Ophthalmology Times back issues from May 2003:
Nidek, VISX reach settlement on multiple lawsuits
May 01, 2003; ... Subpoenas withdrawn An agreement reached by both VISX and Nidek aims to resolve all litigation between the parties worldwide, including patent and antitrust lawsuits in the United States. The global litigation settlement and patent cross-license outlined in the agreement are ...
LASIK continues to be predominant
May 01, 2003; ... San Francisco-LASIK continues to be the predominant refractive procedure for treating patients with refractive errors ranging from +3 to -9 to -10 D, according to Richard J. Duffey, MD, who presented the resuits of the 2002 ASCRS survey of U.S. trends in refractive surgery. "The growth ...
Gatifloxacin approved
May 01, 2003; ... Fourth-generation fluoroquinolone Irvine, CA-The FDA approval of gatifloxacin ophthalmic solution 0.3% (Zymar, Allergan) marks a milestone as the first fourth-generation fluoroquinolone to enter the ophthalmic market. The therapy for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis caused by ...
Allergan begins launch of cyclosporine
May 01, 2003; ... In Brief Dry eye relief Irvine, CA-In early April, cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion 0.05% (Restasis, Allergan) became commercially available for the treatment of eye inflammation associated with keratoconjunctivitis sicca. The introduction of the product marks the first ...
ISTA to try again after FDA panel rejects Vitrase
May 01, 2003; ... In Brief Results Inconclusive Irvine, CA-ISTA Pharmaceuticals is regrouping after an FDA advisory committee said the company's tests of ovine hyaluronidase (Vitrase) failed to demonstrate sufficient statistical evidence to support its efficacy in treating vitreous hemorrhage ....
Nidek brings subsidiaries under same umbrella
May 01, 2003; ... Divisions merged Fremont, CA-Nidek Co. has merged its two subsidiaries-Nidek Technologies Inc. and Nidek Inc.-to streamline its presence in the industry. The merger is a strategic move to solidify its "strong and growing presence" in the U.S. market. Previously, Nidek ...
Patent covers all azalide use for ocular infections
May 01, 2003; ... InSite Vision victory Alameda, CA-The U.S. Patent & Trademark Office said InSite Vision Inc.'s patent gives the company sole rights to the use of azalide antibiotic formulations as a topical treatment of ocular infections. InSite Vision uses azithromycin, an azalide, in its ...
TTT trial to test potential treatment for wet AMD
May 01, 2003; ... Enrollment complete Mountain View, CA-IRIDEX Corp. has completed enrollment in a clinical trial for its TTT4CNV, to determine whether transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) laser treatment can reduce the risk of vision loss for patients with occult wet age-related macular degeneration ...
Pfizer-Pharmacia deal close near completion
May 01, 2003; ... Novartis role New York-The planned merger of pharmaceutical giants Pfizer Inc. and Pharmacia Corp. has passed the scrutiny of the Federal Trade Commission, provided the companies sell off certain products that raised antitrust concerns. The companies said they have buyers for ...
French to help develop new therapies for retina
May 01, 2003; ... Neurotech news Paris--Neurotech will collaborate with INSERM, the French National Institute for Health and Medical Research, to develop a technology platform and therapies for retinal diseases. The partnership unites Neurotech, which specializes in the treatment of retinal ...
IntraLase brings in exec to boost sales leadership
May 01, 2003; ... Formerly with Summit Irvine, CA-IntraLase Corp. has hired Bernard Haffey as its new vice president, business development. Haffey, an experienced executive in the field of laser systems for refractive surgery, will boost the company's sales and marketing team in the sale of its ...
FDA wants to require bar codes on all medications
May 01, 2003; ... Proposed rule Washington, D-The FDA plans to require bar codes on all medications in an effort to curb the high rate of medical errors in which patients are administered the wrong medication. The proposed rule, introduced in midMarch, is open for public comment but is expected ...
Noridian considers drop in anesthesia coverage
May 01, 2003; ... Cataract surgery at risk Golden, CO-Noridian, the Medicare carrier for 14 western states, has proposed limiting coverage for monitored anesthesia care (MAC) for cataract surgery, except for severely ill patients. Under the proposal, Noridian argues that MAC is not medically ...
