Mixed results seen with anti-VEGF therapy for children's retinal diseases
May 1st 2007Anti-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.
Three-dimensional robotic surgery useful in ocular microsurgery
May 1st 2007Bimanual, 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.
Dry eye considered rare complication after botulinum toxin injections
May 1st 2007Botulinum 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.
Timely repairs of canaliculus result in best outcomes
May 1st 2007Canalicular 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.
Dry eye symptoms are the same after LASIK, PRK
May 1st 2007Patients may experience severe dry eye symptoms following refractive surgery. By 6 months postoperatively, however, the majority of patients are no longer plagued by severe dry eye, according to a prospective, randomized study. More LASIK patients than PRK patients seem to experience severe dry eye after 1 month postoperatively, but by 3 and 6 months, this is no longer the case.
Good ocular surface required for functional visual acuity.
May 1st 2007Patients 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.
Healthy ocular surface required before refractive surgery
May 1st 2007No evidence exists that refractive surgery causes chronic dry eye. In many cases, patients seeking refractive surgery already may have dry eye symptoms. It is the surgeon's responsibility to identify and treat dry eye prior to surgery, ensuring that the patient has a healthy ocular surface.
Protective eye gear essential for modern soldier
May 1st 2007Preventing ocular injuries during war by using protective devices may reduce the incidence of these injuries, which currently hold the number four slot for highest incidence after amputation, traumatic brain injury, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Robert Osher, MD, treasures his Charles Kelman Award presented by Hellenic Society
May 1st 2007Robert H. Osher, MD, has received numerous accolades over his lifetime as an innovative surgeon, video producer, athletic coach, professor, and medical director of a large practice. But, he said, the Charles Kelman Award he received recently from the Hellenic Society of Intraocular Implant & Refractive Surgery is among his most treasured.