Ophthalmology Times back issues from April 2002:
Alcon files initial public offering with SEC
Apr 01, 2002; ... Fort Worth, TX--Alcon Inc., the wholly owned eye-care business of Nestle S.A., Vevey, Switzerland, is making preparations to conduct an initial public offering (IPO). The transaction is expected to be complete by April 1. Alcon said it filed a registration statement in late February ...
Generic glaucoma drugs may not offer same effect as brand
Apr 01, 2002; ... Further study needed to determine efficacy and safety of pharmaceutical equivalent drugs New Orleans-Sufficient data are lacking to determine conclusively whether generic glaucoma products are equivalent in efficacy and safety relative to the reference legend drug, commented Louis B ....
Biologic aspect key to retinal detachments
Apr 01, 2002; ... Surgical techniques New York-The ability of surgeons to manage complex retinal detachments has increased steadily during the last decade-thanks to improved instrumentation and surgical techniques. However, the new emphasis is shifting toward understanding the biologic ...
Ophthalmic team fulfills a dream of restoring vision
Apr 01, 2002; ... The Arunodaya Charitable Trust New Delhi, India-A married couple of ophthalmic surgeons in New Delhi, India, had a dream. Arun Sethi, MD, and his wife, Reena Sethi, MD, wanted to donate their time and professional skills to help reverse the tide of curable blindness in their area ....
Program gives elderly prescription discounts
Apr 01, 2002; ... Atlanta-Novartis Ophthalmics is offering discounted prescription drugs to an estimated 10 million Americans who lack drug coverage. The free Novartis Care Card program, the first of its kind in the ophthalmic industry, provides a 25% discount off the wholesale prices of prescription ...
CIBA Vision partners on lactoferrin test
Apr 01, 2002; ... Looking out for dry eye Atlanta-A 10-minute lab test to measure lactoferrin levels preoperatively in a patient's tears may help surgeons enhance LASIK outcomes. The test, called the Touch Tear MicroAssay System, is the product of a partnership between CIBA Vision and Touch Scientific ...
AllAboutVision Web site visits increase
Apr 01, 2002; ... Internet Interest Newtown Square, PA--First-time visits to the All/AboutVision. com Web site increased 52% during the first 7 weeks of 2002, compared with the same period last year, according to WebTrends reports. The site served more than 46,000 unique visitors each week. More ...
FDA briefs
Apr 01, 2002; ... Custom-CAP treat: VISX announces that the FDA has approved use of the topographically driven Custom-Contoured Ablation Pattern (Custom-CAP) method under a humanitarian use device exemption. The method allows physicians to control precisely the size, depth, and location of treatments that reshape ...
Veterans office to cover cost of ASOA exam
Apr 01, 2002; ... Reimbursement approval Fairfax, VA-Veterans who qualify for the G.I. Bill may be reimbursed for the cost of taking the American Society of Ophthalmic Administrators' (ASOA) Certified Ophthalmic Executive (COE) Exam. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently ...
Grant will help fund eye-health campaign
Apr 01, 2002; ... Aging eyes New York-A $150,000 grant from the AARP Andrus Foundation will help Lighthouse International prepare and present a public awareness campaign about changes in senior citizens' eye health. The "Changes in the Aging Eye and You" campaign will present AARP Andrus ...
Correction
Apr 01, 2002; ... The sizes for a series of newly introduced Zero Compression Heads for Bausch & Lomb's Hansatome were reported incorrectly ("Properly maintained keratome delivers fine performance," Feb. 15 issue, Page 20). The Zero Compression Heads are available in 160, 180, ...
Presbyopic phakic IOL offers lens for near, distance vision
Apr 01, 2002; ... A major stop forward This foldable, angle-supported implant can be inserted through a 3.2-mm self-sealing incision Marseille, France-Introduction of the first presbyopic phakic IOL is a major step forward in refractive surgery, according to Georges Baikoff, MD. Dr ....
Topical steroids reduce DLK inflammation
Apr 01, 2002; ... Retrctive An option Induced DLK in a rabbit model shows the positive effect of steroids Calgary, Alberta, Canada--Topical steroids appear to be an effective treatment option for diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK), according to a LASIK rabbit model. Ellen E ....
Basic understanding of essential wavefront technology
Apr 01, 2002; ... Wavefront sensing key to analyzing refractive error for correcting higher-order aberrations Rochester, NY-The greatest impact in diagnosing wavefront error and treating higher-order aberrations will be seen in patients with irregular astigmatism, post-refractive surgical errors, and ...
LASIK surgeons should consider aging of crystalline lens
Apr 01, 2002; ... Special Section: LASIK Maximum effect A more prolate cornea postoperatively will significantly improve vision now and in the future Take-Home Message LASIK surgeons should aim to create a prolate cornea with the excimer laser, Making the cornea slightly more ...
DTK a safe option for undercorrected hyperopic LASIK
Apr 01, 2002; ... Patients with 2 to 4 0 of uncorrected hyperopia had the best results with re-treatment approach Weinheim, Germany-Diode laser thermokeratoplasty (DTK) appears to be a safe and effective modality for re-treatment of hyperopia from undercorrected hyperopic LASIK, said Klaus Ditzen, MD ....
Tracking, scanning features help improve laser vision correction procedures
Apr 01, 2002; ... State-of-the-art technology Excimer laser system is able to track all saccadic eye movements Cleveland, OH-Excimer laser technology offers the refractive surgeon state-of-the-art tracking and scanning capabilities when performing laser refractive procedures, according to Ronald ...
Awards honor excellence in billing practices
Apr 01, 2002; ... San Francisco--Winners of the first William E. Rose Jr. Pinnacle Award have been announced by the American Society of Ophthalmic Administrators (ASOA). The award honors excellence in Medicare billing practices and recognizes three categories according to number of physicians in the ...
Retinal NFL thickness unchanged after LASIK
Apr 01, 2002; ... Measurements In small study, reliable pre-, post-LASIK results obtained with OCT, SLT New York-The short-term elevated IOP that takes place when a microkeratome suction ring is applied to the eye during LASIK does not damage the retinal nerve fiber layer (NFL), according to New ...
LASIK continues to dominate despite flap complications
Apr 01, 2002; ... The future flap may hinge on new femtosecond laser technology with accurate planar cut Dorado, Puerto Rico-As refractive surgery evolves, so may the LASIK flap, explained Terrence R O'Brien, MD, who outlined various complications associated with flap creation and possible new techniques ...
AAO survey details subspecialty practices
Apr 01, 2002; ... San Francisco- A recent survey conducted by the American Academy of Ophthalmology found that the proportion of respondents who described themselves as "general" or "comprehensive" ophthalmologists has held steady at between 48% and 51% since the 1998 survey. In the current survey, 49% ...
Flying spot excimer laser system allows greater precision
Apr 01, 2002; ... Technology Small spot size, quick ablation time, active eye tracking system are all pluses for correction There has been a significant build-up of interest in customized and wavefront-- guided ablations for the last several years. LASIK has become one of the most common ...
Determine cornea's functional optical zone prior to LASIK
Apr 01, 2002; ... High-risk patients Large pupil diameter, higher degrees of correction can compromise vision after refractive surgery Los Angeles-A proportional relationship exists between the size of the functional optical zone following LASIK and the degree of myopic treatment, a finding that ...
Using thinner flap reduces risk of ectasia from LASIK
Apr 01, 2002; ... Rate of ectasia is 3.5 times higher at 180 um than at 130 um, researcher finds New York-The risk of inducing ectasia during LASIK could be reduced if refractive surgeons would aim for thinner flaps, according to Dan Z. Reinstein, MD, of the Reinstein Institute and the Weill Medical ...
Wavefront scanning device helpful tool in correcting higher-order aberrations
Apr 01, 2002; ... Correcting Irregular astigmatism In addition to customized treatment, aberrometer is useful as a diagnostic tool London-A Hartmann-Shack wavefront scanning device is an effective aid in correcting difficult irregular astigmatism following previous LASIK, according to London ...
Seeing Eye matches guide dogs, blind people
Apr 01, 2002; ... Morristown, NJ-The Seeing Eye, a leading North American dog guide school, has matched more than 12,500 specially bred and trained Seeing Eye dogs with nearly 6,000 blind men and women in the United States and Canada since its founding in 1929. Its mission is to help blind people achieve ...
Device accurately measures corneal topography, wavefront
Apr 01, 2002; ... Obtaining reliable measurements Combination unit produces various maps for understanding, treatment of higher-order aberrations Muscat, Sultanate of Oman-The OPD Scan (Nidek Co. Ltd., Japan) is a combined refractive power aberrometer and corneal analyzer that measures both the ...
Dry eyes after LASIK recover within 6 months
Apr 01, 2002; ... Special Section: LASIK Damage to corneal nerves Nerves severed during laser correction need time to grow without intervention, researcher says Take-Home Message LASIK patients with LNE [LASIK-- induced neurotrophic epitheliopathy, "transient dry eye"] after ...
U.S. campaign eyes those at risk for glaucoma
Apr 01, 2002; ... FROM STAFF REPORTS Washington, DC-Capitol Vision, a new public education campaign to reduce glaucoma-caused blindness and vision loss, will provide free glaucoma screenings throughout the United States. The program was launched by the Congressional Glaucoma Caucus, Friends of the ...
Give careful consideration to refractive surgery department
Apr 01, 2002; ... While this ancillary revenue source looks attractive, it does require a significant financial risk Dorado, Puerto Rico-You might want to consider adding a refractive surgical component to your ophthalmic practice. But be sure to approach this decision with your eyes wide open, warned ...
Cut down on no-shows by finding out why they happen
Apr 01, 2002; ... Scheduling Although missed patient appointments are disappointing, try to keep a positive attitude Disappointments-the word describes one of the feelings physicians have about patients who do not keep appointments. Unfortunately, some physicians as well as their employees react ...
Every practice needs a strategic plan for future development
Apr 01, 2002; ... Self-assessment Like a Fortune 500 firm, an ophthalmic practice should start with a mission statement Dorado, Puerto Rico-Long-range planning may seem like a daunting task, but it does not have to be. Whether you have been in practice for 2 years or 20 years, you can develop a ...
Diamond blades can be beneficial for high-volume surgeons
Apr 01, 2002; ... Plastics For facial plastic surgeons Advantages for ophthalmic plastic surgery include great control, precision, and no thermal damage Despite considerable effort and expense, new technology has yet to yield an incisional instrument better than the traditional steel ...
Harris Poll chairman honored by AAO
Apr 01, 2002; ... San Rance-The board of trustees of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) has granted Humphrey J.F. Taylor the status of honorary fellow. The honor is given to someone who has singularly aided the progression of medicine as it relates to ophthalmology. Taylor has served as a public ...
Academy launches newsletter of 'news you can use'
Apr 01, 2002; ... Communications Other online updates include guidelines for consultations, practice builder materials What's New at the AAO In January, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) launched a Web-based e-newsletter, delivered to all members. It's called Academy Express ....
New antibiotic seen as more effective in fighting bacteria
Apr 01, 2002; ... Levofloxacin `leads the pack' among current fluoroquinolones, physician says San Francisco-Levofloxacin (Quixin, Santen)-the new kid in the fluoroquinolone family-is less likely to encounter resistant strains of bacteria than the two older members of that antibiotic family, ofloxacin ...
Adjustable sutures viable in pediatric strabismus surgery
Apr 01, 2002; ... General Possible approach Baltimore-The adjustable suture technique undertaken the day of strabismus surgery allows surgeons another chance to align the muscles, thus increasing the chances for success in selected patients, said Marlet G. Bazemore, MD, during the Current ...
Biological clock linked to network of non-rod, non-cone cells
Apr 15, 2002; ... Resetting the clock Cells in the retina contain light-sensitive pigment similar to that found in skin cells Bethesda, MD-A newly discovered network of non-rod, non-cone cells in the retina may be the mechanism that controls the body's circadian clock, said Ignacio Provencio, ...
Managing astigmatism possible during phaco surgery
Apr 15, 2002; ... An improved approach Dorado, Puerto Rico-Managing astigmatism at the time of clear corneal phaco surgery is possible while minimizing the risk of inducing irregular astigmatism, said Louis D. Nichamin, MD, during the Current Concepts in Ophthalmology meeting, sponsored by Wilmer Eye Institute at ...
Gene therapy breakthrough seen in Leber's congenital amaurosis
Apr 15, 2002; ... Retinal degeneration Injection of corrected DNA with viral vector looks promising Philadelphia-Much progress has been made in the development of gene therapies for retinal dystrophies during the last decade. Albert Maguire, MD, described a canine model of Leber's congenital ...
OMIC picks Padovese as new chief executive
Apr 15, 2002; ... Holzer retiring San Francisco-Ophthalmic Mutual Insurance Co. (OMIC) has selected Timothy J. Padovese, a senior executive with Norcal Mutual Insurance Co., as its new chief executive officer. Padovese, the vice president of underwriting for Norcal, succeeds James E Holzer, who ...
Miravant regains rights to wet AMD therapy
Apr 15, 2002; ... Potential treatment Santa Barbara, CA-Miravant Medical Technologies plans to seek new applications for its primary drug candidate, a potential therapy for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), since it regained ownership of SnET2 (tin ethyl etiopurpurin) from Pharmacia ....
Meeting on Capital Hill aims ot raise awareness
Apr 15, 2002; ... Impact of eye disease Washington, DC-More than 300 advocates of eye health-including patient and professional organization leaders, members of Congress, and federal agency government officials-gathered on Capitol Hill in March for a series of events to raise awareness of eye disease in ...
Tacrolimus licensing deal links Sucampo, Fumisawa
Apr 15, 2002; ... Excludes most of Asia Bethesda, MD-Sucampo Pharmaceuticals Inc. has won the exclusive right to license Fujisawa's tacrolimus for ophthalmic use in the United States, Europe, and much of the world. The licensure for the drug-which Fujisawa already markets in many countries-- ...
Vistakon launches Hispanic campaign
Apr 15, 2002; ... 'Ojos Saludables' Jacksonville, FL-Vistakon, a division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, has launched a new educational campaign designed to teach the importance of vision care to the Hispanic population. The "Viviendo Con Ojos Saludables" campaign will address cultural ...
Hillside Group network establishes review board
Apr 15, 2002; ... Reviews LASIK, care Ocala, FL-The Hillside Group's PlusCare Network has added an advisory and peer review board to serve as the network's primary governing body. The PlusCare Network serves medical industries that offer elective or nonreimbursed procedures and products ....
Rayner honors Ridley; donates 1,000 IOLs
Apr 15, 2002; ... Ridley Day London-As part of its annual celebration of the day on which Sir Harold Ridley implanted the first IOL, Rayner Intraocular Lenses has donated a day's production of lenses to two charities that restore sight to people in developing countries. Ridley's work with Rayner ...
Lighthouse international links with Gold Violin
Apr 15, 2002; ... Seal of approval New York-Gold Violin, a specialty retailer with products designed for older adults, will mark certain vision-related products with Lighthouse International's Seal of Approval in its catalog, retail, and online stores. As part of the licensing partnership, Gold ...
Angiogenesis and anti-angiogenesis key to retinal diseases
Apr 15, 2002; ... The Panretinal View Therapeutic frontier Intriguing lab results suggest possible clinical approaches for sight-threatening conditions Angiogenesis is a hot topic in medicine these days. It should also be a hot topic in ophthalmology, particularly for retinal ...
Report outlines vision problems in the USA
Apr 15, 2002; ... Washington, DC-More Americans than ever are facing the threat of blindness from age-related eye disease, a new report says. More than 1 million Americans aged 40 and over are currently blind and an additional 2.4 million are visually impaired. These numbers are expected to double over the next ...
Vitrectomy presents clinical option for diffuse diabetic macular edema
Apr 15, 2002; ... Retina Visual Improvement seen About 60% of surgeons would perform procedure for persistent DME and vision of 20/100 or worse in affected eye Royal Oak, MI-Vitrectomy is a possible treatment for eyes with diffuse diabetic macular edema (DME) resulting from widespread ...
PDT trials aim to extend knowledge for TAP, VIP studies
Apr 15, 2002; ... Ongoing evaluations VER, VIM, SnET2 investigations look at early re-treatment, light doses, other agents for AMD Baltimore-Ocular photodynamic therapy (PDT) using verteporfin (Visudyne, Novartis) already has been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of predominantly classic ...
