News

Carl Zeiss Meditec is generating a lot of noise within the ophthalmic industry. Over the last 2 years, Zeiss Meditec has undergone a transformation from the quiet division of a German technology foundation to becoming one of the leading players in the ophthalmic market.

Protecting patients' privacy has always been a top priority for physicians and staff alike, but now it is mandatory. By April 14, 2005, practices must have taken the necessary steps to comply with Title II of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996, which pertains to privacy of health data.

Correct dosing, depth of injections are among requirements for doing the procedure correctly

The eyeTeknix (pronounced "eye techniques") Coding and Documentation Solution from mdTeknix is a quick, effective, and easy way to assure Medicare compliance.

Q. Because of the diminished cash flow my retired parents are experiencing, they can not afford to do all the things they like, which they are healthy enough to enjoy. I have heard the term 'reverse mortgage.' Could youexplain how this strategy works?

New automated design creates consistent, predictable flaps without risk of contamination

Multifocal cornea effect, avoidance of contact lens intolerance results in high success rates

Study shows reduced refractive error, improved higher-order aberrations, contrast sensitivity

Santa Ana, CA-Patients who either are severely myopic or fear laser surgery are one step closer to an alternative refractive treatment with the anticipated FDA approval of the Artisan/Verisyse phakic IOL (AMO).

Gamagori, Japan-Nidek Co. Ltd. is declaring victory in its longstanding legal battle with Summit Technologies Inc. (Alcon), but analysts are left to wonder whether it matters anymore.

Fort Lauderdale, FL-Intravitreal triamcinolone may enhance the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin (Visudyne, QLT Phototherapeutics/Novartis Ophthalmics) and decrease the number of re-treatments for eyes with choroidal neovascularization (CNV) associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), according to the preliminary results of an open-label study presented by Daniel B. Roth, MD, at the annual meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology.

Verteporfin (Visudyne) photodynamic therapy (PDT) using either a reducedor standard light fluence rate appears to be beneficial for patients withrelatively small, subfoveal minimally classic CNV associated with age-relatedmacular degeneration (AMD), said Philip J. Rosenfeld, MD.

Short-term results from a small study suggest combined verteporfin (Visudyne,Novartis) photodynamic therapy (PDT) with intravitreal triamcinolone meritsadditional investigation for the treatment of non-subfoveal CNV, said RichardF. Spaide, MD.

One-year data from the pivotal Phase II/III VEGF Inhibition Study inOcular Neovascularization (VISION) indicate that selective anti-VEGF165(Macugen, Eyetech/Pfizer) treatment improves visual outcomes and offersa highly favorable systemic and ocular safety profile, said Steven Schwartz,MD.

Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, announced that the biotechnologycompany is enrolling patients into a Phase III clinical trial for its age-relatedmacular degeneration (AMD) drug Lucentis (ranibizumab, rhuFab V2).

Washington, DC-Reimbursement rates for some ophthalmic ultrasound procedures have gone up instead of down after the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) adjusted its new fee schedule.

Yokneam, Israel-Lumenis Ltd. is hoping to re-establish a distribution agreement with WaveLight Laser Technologies AG after the German laser manufacturer abruptly terminated the companies' distribution agreement.

Switching to electronic medical records (EMRs) is the smart thing to do. An EMR puts information-legible information, databases of it-right at your fingertips.

Dorado, Puerto Rico-New imaging technologies for glaucoma allow physicians an objective, reproducible, and more user-friendly approach to documenting structural damage to the optic nerve head and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL). This is particularly important because, in the majority of glaucoma patients, structural damage occurs before standard visual field loss, noted David S. Greenfield, MD.

Dorado, Puerto Rico-A combined approach of phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) and wavefront-guided PRK is useful for treating residual myopia with corneal striae, according to Eric D. Donnenfeld, MD.

The use of wavefront technology and customized ablation to treat aberrations and of the fourth-generation fluoroquinolones to prevent infections were the primary topics of a symposium on new technologies in cataract and refractive surgery held in conjunction with the American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting, Anaheim, CA.

The FDA soon will approve standards for contrast sensitivity testing in clinical trials. The approval is a step that will not only make the administration of this test easier for ophthalmologists but its comparison with clinical trial data and other testing centers simpler and more valuable as well.

San Diego-The San Diego medical landscape has just changed significantly with the opening of two new additions to the Shiley Eye Center: the Joan and Irwin Jacobs Retina Center and the Hamilton Glaucoma Center.

At this year's ARVO meeting, glaucoma specialists can broaden their clinicalknowledge of topics ranging from surgery and wound healing to neuroprotectionto retinal nerve fiber layer imaging. Members of Ophthalmology Times'Editorial Advisory Board reviewed dozens of glaucoma abstracts to be presentedat the meeting. Some of the board's selections are highlighted here.

Among the 233 sessions dedicated to retina, almost 75 are free papersand symposia sessions. The Editorial Advisory Board of OphthalmologyTimes reviewed the retina abstracts to be presented at this year's meeting.Some of the board's selections are highlighted here.

Dorado, Puerto Rico-Physicians need to take a proactive approach to patient chart documentation as audit activity continues under the Health Care Fraud and Abuse Control Program, established under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996, said practice management expert Donna M. McCune, CCS-P, COE.

Baltimore-The use of systemic medications in uveitis therapy often is associated with superior outcomes, and the best results are likely when physicians adhere to proper dosing techniques and closely monitor patients for side effects, said Douglas A. Jabs, MD, MBA.

New York-Contrast sensitivity testing provides a more comprehensive assessment of vision than visual acuity testing. This testing is especially important when assessing, treating, and following patients who have undergone LASIK or those with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, or cataracts.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) is busy planning an exciting national publicity campaign to promote eye injury awareness and prevention to the public. But it still needs one thing-you!

San Diego, the host city of this year's American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery meeting, May 1 to 5, offers attendees an ideal climate for enjoying the great outdoors. Take some time to explore the surroundings with a run on the beach, a bike ride on a scenic trail, or for the more adventurous spirit, rock climbing in the backcountry.