Ophthalmology Times back issues from February 2007:
RLE accompanied by ethical considerations
Feb 01, 2007; ... Informed consent Reviewed by Douglas D. Koch, MD Las Vegas-Refractive lens exchange (RLE) is associated with an increased burden of informed conseil I disclosure because of the complex issues, both current and future, accompanying that procedure, said Douglas D. Koch, MD, at the ...
Link between glaucoma, sleep apnea unclear
Feb 01, 2007; ... Conflicting evidence Larger studies needed, but sleep histories advisable for some patients Reviewed by Parag A. Gokhale, MD LaS Vegas-Studies have found conflicting evidence that sleep apnea is a risk factor for glaucoma, with variable control groups and variability in ...
Cataract surgeons: no need to abandon clear corneal incisions
Feb 01, 2007; ... Wound integrity Reviewed by Randall J. Olson, MD Las Vegas-Despite overwhelming evidence that clear conical incisions have been associated with a dramatic increase in the prevalence of endophthalmitis alter cataract surgery, there is no need to abandon that technique, said ...
They shoot messengers, don't they?
Feb 01, 2007; ... An open door Colleagues, staff should be able to speak freely, even about bad news "Mr. Corleonc is n nuin who insists on hearing bad news immediately." -The Godfather "If you're not hearing hittl news, you're ut risk." -Frank Iiriik, cliict executive ...
Further study needed for factors that affect wound healing
Feb 01, 2007; ... NSAID use I would like to comment on several inconsistencies in the recent article by Rolando Toyos, MD ("Many factors affect wound healing after epi-LASIK," Ophthalmology Times, Nov. 15, 2006, Pages 57 to 58). Dr. Toyos comments in this article on a randomized, double-masked, ...
AMO acquires WaveFront Sciences
Feb 01, 2007; ... Refractive portfolio Transaction solidifies company's effort to provide 'custom all-laser LASIK' Santa Ana, CA-In a move designed to boost its quest tor the "custom all-laser LASIK," Advanced Medical Optics (AMO) has acquired WaveFront Sciences, Albuquerque, NM, for about $20 ...
Geneticist, retinal expert joins Jules Stein Eye Institute
Feb 01, 2007; ... On the Fast Track Dr. Gorin appointed Los Angeles-The Jules Stein Eye Institute (JSEI) and the Department of Ophthalmology of the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), have appointed Michael Gorin, MD, the Harold and Pauline Price ...
B&L to undergo management changes in Americas region
Feb 01, 2007; ... Realignment Rochester, NY-Bausch & Lomb (B&L) will undergo a realignment of management responsibilities for its Americas region. The changes follow the announcement by Paul G. Howes, currently senior vice president and president-Americas Region, that he intends to resign from the ...
Fibrin glue offers alternative to sutures
Feb 01, 2007; ... Pterygium surgery Less postoperative pain, reduced surgical time must be weighed against higher recurrence rate Reviewed by Sathish Srinivasan, FRCSEd, FRCOphlh, and Seth W. Meskin, MD The use of fibrin glue during pterygium surgery has been gaining in popularity ....
Alternative strategies successful in managing IFIS
Feb 01, 2007; ... Tamsulosin use and cataract extraction Stopping alpha blocker of questionable value, and pupil-stretching should be avoided Reviewed by David F. Chang, MD Las Vegas-Ophthalmologist can use one of several modified strategies to perform cataract surgery in patients who are ...
Study tracks incidence, risk factors in floppy iris syndrome
Feb 01, 2007; ... Prospective study Tamsulosin, saw palmetto, angiotensin antagonists implicated; more common in men Reviewed by Kristiana D. Neff, MD Charleston, SC-A large study of routine phacoemulsification found the total incidence of intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) to be ...
Modifying sterilization may help in TASS
Feb 01, 2007; ... Preventing future outbreaks Single-use cannulas, more time for instrument preparation between cases also beneficial Reviewed by Simon P. Holland, MD, FRCSC Las Vegas-Existing sterilization techniques, particularly those used in higher-volume, rapid-turnover operating ...
Surviving a TASS outbreak underscores key lessons
Feb 01, 2007; ... One practice's experience Examine instrument cleaning and processing scrupulously, maintain careful documentation Las Vegas-Experience with a toxic anterior segment syndrome (TASS) outbreak has reinforced several important points about TASS prevention, treatment, and outbreak ...
