News

Key Biscayne, FL—Early results from the Systemic Avastin for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration (SANA) Study showed that bevacizumab (Avastin, Genentech) improved vision and substantially reduced leakage from abnormal blood vessels in eyes of patients with neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD), said Philip Rosenfeld, MD, PhD.

On Dec. 17, 2004, the FDA approved pegaptanib sodium (Macugen, Eyetech Pharmaceuticals) for the treatment of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

New York—Intravitreal steroid injections are gaining credence for their utility in a variety of eye diseases, but they also carry risks that have not yet been fully investigated, said Richard F. Spaide, MD.

The investigators concluded that the original appearance described as mild was actually protective against the formation of macular holes.

Santa Ana, CA—Almost 6 months after it surprised the ophthalmic investment community with its decision to acquire VISX Inc., Advanced Medical Optics Inc. (AMO) has announced it plans to acquire Quest Vision Technologies Inc.

Ligonier, PA—The International Myopia Prevention Association is petitioning the FDA to require eye-care professionals to advise parents of children with initial myopia that distance lenses worsen myopia.

Fort Worth, TX—Alcon Inc. has launched what it calls the first and only IOL to use apodized diffractive technology to provide good vision range to cataract patients with and without presbyopia.

Aptamers are a new class of molecules, like antibodies in small molecules, that provide distinct advantages for new therapies in ophthalmology.

For senior executives at Eyetech Pharmaceuticals, New York, the 24 mm that encompass the eye—and in particular the back of the eye—is a vast frontier waiting to be explored. The small biotech company sees it as an opportunity to deliver medical solutions for the betterment of patients who suffer from blinding eye diseases. This is the direction that Eyetech is taking its future.

On April 11, Bausch & Lomb announced that it had received FDA approval to market its intravitreal fluocinolone acetonide implant 0.59 mg (Retisert) for the treatment of chronic noninfectious uveitis affecting the posterior segment of the eye.

Washington, DC—Cataract surgery has improved in terms of safety and efficacy with the introduction of phaco, foldable IOLs, and the use of smaller incisions. With a better understanding of fluidics —infusion and aspiration—surgeons will continue to improve the safety and efficacy of phaco.

With regard to the Implantable Contact Lens, STAAR Surgical hopes the success it has enjoyed abroad will bode well for its future domestically.

General ophthalmologists today can provide a variety of refractive surgery options to their patients who expect to see well without glasses or contact lenses.

Miami—Anti-inflammatory treatment using loteprednol etabonate suspension 0.2% (Alrex, Bausch & Lomb) appears to offer a safe and useful option for symptomatic relief in patients with dry eye, according to Roberto Beraja, MD.

Contact lens dispensing is an important addition to any dispensary. In fact, in today's general ophthalmology practice, dispensing all eyewear, including contact lenses, is practically a necessity. With excellent planning and efficient office procedures, the contact lens dispensing can be a profitable venture that enhances patient experiences, reminding them of the excellent medical care they are given at the office.

General ophthalmologists today can provide a variety of refractive surgery options to their patients who expect to see well without glasses or contact lenses.

Philadelphia—Fibrin tissue adhesive (Tisseel VH Fibrin Sealant, Baxter) is a safe and effective modality for securing autologous conjunctival grafts during pterygium surgery and offers many advantages for the surgeon and patient compared with suturing, said Sadeer B. Hannush, MD, attending surgeon, Cornea Service, Wills Eye Hospital, and assistant professor of ophthalmology, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia.

Woburn, MA-Evidence is growing to support a connection between diabetes and dry eye, which should prompt more ophthalmologists to ask patients about dry eye symptoms if they have a history of diabetes, said Jeffrey P. Gilbard, MD.

Boston-Gaining a greater understanding of dry eye will allow practitioners to manage this condition effectively, said Kathryn A. Colby, MD, PhD, director, Joint Clinical Research Center, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston.

Baltimore—Dry eye syndrome is very common—about one quarter of the patients who present to ophthalmology clinics complain of dry eye symptoms. The decrease in the quality of life is comparable to that in patients with severe angina, which underscores the importance of proper diagnosis and management, according to Esen Akpek, MD.

Dorado, Puerto Rico—An international group of experts using a modified Delphi panel approach has developed recommendations for the management of dysfunctional tear syndrome (dry eye) to assist clinicians with their therapeutic decisions in the current era of expanding therapeutic choices, said Peter J. McDonnell, MD, at Current Concepts in Ophthalmology. He spoke at the conference, sponsored by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, and Ophthalmology Times.

Miami—Anti-inflammatory treatment using loteprednol etabonate suspension 0.2% (Alrex, Bausch & Lomb) appears to offer a safe and useful option for symptomatic relief in patients with dry eye, according to Roberto Beraja, MD.

Dorado Beach, Puerto Rico—The IntraLase femtosecond laser (IntraLase Corp.) can be used to make visual rehabilitation faster and safer as well as for refractive procedures, according to Sonia H. Yoo, MD, at the Current Concepts in Ophthalmology meeting.

Dorado Beach, Puerto Rico—Keratitis is the primary infection that may develop after LASIK, and opportunistic organisms are the predominant offenders. Infections after LASIK result from atypical microorganisms and can appear in clusters, according to Francis S. Mah, MD.

Louisville, KY—Recent advances in dry eye therapy based on improved understanding of disease pathophysiology are having a positive impact for successful contact lens wear, said Gary N. Foulks, MD, FACS.

Contact lens dispensing is an important addition to any dispensary. In fact, in today's general ophthalmology practice, dispensing all eyewear, including contact lenses, is practically a necessity. With excellent planning and efficient office procedures, the contact lens dispensing can be a profitable venture that enhances patient experiences, reminding them of the excellent medical care they are given at the office.

As a young man living in China, culinary arts meant more to Kang Zhang, MD, PhD, than a hobby. For young Zhang, cooking was a possible survival skill as he embarked on a new culture and adventure in the United States.

Staff members are patients' first point of contact, offering patients their first glimpse into what your practice is all about.

Take advantage of specialists in the practice and be well versed in treatment regimens.

Optic neuritis is an acute, inflammatory, sporadic optic neuropathy unrelated to trauma, toxins, or a nutritional deficiency.