House backs bill to limit malpractice damages
May 01, 2003; ... Headed for the Senate Washington, DC-The U.S. House of Representatives has approved limits on medical malpractice damages, placing a $250,000 limit on noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering. The bill, which was strongly supported by President George W. Bush and major ...
Glaucoma Foundation announces 2003 awards
May 01, 2003; ... Stem cells are a focus New York-The Glaucoma Foundation is funding seven research projects in 2003 under its Grants-in-Aid program. Three of the recipients are pursuing work in the area of stem cell research. They include Tat Fong Ng, PhD, of Schepens Eye Research Institute, ...
Hyperhomocysteinemia may be risk factor for exfoliation syndrome
May 01, 2003; ... Glaucoma Large scale trial needed to assess treatment of hyperhomocysteinemia for this disorder Sao Paulo, Brazil-Hyperhomocysteinemia appears to be associated with exfoliation syndrome and might be a modifiable risk factor for that disorder, said Roberto M. Vessani, MD, who ...
New guidelines focus on medical management of glaucoma
May 01, 2003; ... Experts surveyed Evidence-based guidelines intended to augment information from AAO, glaucoma society Maui, Hi-Evidence-based guidelines for the medical management of glaucoma developed by a panel of glaucoma specialists aim to enhance clinical decision-making for the general ...
Inflammatory glaucoma is a management challenge
May 01, 2003; ... Glaucoma Medical, surgical approaches Key to treatment is reducing inflammation with corticosteroid therapy Chicago-The diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory glaucoma remain one of the most challenging problems for ophthalmologists, according to Chicago glaucoma ...
Early allergy season springs into action
May 01, 2003; ... Special Sectoin: Ocular Allergies Understanding healing, symptom-mediating roles of mast cells helps in choosing best treatment This year's fierce winter is now about to bring a big dose of misery to the 60 million Americans who suffer from seasonal allergies. Experts predict a ...
Tissue, please?
May 01, 2003; ... Itchy, Watery eyes are most annoying allergy symptom, survey says Atlanta-Americans say having itchy, watery eyes is their most annoying allergy symptom, according to a new national survey, The survey of 1;000 people, performed by Opinion Research Corp. International and ...
Combination agents target early, late stages of allergy
May 01, 2003; ... Multi-action drops Antihistamine plus mast cell, eosinophil inhibition makes ophthalmic drops effective year-round Ophthalmic drops that combine immediate antihistamine relief with prophylactic care in the form of mast cell inhibition and eosinophil blockage are the mainstay of ...
Physician directory available in PDA version
May 01, 2003; ... Avon, CT-The "Little Blue Book" PDA version is now available for download to handheld devices running either the Palm OS or Windows CE platforms. The PDA version gives doctors access on their handheld devices to physician and pharmacy fax numbers, e-mail addresses, and other contact information ...
Majority of Americans suffer eye allergies, yet few seek help
May 01, 2003; ... Educating the public Survey reveals only one in five allergy sufferers use prescription eye drops to alleviate symptoms Arlington Heights, IL-Some 82% of Americans suffer itchy, red, watery eyes, yet more than half do not seek their doctor's advice about these annoying ...
Corticosteroid shown to be safe for long-term SAC control
May 01, 2003; ... Special Section: Ocular Allergies Non-ketone topical sterold Loteprednol etabonate 0.2% controls allergy without risk of cataract formation, increased IOP Tampa, FL-Loteprednol etabonate ophthalmic suspension 0.2% (Alrex, Bausch & Lomb Pharmaceuticals and Pharmos ...
Ocular agent provides prolonged pruritus prophylaxis
May 01, 2003; ... Phase III trial data Pemirolast potassium 0.1% helps to prevent, relieve symptoms caused during ragweed season Boston-The mast-cell stabilizer pemirolast potassium 0.1% (Alamast, Santen) is a safe, comfortable, and effective agent for preventing and relieving ocular itching of ...
Allergy agent more potent in inhibition of IL-6, tryptase
May 01, 2003; ... A comparison Azelastine more effective than olopatadine during in vitro study of cultured human mast cells Boston-Ophthalmic solutions of azelastine HCI (Optivar, Asta Medica/Muro Pharmaceutical Inc., Tewksbury, MA) and olopatadine HCl (Patanol, Alcon Laboratories, Fort Worth, ...
SUNY Downstate establishes Troutman chair in ophthalmology, microsurgery endowment fund
May 01, 2003; ... Now York-The State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Medical Center has established the Richard C. Troutman Distinguished Chair in Ophthalmology and the Ophthalmic Microsurgery Endowment Fund. Dr. Troutman was one of the first surgeons in the United States to correct corneal ...
Double concentration of olopatadine controls allergies all day
May 01, 2003; ... New formulation Single dose, which remains effective up to 24 hours, is seen as boon for contact lens-wearers Wailea, HI-Olopatadine 0.2% (Patanol, Alcon) significantly reduced itching and redness for 24 hours, according to the results of a study presented at the annual meeting ...
Emory Eye Center director Aaberg honored
May 01, 2003; ... Atlanta-Thomas M. Aaberg Sr., MD, director of the Emory Eye Center and chairman of the department of ophthalmology, Emory University School of Medicine, was recently elected to Alpha Omega Alpha, the National Honor Medical Society. Selection is based not only on professional ...
Ocular allergy control possible with once-daily dosing
May 01, 2003; ... Special Section: Ocular Allergies Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis After acute relief with twice-daily regimen, dosage of nedocromil sodium 2% can be reduced Niagara Falls, Ontario--Switching to once-daily instillation of nedocromil sodium 2% ophthalmic solution ...
Patients taking digoxin may develop color blindness
May 01, 2003; ... Not a sign of drug toxicity Vision tests find therapeutic doses of cardiac drug produce color vision impairment London-Routine testing for color vision deficiency is not a reliable method to detect digoxin toxicity in patients taking the drug for heart failure or other cardiac ...
Academy succeeds in halting mandatory pre-K vision exams
May 01, 2003; ... Progress AAO supports federal initiative of preschooler vision screenings to identify vision problems early What's New at the AAO San Francisco-A few years have passed since Kentucky became the first state to pass a law mandating its children have comprehensive eye ...
Neuroretinitis found to coexist with multiple sclerosis
May 01, 2003; ... General A possible link? Three patients all had been treated with IV steroids, beta interferon for previous optic neuritis Columbia, MO-Neuroretinitis may be linked to multiple sclerosis in some patients, according to the results of a small case series. Further study, ...
Craniocervical arterial dissection a diagnostic challenge
May 01, 2003; ... Step-by-step Detailed exam and anatomic knowledge can help early diagnosis and save patient's life The Neuro-- Connection By Jade S. Schiffman. MD A craniocervical arterial dissection usually results from a tear in the intimal arterial layer. This tear allows ...
Exposures of porous orbital implants can be avoided
May 01, 2003; ... Practice pearls Posterior placement, meticulous closure, working closely with ocularist are some tips Plastics Pearls In the past decade, porous orbital implants have become the implant of choice for many surgeons managing the anophthalmic socket after enucleation or ...
Children receive free vision screenings
May 01, 2003; ... Cleveland-The Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute is launching a community outreach program to provide free sight screenings to Cleveland public school children. The program, called Vision First, will screen pupils in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and first grade. The ...
Evolution brings greater safety profile to phakic IOLs
May 01, 2003; ... Refractive Long-term follow-up needed Cataract surgeon outlines complications associated with early designs, various improvements seen Baltimore-All phakic IOLs are associated with potential problems, although evolution in implant design has been accompanied by ...
NJ ophthalmologists oppose pending bill
May 01, 2003; ... Trenton, NJ-Legislation that is now pending in New Jersey would better serve the interest of politicians, not patients, according to ophthalmologists opposing the bill. After the unsuccessful argument by ophthalmologists before a hearing of the Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee, the ...
Single-use microkeratome results similar to reusable blade
May 01, 2003; ... Pre-sterilized unit In addition, the device may be easier to use, allowing greater visibility during the procedure Sao Paulo-A comparative study has demonstrated that the M2 130 Single-Use microkeratome (Moria, Antony, France) performs identically to its reusable counterpart, ...
Permanent life insurance is still your guardian angel
May 01, 2003; ... Tax reform The Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 is more illusion than reality Money Matters Q With the repeal of the future estate tax, do you think it is still necessary for me to continue paying the permanent life insurance premiums on the ...
Correct operating room posture eases performance, efficiency
May 01, 2003; ... Practice Management Better work environment Ergonomics important for surgeons and others to prevent chronic hand, neck, and back pain Orlando-Ophthalmologists will perform with greater ease, efficiency, and for a longer time if they pay attention to ergonomics in the ...
Adrenaline rush
May 01, 2003; ... Colorado ophthalmologist enjoys intense mountain sports Taking outdoor activities to an extreme is a way of life for William L. Benedict, MD. Whether it's kayaking, mountain biking, or snow skiing, he is constantly pushing his skills to the limit. "I admit that I am an ...
Confocal microscopy excellent for examining anterior segment
May 15, 2003; ... The cutting edge ASCRS MEETING COVERAGE San Franco--Confocal microscopy is an excellent supplement to the slit-lamp examination for identifying suspected pathology by viewing specific layers of the anterior segment, according to Herbert L Knuiman, MD, who spoke during the ...
Pediatric orbital fractures handled differently from those of adults
May 15, 2003; ... Management Issues Columbus, OH-Age-adjusted approaches are needed for the evaluation and management of suspected orbital fracture in pediatric patients because children are different from adults, according to Jill A. Fester, MD. "The bottom-line when dealing with a pediatric ...
Pupil size not driving factor in night vision complaints
May 15, 2003; ... Risk factors evaluated Montreal-In the clinical setting, night vision disturbances after LASIK cannot be predicted by pupil size, but rather are correlated with preoperative sphere and the photoablation optical zone size, said Mihai Pop, MD. Dr. Pop, a private practitioner in ...
Bausch & Lomb to license microkeratome to Moria
May 15, 2003; ... Settlement reached Rochester, MY-Bausch & Lomb and Antony, France-based Moria S.A. have settled two lawsuits involving patents for microkeratomes. Under the agreement, Bausch & Lomb will license its patented technology to Moria, according to Bausch & Lomb ...
Refractec's ViewPoint device focus of lawsuit
May 15, 2003; ... Infringement alleged Norristown, PA-RJF Holdings III Inc. is claiming that Refractec Inc.'s ViewPoint CK device infringes on a patent held by Richard J. Fugo, MD, for performing eye surgery with radio frequency energy. The company, which maintains a portion of Dr. Fugo's patent ...
Medicare to reimburse on three new procedures
May 15, 2003; ... List expands Washington, OC-The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has expanded the list of procedures it will cover, including several important ophthalmic procedures. Effective July 1, the CMS will provide Medicare reimbursement for revision of lower and upper ...
Being an oculoplastic surgeon is a deliberate choice
May 15, 2003; ... Guest Editorial Subspecialization allows physicians to succeed by being one of the best in their profession Recently, I have heard oculoplastic surgeons voicing their concerns about the future of our profession. Many advise de-specializing to try to compete with other plastic ...
OOSS urges Noridan to cover monitored care
May 15, 2003; ... Policy questioned Portland, OR-The Ophthalmic Outpatient Surgery Society (OOSS) is asking Noridan Administrative Services, a Medicare Part B carrier, to reconsider its proposed policy not to reimburse for monitored anesthesia care (MAC) for lens surgery. The health plan ...
Protein might block blood vessel growth
May 15, 2003; ... Potential AMD treatment Cleveland-A protein produced by the body might help prevent abnormal blood vessel growth and treat diseases such as wet agerelated macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and cancer. Researchers at the Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute say they ...
Study shows superiority of eye mist over drops
May 15, 2003; ... Groundbreaking product Grants Pass, OR-A product using tissue-culture-grade water delivered through an ultrafine mist claims to restore the moisture volume of the eye's tear film without disrupting the tear film's delicate structure. Bio-Logic Aqua Technologies Biomedical ...