Development, consulting firm launches Web site
Feb 01, 2007; ... FROM STAFF REPORTS Alta Loma, CA-Ophthalmic industry veteran Pat Dundas has launched a Web site for his business development and consulting firm. Teamwork Marketing. Dundas began his career with American Optical Co., where he assumed senior management responsibilities across a ...
New phaco technology offers customizable features
Feb 01, 2007; ... Innovation System allows for advanced fluidics, choices of standard coaxial and microincision surgery Minneapolis-A new phacoemulsification system (Stellaris Vision Enhancement System, Bausch & Lomb) is state-of-the-art technology designed to meet the current and future needs ...
Endocapsular tension ring a help in traumatic cataract
Feb 01, 2007; ... Retrospective analysis Device indicated for cases of severe zonular dialysis to center capsular bag/IOL Cincinnati-Use of the Cionni endocapsular tension ring (Morcher, FCI Ophthalmics) in traumatic cataract with zonular dialysis provided improved best-corrected visual acuity ...
Cavitation necessary to produce efficient phaco
Feb 01, 2007; ... Lab experiment results Process leads to easy aspiration with no clogging of lens material in tip Las Vegas-Laboratory experiments involving an overpressurization technique have demonstrated that acoustic transient cavitation is necessary to produce efficient phacoemulsification, ...
Dr. Zimmerman honored for career in ocular pathology
Feb 01, 2007; ... Laureate recognized FROM STAFF REPORTS Las Vegas-Lorenz E. Zimmerman, MD, known as the founder of modern ophthalmic pathology, received the 2006 Laureate Recognition Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). The award, one of the highest given by the AAO, ...
ASC OPERATIONS: Balancing High-tech and Quality Outcomes
Feb 15, 2007; ... Participants RONALD D. BLAIR President Surgery Center Services of America Mesa, Arizona BOB CIONNI, MD Medical Director, Cincinnati Eye Institute Cincinnati, Ohio Adjunct Faculty, John A. Moran Eye Center University of ...
Compound provides effective clear corneal wound sealant
Feb 01, 2007; ... One practice's experience Adhesive an adjunct for eyes with potential IOP variations, acts to lessen bacterial influx New York-An oetyl-2 cyanoacrylate formulation (Liquid Bandage, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products) is .in effective clear conical wound sealant up to an ...
Bimanual microincision phaco has advantages in safety, efficiency versus ultra-small coaxial phaco
Feb 01, 2007; ... Cataract surgery Disadvantages can include longer phaco time, leakage from incision, however Investigators arc eagerly comparing ways to perform phacoemulsification to obtain the best results tor patients. Iiimanu.il microincision phaco has been receiving a great deal of ...
Torsional phaco offers improvement over standard phaco
Feb 01, 2007; ... New technology Technique yields less turbulence, repulsion, and 90° shift in power delivery, physician says Santiago, Chile-Torsional phaaicmul.sificution seems tu be an improvement over standard phacoemulsification because of lower amounts ot turlnilcnuc, less repulsion of the ...
SLT appears effective for steroid-induced glaucoma
Feb 01, 2007; ... Lowering IOP Treatment guidelines still needed, however; approach does not work for everyone New York-The idea of using selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) for steroid-induced glaucoma originated with a patient's stubhorn resistance to surgery, according to Janet P. Serle, ...
Intracameral bevacizumab resolves neovascularization
Feb 01, 2007; ... Retrospective study Las Vegas-Intracameral injection of the anti-VEGF antibody bevacizumab (Avastin, Genentech) dramatically resolves iris neovascularization and reverses neovascular glaucoma, according to the findings of a retrospective study presented here at the annual meet ing of the ...
Canaloplasty safely enhances aqueous outflow
Feb 01, 2007; ... Primary open-angle glaucoma Dilation of Schlemm's canal, use of tension suture offer postoperative benefits Sacramento, CA-Dilation of Schlemm's canal to 360° and use of a tension suture result in significantly decreased postoperative IOP levels, said Richard A. Lewis, MD, who is ...
Gold micro-shunt lowers IOP by 30% in study
Feb 01, 2007; ... Two-year results Device offers blebless option for patients whose glaucoma does not respond to other treatments Las Vegas-Two-year clinical results show that implantation of a gold micro-shunt in glaucomatous eyes achieved a mean reduction of >30% in IOP by 6 months that was ...
