The Anecortave Acetate Risk Reduction Trial has met its patient enrollment requirement with almost 2,600 individuals who are at high risk for developing choroidal neovascularization (CNV) or advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) over time, reported Jason Slakter, MD, at a retina free papers session during the American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting.

A study comparing three LASIK re-treatment techniques found that using a bandage contact lens resulted in an increased incidence of epithelial ingrowth, according to Colin Chan, MBBS, of the Boxer Wachler Vision Institute, Los Angeles.

Conductive keratoplasty corrects mild-to-moderate hyperopia, but the results may not be permanent, reported Jason Erlich, MD. He and colleagues conducted a study to determine the long-term results of conductive keratoplasty for the treatment of hyperopia.

When it comes to pseudophakic correction for eyes where there is no capsule fixation, a surgeon should select an IOL and fixation technique based on personal experience, skill, and comfort level while also taking into account the specific clinical presentation of the patient, said Roger F. Steinert, MD.

While high IOP has been a standard marker for diagnosing primary open-angle glaucoma, it is not foolproof. Patients with high IOP do not necessarily progress to glaucoma, while some patients with low or normal pressures do develop the disease. To improve the accuracy of diagnosis and better estimate progression, clinicians need to take into account other information, such as IOP fluctuation, visual field analysis with new technology, and data obtained with the latest imaging devices.

Allergan announced the recipients of the first Allergan Horizon Grant Program. The company will contribute $1 million over 2 years to academic medical institutions to support fellows seeking to develop careers in academic medicine. The awards will fund fellowship programs that conduct clinical research in the diagnosis or pharmacological treatment of glaucoma, corneal, and retinal diseases.

Bascom Palmer clinical care, residency programs recognized with Ophthalmology Times award

Chronic dry eye is highly prevalent and has a significant impact, yet it is simultaneously underdiagnosed, underappreciated, and undertreated, said Christopher J. Rapuano, MD, co-director of the refractive surgery department, Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia