Ophthalmology Times back issues from March 2006:
INNOVATIONS IN GLAUCOMA: What's New, What's Really True?
Mar 01, 2006; ... HIGHLIGHTS FROM A CME SYMPOSIUM DURING THE AAO 2005 ANNUAL MEETING Introduction Richard K. Parrish II, MD There are many factors that influence the way we manage the care of our patients with glaucoma. The advent of more effective therapies, as well as advances in ...
Debate continues over presbyopic lens exchange
Mar 01, 2006; ... Point/counterpoint Reviewed by Jorge L ANo, MD, PhD, and Randall J. Oison, MD Chicago-The future of presbyopic lens exchange for high myopia looks bright with the development of various IOL options, according to one proponent. Yet, surgeons and patients should be aware of ...
Endophthalmitis incidence holds steady in United Kingdom
Mar 01, 2006; ... Retrospective analysis Reviewed by Omar M. Durrani, FRCS Chicago-Results of a study evaluating post-cataract surgery endophthalmitis at a regional tertiary referral center in England show no evidence for an increase in incidence over a recent period of almost 8 years, reported ...
FDA expands indication for bromfenac use
Mar 01, 2006; ... In Brief Post-cataract pain Irvine, CA-ISTA Pharmaceuticals Inc. announced that the FDA has approved its supplemental new drug application (sNDA) for bromfenac ophthalmic solution 0.09% (Xibrom). The indication expands bromfenac's indication to include the treatment of pain ...
Animated videos help explain presbyopia
Mar 01, 2006; ... Patient education Irvine, CA-Refractec Inc. will work with Eyemaginations Inc. to create an animated presbyopia patient education program to be distributed to more than 800 American ophthalmologists. The production will feature ...
Microkeratome debuts in U.S. marketplace
Mar 01, 2006; ... New device Kleinostheim, Germany-Schwind eye-techsolutions is launching the Carriazo-Pendular microkeratome in the United States. Florida ophthalmologist Steve Pascucci, MD, is the first U.S. owner of the microkeratome, according to the ...
Neurotech initiates AMD, retinitis studies
Mar 01, 2006; ... Phase II trials Bethesda, MD-Paris-based Neurotech is initiating a phase II human clinical trial here of its encapsulated cell technology (ECT) for the treatment of vision loss due to the dry form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Two additional phase II studies for the ...
Eight Vision Expo courses endorsed by AADO
Mar 01, 2006; ... For credit The American Association of Dispensing Ophthalmologists (AADO) has endorsed eight continuing education courses, March 31 to April 1, during the International Vision Expo East conference. The courses presented by AADO, of which Ophthalmology Times is a sponsor, ...
20th Vision Expo East unites vision community
Mar 01, 2006; ... Platinum anniversary Event showcases new skills, new products Marking 2 decades of service to the vision-care community, the Inter- , national Vision Expo East meeting will hold its 20th anniversary trade show and continuing education conference, March 30 to April 2, at the Jacob ...
Gifts to create major genetics test lab at UI
Mar 01, 2006; ... Advancing a mission Iowa City, IA-The University of Iowa's (UI) Center for Macular Degeneration (CMD) will be able to advance its mission with the creation of a large-scale nonprofit genetics testing laboratory, made possible by two gifts totaling $6.2 million. The lab will be ...
Cornea, glaucoma specialty events to precede meeting
Mar 01, 2006; ... The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) is offering two specialty days at the San Francisco Moscone Convention Center on Friday, March 17, immediately prior to the beginning of the main meeting. One will focus on cornea and the other on glaucoma. Registration is ...
Prevention, treatment of cystoid macular edema with NSAIDs
Mar 01, 2006; ... Therapeutic option Various studies highlight safety, efficacy of topical therapy for cataract surgery patients Special to Ophthalmology Times The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a diverse class of medications that inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins ...
Surgical approaches to presbyopia undergoing evolution
Mar 01, 2006; ... Many factors Accommodating, pseudoaccommodating IOLs, corneal inlays among concepts under development Reviewed by Samuel Masket, MD Lisbon, Portugal-If presbyopia is the "final frontier" in refractive surgery, which surgical approach will stand out as the winner in ...
Phakic IOL good for correcting high myopia
Mar 01, 2006; ... Safe, predictable device Preliminary results indicated good visual acuity at 3 months Reviewed by Ronald Krueger, MD Lisbon, Portugal-The AcrySof angle-supported phakic IOL (Alcon Laboratories) seems to be safe and effective based on the preliminary clinical outcomes of ...
Evolution in wavefront-guided treatment yielding improved visual outcomes
Mar 01, 2006; ... Innovations Proper positioning of laser ablation pattern improved by new technology Reviewed by Capt. Steven C. Schallhorn, MD Chicago-A number of incremental advances that have occurred in wavefront-guided treatment during the past year have added up to enhance outcomes ...
Partnership helps with online leads
Mar 01, 2006; ... Winter Park, FL-To help ensure potential patients aren't slipping through the cracks, LocateADoc.com has partnered with Refractive Partners, a company that helps practices follow up and convert patient ...
Options continue for refining IOL power calculations
Mar 01, 2006; ... Optimizing outcomes Expert reviews methods for overcoming erroneous IOL power after corneal refractive surgery Reviewed by Kenneth J. Hoffer, MD Chicago-The need for refining pseudophakic IOL power calculations in eyes that have undergone corneal refractive surgery is a ...
Integration of topography and wavefront technology provides hope for the future in more complex cases
Mar 01, 2006; ... After refractive surgery Reviewed by Ernest W. Kornmehl, MD Chicago-Topographic- and wavefrontguided approaches to re-treatment of complex cases have advantages and disadvantages, but may be best viewed as complementary rather than competing techniques for managing the rare but ...
Lens offers good results for high myopic correction
Mar 01, 2006; ... Safe, reliable option However, careful patient selection, continuous follow-up are warranted, researcher warns Reviewed by Ernest Kornmehl, MD Monza, Italy-The Vivarte anterior chamber phakic IOL (IOLTECH SA, La Rochelle, France) is safe and provides reliable refractive ...
Looking forward with President Harry A. Zink, MD
Mar 01, 2006; ... Career choice What's New at the AAO American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) President Harry A. Zink, MD, is a lot like most academy members. Dr. Zink is a comprehensive ophthalmologist who is in private practice in the Midwest with three partners. More than 88% of ...
New diagnostic methods may yield answers in uveitis
Mar 01, 2006; ... Confirming identification PCR, tissue biopsy, genetic linkage analysis can help pinpoint idiopathic disease Reviewed by Bahram Bodaghi, MD, PhD Chicago-Diagnostic techniques such as ocular fluid sampling, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and genetic linkage analysis ...
Telemedicine screening seen as effective approach for diabetic retinopathy
Mar 01, 2006; ... At-risk adults Estimated 30% to 45% of Americans do not receive eye care to detect, treat disease Reviewed by Alan R. Malouf, MD, FACS Baltimore-Given that many people fail to receive preventive screening for diabetic retinopathy or regular follow-up once diagnosed, ...
Alternative minimum tax expected to affect more U.S. taxpayers
Mar 01, 2006; ... What the future holds By 2010 half of middle-class households will be affected as many standard deductions eliminated Money Matters Q Could you explain the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) and what steps I might take to avoid it next year? For those in the know, the ...
Electronic medical records can boost bottom line
Mar 01, 2006; ... A cost-effective tool One can increase practice profitability, peace of mind with correct documentation, coding Reviewed by J. Gregory Rosenthal, MD Chicago-The question of whether electronic medical records (EMRs) are cost effective in single or multiple offices is ...
Eye-care reference book offers useful consumer information
Mar 01, 2006; ... Durham, NC-As National Eye Care Month drew to a close in January, a new book reminds consumers that taking care of one's eyes is a year-round concern. All About Your Eyes: A Practical Guide in Plain English from the Physicians at the Duke University Eye Center is an informative reference ...
Pediatricians should take the lead in vision screening
Mar 01, 2006; ... A useful approach AAP guidelines suggest objective testing for acuity, Bruckner's test for strabismus Reviewed by Robert W. Arnold, MD Chicago-Screening to detect preclinical vision loss in children is important and should ideally be done in the offices of pediatricians ...
Pay for performance likely to become physicians' reality
Mar 01, 2006; ... Evidence-based Reviewed by William L Rich III, MD Chicago-Pay for performance (P4P) is going to be a reality in the very near future, according to William L. Rich III, MD, who explained the whys and wherefores of this complex topic during the retina subspecialty day at the ...
New understanding of AMD leads to earlier interventions
Mar 01, 2006; ... Discovery The recently reported success with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) provides an important new therapeutic modality for wet AMD and an exciting victory for biotechnology. Yet, the best results will ...
Foldable lens receives NTIOL status for significant reduction in spherical aberration
Mar 01, 2006; ... New designation Advanced Medical Optics (AMO) Inc.'s Tecnis foldable IOL has earned the title of New Technology IOL (NTIOL) from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The designation follows labeling claims approved by the FDA in April 2004 that the lens reduced ...
Photocoagulator gets FDA marketing OK
Mar 01, 2006; ... Clearance granted Santa Clara, CA-Lumenis Ltd. has received PDA clearance to market its Novus 3000, a 532 nm diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) photocoagulator. The new product is an improved version of its Novus 2000, which has about 1,500 units installed worldwide. The device ...
Genentech, Alcon ranked among top firms to work
Mar 01, 2006; ... FROM STAFF REPORTS South San Francisco, CA-Genentech Inc. and Alcon Laborabories Inc. are among the 100 best companies for which to work, according to Fortune magazine. The annual list ranked Genentech in first place and Alcon in 32nd place. An article accompanying the list ...
New leaders named for system developer
Mar 01, 2006; ... Appointments Irvine, CA-3D Vision Systems, a venture-stage company developing a digital microsurgical workstation system for ophthalmic surgery and other specialties, has appointed Richard E.N. Lundburg as chief operating officer. Lundburg, who has more than 15 years ...
Carl Zeiss Meditec eyes surgical sister company
Mar 01, 2006; ... Merger planned Jena, Germany-Carl Zeiss Meditec AG said a plan to acquire Carl Zeiss Surgical will expand its role in ophthalmic and neuro/ ENT surgery. In a Jan. 9 news release, the device manufacturer said the acquisition-pending approval at the annual general meeting of Carl ...
System uses fluid during cataract removal
Mar 01, 2006; ... Redesigned technology Santa Ana, CA-Advanced Medical Optics Inc. (AMO) has launched its WhiteStar ICE technology for use in its Sovereign phacoemulsification system. The newly redesigned ultrasonic-energy system and fluid management component allows the surgeon to increase power ...
Evolving AquaLase® Techniques and Technologies
Mar 01, 2006; ... Highlights of a meeting held during the 2005 American Academy of Ophthalmology Annual Meeting in Chicago, Illinois, on October 16, 2005 MODERATOR Robert Lehmann, MD Clinical Associate Professor of Ophthalmology Baylor College of Medicine Houston, ...
ASCRS promises comprehensive educational agenda
Mar 01, 2006; ... Many offerings Attendees to San Francisco meeting can learn latest techniques, innovations from the experts The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of its sister organization,The American Society of Ophthalmic ...
Current strategies effectively reduce PCO occurrence
Mar 01, 2006; ... Preventing complications Investigators cite benefits seen with medium-size capsulorhexis, square-edge optic Reviewed by Albert S. Jun, MD, PhD Baltimore-Extensive research has already led to the identification of a number of surgery- and IOL-related factors that can be ...
Consumer Web site serves more than 6 million
Mar 01, 2006; ... La JoIIa, CA-All About Vision (allaboutvision.com) experienced another record year for visitor traffic in 2005, serving more than 6.4 million unique visitors, according to weekly reports by WebTrends. The site has served more than 19 million since January 2000. LASIK ...
Dr. Townsend named president of MEEI ophthalmology staff
Mar 01, 2006; ... Boston-Daniel J. Townsend, MD, was recently appointed as president of the ophthalmology staff at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary (MEEI). As instructor of ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Townsend is a member of the board of surgeons in ophthalmology at MEEI, as well ...
Femtosecond laser allows one-step LASIK in post-PK eyes
Mar 01, 2006; ... No complications Best refractive results may be possible for eyes with mild to moderate astigmatism Reviewed by lrina S. Barequet, MD Chicago-IntraLASIK as a one-step procedure using the femtosecond laser microkeratome (IntraLase) for flap creation shows promise as a safe ...
Light adjustable IOL may allow for fine-tuning after implantation
Mar 01, 2006; ... Experimental device Investigational lens adjustment possible with new light delivery system, expert says Reviewed by Nick Mamalis, MD Lisbon, Portugal-Accurate adjustment of the new Light Adjustable Intraocular Lens (LAL) (Calhoun Vision) after implantation is possible ...
High-quality anterior segment photographs easily attainable within budget, doctor says
Mar 01, 2006; ... A cost-effective tool Digital camera with 4-megapixel resolution or higher good addition to surgeon's armamentarium Reviewed by Jonathan M. Davidorf, MD Los Angeles-A low-tech digital camera can offer a low-budget alternative for high-quality anterior segment photography, ...
Study shows drug approval process shortened
Mar 01, 2006; ... Boston-Drugs are spending more time in the clinical phase, but less time in the approval phase, leaving the total time to market unchanged during a 20-year period, according to an analysis by the Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development (CSDD). The study found that drugs approved ...
Phakic IOL maintains benefits of PMMA version
Mar 01, 2006; ... Comparison study Foldable iris claw lens offers advantages of small-incision surgery, long-term stable centration Reviewed by Jose L. Guell, MD, PhD Chicago-The foldable version of the iris claw fixated myopic phakic IOL (Artiflex II/Veriflex, Ophtec/AMO) affords faster ...
New instrumentation offers advance for IOP measurement
Mar 01, 2006; ... A prospective study Devices that perform dynamic rather than static applanation measurements offer greatest accuracy Reviewed by Jay Repose, MD1 PhD Lisbon, Portugal-Newer tonometry technology seems to offer an improvement over Goldmann tonometry for more accurate IOP ...
Residency training: a missing link?
Mar 01, 2006; ... Focus on continuum Consider the relationship between: * seeing a patient in clinic * Developing and implementing a public health measure (glaucoma screening, diabetic eye exams) * Advocating on health-related public policy issues. I have long thought of ...
Intravitreal antibiotics foundation for endophthalmitis cases
Mar 01, 2006; ... Infection management Expert also covers other options, including vitrectomy, systemic antibiotics, antimicrobials Reviewed by Dennis P. Man, MD Chicago-Empiric intravitreal therapy remains the mainstay for initial management of most cases of endophthalmitis while the ...
Escalon completes acquisition of MRP Group
Mar 01, 2006; ... Wayne, PA-Escalon Medical Corp. announced that its subsidiary, Escalon Digital Vision Inc., has completed a previously announced acquisition of substantially all of the assets of MRP Group, Inc., a privately held ophthalmic technology solutions provider. The ...
Proven drug for AMD also promising for DME in study
Mar 01, 2006; ... Anti-VEGF agent Phase II clinical data indicate better visual acuity in eyes treated with 0.3-mg dose Reviewed by Steven D. Schwartz, MD Chicago-The pegaptanib sodium (Macugen, OSI/Eyetech Pharmaceuticals) exploratory phase II data indicate that the drug seems to be ...
Amblyopia recurrence after occlusion therapy studied
Mar 01, 2006; ... Retrospective analysis Study shows an inverse correlation with age, amblyopia recurrence when treatment is stopped Reviewed by Rahul Bhola, MD Chicago-An inverse correlation between age and recurrence of amblyopia following cessation of occlusion therapy was found in a ...
Erectile dysfunction agents, NAION: causal or coincidental?
Mar 01, 2006; ... Debate continues Better prospective or case-controlled data needed to determine possible association The Neuro-Connection Recently, there has been a flurry of lay news reports regarding the possible association of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) ...
Painting a vision
Mar 01, 2006; ... Creative outlet Physician combines love of ophthalmology and art to benefit glaucoma research Daniel Jewelewicz, MD, believes that ophthalmologists tend to be creative people. Since childhood, he has been drawing and painting with watercolors. Now, Dr. Jewelewicz shares his love ...
Screening at birth weight of [Less-Than or Equal To]1,250 g helps identify high-risk ROP
Mar 01, 2006; ... More studies warranted New criteria could help lower screening costs without jeopardizing detection of disease Reviewed by Shailesh K. Gupta, MD Chicago-A birthweight of less than or equal to 1,250 g was a dependable criterion for screening of retinopathy of prematurity ...
The Future of AMD Treatment: New Clinical Pathways
Mar 15, 2006; ... Includes Highlights From a CME Symposium Held in Chicago, Illinois, on October 17, 2005, During the AAO 2005 Annual Meeting Last Review Date: February 20, 2006 Release Date: March 15, 2006 Expiration Date: March 31, 2007 The Evolution of a New Age-related Macular ...
Technique, sizing can minimize potential phakic IOL complications
Mar 15, 2006; ... Reducing risk Reviewed by Antonio Marinho, MD, PhD Chicago-Cataract and glaucoma can occur in eyes with phakic IOLs, but the risk of those complications can often be minimized by careful surgical technique and IOL sizing, said Antonio Marinho, MD, PhD, at the refractive surgery ...
Clinician judgment necessary if using new fluoroquinolones
Mar 15, 2006; ... Absence off definitive studies Efficacy not known of antibiotic prophylaxis for acute endophthalmitis postcataract surgery Chicago-Evidence of a rising incidence of acute endophthalmitis postcataract surgery has intensified attention regarding the role of antibiotic prophylaxis, ...
Disposable instruments option for surgeons
Mar 15, 2006; ... More options Physicians pleased with high-quality tools for anterior segment surgery New Product Focus Irvine, CA-A new line of stainless steel, disposable instruments for anterior segment surgery from Rhein Medical would be cost effective in privately operated surgical ...
Consider secondary hydrodissection if primary maneuver fails
Mar 15, 2006; ... Freeing the lens Reviewed by John D. Gottsch, MD Baltimore-secondary hydrodissection is a valuable technique for enabling safe and efficient phacoemulsification in eyes with a softer crystalline lens that does not initially rotate in the capsular bag to allow use of standard ...
Intervention can benefit some nursing home residents
Mar 15, 2006; ... Trial program Reviewed by David S. Friedman, MD Baltimore-A trial program that provided support and advice to older nursing home residents with poor vision improved their access to cataract surgery substantially. But the debilitated condition of many of those residents led to ...
Health information technology expert speaks at ASCRS
Mar 15, 2006; ... San Francisco-Get up to speed on the hottest topic in health care today by attending the ASCRS Government Relations General Session, "Pay for Performance: Purchasing Quality?" Hear from key government officials, including David Brailer, MD, National Coordinator for Health Information ...
Current presbyopia-correcting technology good despite limited accommodative power
Mar 15, 2006; ... The next frontier Review of literature, analysis should help clarify usefulness in ophthalmic practice Cataract Corner FDA approval of the crystalens (eye-onics), in addition to the AcrySof ReSTOR (Alcon Laboratories) and ReZoom multifocal (AMO) IOLs, allows ...
Loose lips sink ships-and maybe reputations?
Mar 15, 2006; ... Ethical/legal issues Physicians involved in clinical trials and consultantships should steer clear of insider trading risks It's getting harder and harder to disentangle the medical profession from financial conflicts of interest .... It is never wholly clear whether the doctor is ...
CK another option for presbyopia
Mar 15, 2006; ... Remaining spectacle-free Near vision correction can be undertaken years after LASIK, PRK Reviewed by Daniel Durrie, MD Lisbon, Portugal-Conductive keratoplasty (CK) achieves improved near vision in patients with presbyopia who have undergone a successful previous LASIK or ...
Congress freezes Medicare reimbursements for 2006
Mar 15, 2006; ... More work ahead Washington, DC-A last-ditch vote by the House of Representatives has staved off-for 1 year-anticipated cuts in the Medicare reimbursement paid to physicians. In one of the first votes of its new session, the House on Feb. 1 approved an amended Budget ...
Allergan chief receives award from glaucoma foundation
Mar 15, 2006; ... 'Visionary donor' San Francisco-David E.I. Pyott wants to conquer glaucoma. He hopes that one day the cure is found. The Allergan Inc. chairman, president, and chief executive officer also dreams about the potential success of memantine, a drug now being studied in the world's ...