CK effects, results may be temporary
Feb 01, 2007; ... Long-term follow-up Study finds correction for mild and moderate hyperopia fades at almost 5 years Stanford, CA-Retractive Miriams performing conductive keniloplasty (CK, Refractec) for correction of mild to moderate hyperopia am expect yood visual results initially, but they ...
Troutman Award winner's focus is on wavefront findings
Feb 01, 2007; ... Contribution to refractive surgery Higher-order aberrations found to increase with greater pupil size as well as patient age Las Vegas - Marcelo V. Netto, MD, was presented with the 16th annual Troutman Award at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He ...
Multizone LASIK technique considered safe, effective
Feb 01, 2007; ... Presbyopia correction Only about half of patients achieve spectacle independence, however, study finds Jeddah, Saudi Arabia-Multizone LASIK with peripheral near zone ablation to correct presbyopia together with myopia or hyperopia is safe, effectively corrects spherical error, ...
Aspheric monofocal lens tops spheric lens for contrast sensitivity, study finds
Feb 01, 2007; ... Intra-individual comparison Best-corrected visual acuity the same in both groups, however London-In an intra-individual comparison of spheric and aspheric monolocal IOLs, significantly better contrast sensitivity was observed in eyes in which the aspheric lens had been implanted, ...
How to get paid for eyeglasses after cataract surgery
Feb 01, 2007; ... Medical cryptography Breaking the codes and understanding coverage can pay off, explains reimbursement consultant San Bernardino, CA-Medicare claims for eyeglasses after cataract surgery are the single most complicated claims to file, according to Kevin Corcoran, COE, CPC, FNAO, ...
Social Security benefit timing can have big impact
Feb 01, 2007; ... No universal rule Optimal age to start taking benefits depends on several factors for individual retiree Money Matters Q Could you explain whether it is generally better to take Social security benefits at 62 or wait until 65 or even 70? When people plan and ...
Virginia vines and wines
Feb 01, 2007; ... Bearing fruit Dr. Cooper takes his winemaking hobby to a new level Geoffrey Cooper, MD, FACS, a comprehensive ophthalmologist in solo practice in Richmond, VA, sees his hobby of winemaking as an adventure with three parts: growing grapes, making wine, and marketing the ...
Adjustable sutures help improve strabismus surgery
Feb 15, 2007; ... Advancements Success rate better with extraocular muscle adjustment after procedure Reviewed by David L. Guyton, MD Las Vegas-Modern adjustable suture techniques in strabismus suryery are a significant improvement over those that were used when the technique was first ...
Corneal inlay is versatile approach for presbyopia
Feb 15, 2007; ... Early results Reviewed by Roger R Steinert, MD Las Vegas-A small intracorneal inlay (PreshyLens, Revision Optics) may be an option for LASIK patients who have developed presbyopia, said Roger F. Steinert, MD, during a spotlight session on the management of presbyopia here at the ...
Better screening, communication should help limit corneal ectasia
Feb 15, 2007; ... Post-LASIK condition Reviewed by R. Doyle Stulting, MD, PhD Las Vegas-Refractive surgeons may he able to reduce the incidence of corneal ectasia through careful screening fur probable and possible risk factors, the use of microkeratomes producing predictable flap thickness, and ...
Chief medical editor is wrong again
Feb 15, 2007; ... Key to success Consider the contributions of Thomas Young and his ability to focus If you read the letters to the editor in Ophthalmology Times, then you have observed that some of our colleagues find an occasional essay of mine to be misguided, off-the-mark, annoying, or even ...
U.S. Air Force now using laser ophthalmoscope
Feb 15, 2007; ... FROM STAFF REPORTS Marlborough, MA-The U.S. Air Force is now using a particular ophthalmoscope (Ultrawide-field Panoramic200 Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscope, Optos plc) at several of its bases (AFBs). "We are very pleased to have established a rekuionshiop with the U.S. Air Force ...
Be an advocate for surgery by surgeons, urges physician
Feb 15, 2007; ... The battle continues AAO senior secretary encourages members to contribute to Surgical Scope Fund Reviewed by Randolph Johnston, MD Las Vegas-Ophthalmologists have made yreat headway in the past year to ensure that surgery remains with surgeons, specifically in Oklahoma, ...