Rittenhouse lived through eyes of early American scientist, patriot
Apr 15, 2002; ... General Many contributions One of the few opticians in colonial America, he was also first director of the U.S. Mint David Rittenhouse (1732-1796), one of America's foremost scientists and patriots, was called upon by George Washington to become the first director of ...
Woman has pain, tearing, headache around left eye
Apr 15, 2002; ... Exam shows thin, protuberant corneas OU, plus opaque, edematous cornea OS A 38-year-old woman presented to the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute complaining of a 5-day history of pain, tearing, and headache around her left eye. She had recently been seen by an an optometrist at ...
Prolonged computer use in children can lead to vision problems due to eye strain, study finds
Apr 15, 2002; ... FROM STAFF REPORTS New York-Like adults, children who spend long periods looking at computer screens appear to be at risk for developing eye strain that can lead to focusing problems as well as myopia and hyperopia. Results of a recent study were reported at Vision Expo East ...
ARVO scientific sessions cover latest research developments
Apr 15, 2002; ... Meeting 2002 Spring conference Pre-conference highlight focuses on retinal cell rescue from a basic as well as clinical perspective Fort Lauderdale, FL-The annual trek to the east coast of Florida is scheduled for early May, with scientists from all over the world ...
Nikon small world contest draws photographic entries from around the world
Apr 15, 2002; ... FROM STAFF REPORTS Melville, NY-Nikon announces that June 30 is the deadline for submitting entries for the 28th annual Nikon International Small World Competition. Hailed as the world's leading forum for photographic excellence in the art and science of photomicrography, images ...
Sydney lures ophthalmologists to international congress
Apr 15, 2002; ... A waterfront setting All aspects of eye conditions covered from cataract and refractive surgery to other subspecialties Sydney, Australia-The picturesque city of Sydney, Australia, is the setting for the XXIXth International Congress of Ophthalmology (ICO), Sunday, April 21 to ...
Ocular allergy: Signs, symptoms best handled after specifics answered
Apr 15, 2002; ... Physicians need to know when symptoms occur, how frequently they occur, and how long they last-even in off-season Ocular allergies are a major source of discomfort and annoyance. Allergic symptoms often interfere with such common activities as reading, sports, or working on a computer ....
Loteprednol, azelastine provide potent arsenal for acute, chronic allergic conjunctivitis
Apr 15, 2002; ... Managing symptoms Longer-term use proving safe, effective for patients with both seasonal and perennial allergies Loteprednol etabonate 0.2% (Alrex, Bausch & Lomb) and azelastine hydrochloride 0.05% (Optivar, Muro) are both valuable options for the management of seasonal ...
Award recognizes efforts to prevent blindnes in underserved populations
Apr 15, 2002; ... Arlington, TX-The Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology (PAAO) seeks nominees for its $15,000 biannual Carl Kupfer Award for ophthalmologists who improve eye care for underprivileged people. Eligible nominees are PAAO members who play a substantial role in the conceptualization, ...
Allergic conjunctivitis symptoms relieved in challenge model
Apr 15, 2002; ... Special Section: Ocular Allergies Comparison studies Olopatadine found to be more effective for controlling itch in those with ocular allergies Olopatadine HCl 0.1% (Patanol, Alcon) is significantly more effective than ketotifen fumarate 0.025% (Zaditor, Novartis), ...
Nutrition tips offered to help guard against AMD
Apr 15, 2002; ... New York-Patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can live satisfying lives with professional guidance, the use of appropriate adaptive and low vision devices, and by practicing an ongoing wellness program, including proper diet and exercise. Bruce Rosenthal, OD, chief of ...
Ocular symptoms from seasonal allergic conjunctivitis benefit from topical drops
Apr 15, 2002; ... Special Section Ocular Allergies Combination treatment Nedocromil sodium solution helps to inhibit late phase of allergic response By Lynch Charters Reviewed by Michael Alexander, MD, FRCPC London, Ontario, Canada-Patients with seasonal ...
Sears Optical, Vision council of America join forces to promote eye health
Apr 15, 2002; ... Alexandria, VA-Sears Optical and the Vision Council of America (VCA) have joined forces to promote greater public awareness about the seriousness of undetected vision problems in children. Their first collaboration took place in March during Sears Optical Family Eye Health Month. More ...