Eyemakers plans to buy public LASIK provider
May 15, 2003; ... Letter of Intent signed Del Mar, CA-Eyemakers Inc. has signed a letter of intent to acquire a public company that provides LASIK surgery to patients in the Southwest. Eyemakers did not identify the company, but said it has projected 2003 revenues of more than ...
Adjustable IOL is one step closer to ideal lens implant
May 15, 2003; ... A breakthrough Application of near-UV light could possibly allow for adjustments of power, optical aberrations in situ Despite the introduction of more accurate IOL formulas and biometry instrumentation, cataract and refractive lens surgery have yet to achieve the ...
Pseudoexfoliation puts patients at risk for late IOL dislocation
May 15, 2003; ... Cause for concern Post-cataract patients experienced in-the-bag lens dislocation 7 years after surgery Salt Lake City-Patients with pseudoexfoliation who have undergone cataract surgery are at risk for spontaneous IOL dislocation years after the procedure, according to Alan S ....
Patient has floater in right eye, BRVO in left eye
May 15, 2003; ... Grand Rounds Jointly sponsored by The New York Eye & Ear Infirmary and Ophthalmology Times Thorough assessment can make a difference in outcome: What is your diagnosis? A 52-year-old Hispanic female presented to the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute with the chief ...
ICL effective treatment for moderate, high hyperopia
May 15, 2003; ... Refractive 12-month results Most patients who received collamer lens were extremely satisfied with UCVA at least 20/40 San Francisco At 1-year follow-up, the majority of patients who received the hyperopic Implantable Contact Lens (ICL, STAAR Surgical, Monrovia, CA) ...
Decision pyramid helps clinician in diagnosis of dry eye
May 15, 2003; ... Special Section: Dry Eye Levels of analysis Organized approach can lead to accurate assessment, higher patient satisfaction Jacksonville, FL-In any disease, the differential diagnosis is paramount to ensure proper treatment. This is also true for patients who complain ...
Majority find lacrimal plugs beneficial without complications
May 15, 2003; ... Clinical studies Significant problems, including pyogenic granuloma and probing, seen in less than 10% of cases Los Angeles--Insertion of the Herrick Lacrimal Plug (HLP, Lacrimedics, Eastsound, WA) appears to be trouble-free for the majority of patients, with significant ...
Risks seen with silicone intracanalicular plugs
May 15, 2003; ... Surgical strategy Kansas City, MO-Placement of silicone intracanalicular plugs (ICP) in the treatment of dry eye can result in a variety of complications, including irreversible lacrimal occlusion. When removal is indicated, various surgical strategies may be necessary because the ...
Nutrients restore tear function in dry eye syndrome
May 15, 2003; ... Special Section: Dry Eye Scrutinizing cause and effect The paradigm of dry eye treatment is the use of solutions and lubricants applied to the eye. That is, dry eyes require topical medication in the form of artificial tears to restore tear production and comfort. Anything ...
Preservative-free product offers dry eye relief, no irritation
May 15, 2003; ... Maintaining ocular health GenTeal PF, the newest addition to Novartis Ophthalmics' line of dry eye products, is an appropriate choice for patients who must use a true preservative-- free drop because they cannot tolerate even the transient preservatives found in some other artificial ...
Measure carefully to avoid punctum plug complications
May 15, 2003; ... Special Section: Dry Eye Practice pearls Most problems involving extrusion, foreign-body sensation can be reduced with proper fit Many of the common complications associated with external silicone punctum plugs, such as extrusion or irritation, can be avoided if ...
CIBA Vision signs agreement to provide punctum plug products for doctor network
May 15, 2003; ... Atlanta--CIBA Vision will be the preferred provider of punctum plug products for Vision Source's network of more than 1,500 doctors throughout the United States. The agreement, announced April 10, includes CIBA Vision punctum plug products in the Tear Saver product line, including Tear ...
Awareness facilitates treatment of LASIK-associated dry eye
May 15, 2003; ... Common complication Drugs, preservative-free tear agents, punctal occlusion help meet the `LASIK tear film challenge' Baltimore-LASIK presents a challenge to normal tear film dynamics, and some patients may be affected by prolonged neurotrophic epitheliopathy ....