Dr. Kameen and family aid Baltimore program
Feb 15, 2007; ... On the Fast Track Helping Up Mission Baltimore-Anthony J. Kameen, MD, and his family received a proclamation from outgoing Maryland Gov. Robert L Ehrlich as a tribute to their involvement with the Helping Up Mission of Baltimore. The Helping Up Mission provides hope to ...
Optos names new chief executive officer
Feb 15, 2007; ... New appointment Dunfermline, U.K.-Optos pic has appointed Thomas W. Butts as chief executive officer and a member of the board of directors. Butts has more than 20 years of progressively senior international-level experience within the health-care sector. Most ...
Isis appoints Dr. Jonas as executive vice president
Feb 15, 2007; ... Clinical development Carlsbad, CA-Jeffrey M. Jonas, MD, joined Isis Pharmaceuticals Inc. Feb. 1 as executive vice president. He will lead clinical development, preclinical development, regulatory affairs, quality assurance, and compliance at the company. Dr. Jonas will be broadly ...
Farzad Yaghouti, MD, voted 'Best LASIK Surgeon 2006'
Feb 15, 2007; ... Online poll San Diego-Farzad Yaghouti, MD, chief refractive surgeon at Global Laser Vision San Diego, won the 2006 San Diego CityBEAT Readers' Choice Award as the "Best LASIK Surgeon 2006." The award was presented in November after a month-long ...
Bill would fund vision care for kids
Feb 15, 2007; ... In Brief Bipartisan effort Washington, DC-A bipartisan group of federal legislators has introduced a bill in the house and Senate designed to provide follow-up care for children with identified potential vision problems. The bill, called "Vision Care for Kids Act of ...
FDA seeks answers before approving drug
Feb 15, 2007; ... Approvable letter Irvine, CA-Allergan Inc. is continuing to evaluate a clinical study of its brimonidine tartrate/timolol maleate ophthalmic solution 0.2%/0.5% (Combigan) in an effort to address FDA questions prior to final marketing approval. The company announced in late ...
Register early to save review fees
Feb 15, 2007; ... DOCK exam San Francisco-Ophthalmologists preparing fnr ihe 2007 American Board ni" Ophthalmology Demonstration of Ophthalmic Cognitive Knowledge examination can save money by registering for a review course before April 19. The American Academy of Ophthalmology's MOC Exam Review ...
B&L shows interest in corneal device
Feb 15, 2007; ... Treats presbyopia Rochester, NV-Bausch & Lomb has made an equity investment in-and secured an exclusive option to purchase-AcuFocus Inc., a developer ot cornea! inlay technology lor treating presbyopia. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The privately held ...
Antihistamine acquired from Alimera Sciences
Feb 15, 2007; ... OTC product Rochester, NV-Bausch & I.omb has purchased Alimera Sciences' over-thecounter allergy franchise, including kctotifen fumaratc ophthalmic solution 0.025% (Alaway), which was recently approved by the FDA. The ophthalmic solution is an antihistamine designed to ...
IRIDEX gets patents for Laserscope aesthetics
Feb 15, 2007; ... Acquisition complete Mountain View, CA-IRIDEX Corp. has completed its acquisition of San lose, CA-based I.aserscope's aesthetics business. The $26 million cash and stock deal, announced Nov. 30, gives IRIDEX lour patents, a license to an additional nine Laserscope patents, and a ...
Eye firms win praise as best places to work
Feb 15, 2007; ... 'Fortune' list New York-Genentech Inc. and Alcon Laboratories Inc. have once again made the fortune magazine top IOO list of best companies tor which to work. The 2007 ranking placed South San Francisco, CA-based Genentech at the No. 2 spot, behind Google. Aleon placed No. 65 on ...
Genaera drops plan for wet AMD drug
Feb 15, 2007; ... Refocus Plymouth Meeting, PA-Genaera Corp. has decided to terminate its clinical development program for squalaminc lactatc (Evizon) for the treatment of wet age-related maailiir degeneration (AMD) after a comprehensive review of its portfolio and market conditions. The company ...
30th anniversary contest concludes
Feb 15, 2007; ... Ophthalmology Times is pleased to announce that Stuart Newman, MD, of Dunwoody, GA, is the final winner of the publication's 30th anniversary giveaway. Dr. Newman takes home a 30-GB iPod for correctly identifying ...
Visiogen continues study of dual-optic IOL
Feb 15, 2007; ... FDA OKs expansion Irvine, CA-Visiogen Inc. says it has received FDA approval to expand its phase III U.S. clinical trial for its dual-optic accommodating IOL (Synchrony). The lens is being studied in a ...
Sodium hyaluronate compound studied
Feb 15, 2007; ... Dry eye Chapel Hill, NC-Lantibio Inc. and TRB Chemedica have begun a phase III clinical trial wilh VISMED, a patented formulation containing sodium hyaluronate, to treat dry eye syndrome. The trial, negotiated with the FDA under the Special Protocol Assessment program, is a ...
Orphan status given to two drugs
Feb 15, 2007; ... Trials to begin Jersey City, NJ-The FDA has granted orphan drug designation to two investigational therapeutics of Lux Biosciences, a privately held biotechnical company specializing in treatments for ophthalmic diseases. The designation was given to LX211, a next-generation ...
Gel could treat viral eye infection
Feb 15, 2007; ... Marketing deal Tampa-Sirion Therapeutics Inc. has made an exclusive licensing agreement with Laboratoires Thea of France for U.S. rights to develop and market a topical ophthalmic gel containing ganciclovir for treating certain viral and superficial eye infections Thea markets ...
Allergan donates $1M for research fellows
Feb 15, 2007; ... Grants announced Irvine, CA-Allergan will donate $1 million over 2 years to academic medical institutions to support fellows researching glaucoma and corneal and retinal diseases. Ten initial Horizon Grants, announced Nov. 12, were selected from 65 applications and will be ...
A 15-year-old girl has proptosis of left eye for 3 weeks
Feb 15, 2007; ... CT shows inferonasal orbital mass; pathologic study shows small round cell tumor A 15-year-old girl was referred to the Bascom Palmer Hye Institute oculoplastics service with left eye proptosis. The proptosis was first noticed 3 weeks prior. The patient denied a history of trauma, ...
Where goeth the 110th Congress?
Feb 15, 2007; ... Effect on health policy Shift to Democratic majority may bring changes in Medicare fee-for-service for beneficiaries At Issue The 110th U.S. Congress marks the return of a Democratic Party majority for the first time in 12 years. A combination of voter dissatisfaction ...
Tear swab could aid in diagnosing eye disease
Feb 15, 2007; ... FROM STAFF REPORTS Bilbao, Spain-Iwo Spanish organizations have developed a method to diagnose certain eye illnesses by analyzing tears. Technological Centre Gaiker-IK4 and the Clinical Surgical Institute of Ophthalmology at Bilbao have developed a method to diagnose such eye ...
New technology helps in vision assessment of preverbal child
Feb 15, 2007; ... Electrophysiology Steady-state visual evoked potential gains acceptance as another valid option in the clinic Reviewed by William V. Good, MD Las Vegas-Steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP) is a promising research tool for vision assessment in the preverbal pahunt ...
Cornea transplant procedure takes hold
Feb 15, 2007; ... FROM STAFF REPORTS Denver-A record number of people in Colorado received cornea transplants in 2006, with the increase due in part to a new procedure: endothelial keratoplasty (EK), according to the Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Bank. In all, 707 people in Colorado received a form of ...
Focus on preventing corneal complications
Feb 15, 2007; ... Management Chronic eye-rubbing should be minimized with control of allergic conjunctivitis Reviewed by Terry Kim, MD Las Vegas-Ocular allergies affect up to 40% of the pediatric population, and this high prevalence has ramifications beyond providing symptom relief, said ...
Manage allergy symptoms to improve refractive outcomes
Feb 15, 2007; ... Pretreatment Patients with atopy should be treated with topical agents to avoid risks such as DLK Reviewed by Deepinder K. Dhaliwal, MD Las Vegas-Identification and pretreatment of allergy patients can improve refractive surgical outcomes, said Deepinder K. Dhaliwal, MD, ...
Contact lens intolerant allergy sufferers find relief
Feb 15, 2007; ... Benefits Anti-allergy treatment improves symptoms, extends comfortable lens wear Wantagh, NY-Results of a multicenter, randomized, open-label study demonstrate that twice-daily epinastine HCl 0.05% ophthalmic solution (Elestat, Inspire Pharmaceuticals and Allergan) has ...