Ophthalmology Times back issues from July 2007:
Medications for ED can harm optic nerve
Jul 01, 2007; ... Possible risks Reviewed by George A. Cioffi, MD Portland, OR-Millions of males in the United States take medications for erectile dysfunction (HD), and demand is growing rapidly. Because of concerns that these ED drugs could harm the optic nerve, ophthalmologists need to ...
Return to rub-required regimen?
Jul 01, 2007; ... Contact lens cleaning The upswing of two rare eye infections among soft contact lens wearers within the past 2 years is leading some professionals in the contact lens community to reconsider trends that emphasized comfort, perhaps at the expense of efficacy. Ophthalmologists, ...
Two algorithms corrected on Alcon excimer laser system
Jul 01, 2007; ... Recall complete Fort Worth, TX-Alcon Laboratories said it has completed a recall concerning two algorithmes tor myopia with and without astigmatism for customized LASIK procedures (CustomCornea ) with its excimer laser system (LADAR6000). The recall, which affected 102 excimer laser ...
Wilmer Eye Institute breaks ground on new, upgraded facility
Jul 01, 2007; ... Focus on the future Structure will almost double current space, research capacities Baltimore-The Wilmer Eye Institute of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine here broke ground June 6 on a new, $100 million, privately funded, 207,000-square-tbot facility thnt will build on ...
The cure for a good night's sleep
Jul 01, 2007; ... What if? Book details 1918 flu pandemic; modern parallels suggested If your problem is that you fall asleep immediately upon placing your head on the pillow, followed by 8 hours of uninterrupted slumber, let me suggest some summertime reading for you. The drent Influenza: The ...
Infectious disease experts offer advice for treating AK
Jul 01, 2007; ... An increase in Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) cases in the United States has gained attention recently, but a task force of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) reminds ophthalmologists that they should not jump to conclusions. "Although suspicion should be kept ...
Quantitative assessment of structural progression possible
Jul 01, 2007; ... Follow-up Clinicians can follow glaucoma patients with techniques that help determine when to intervene Halifax, Nova Scotia-Quantitative assessment of structural change should be used to supplement qualitative evaluation techniques to improve clinical management of glaucoma ...
Nationwide Antimicrobial Surveillance in Ocular Isolates: Ocular TRUST: A New Tool for Ophthalmology
Jul 01, 2007; ... Report from the Hawaiian Eye 2007 workshop A workshop at the 2007 Hawaiian Eye meeting featured the first results from the nationwide Ocular TRUST antimicrobial surveillance program. Highlights are presented in this supplement. Ocular TRUST: Nationwide In Vitro Antimicrobial ...
PBA announces 2008 visionary award winner
Jul 01, 2007; ... FROM STAFF REPORTS Chicago-Prevent Blindness America (PBA), a leading volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight, has chosen actress Jane Seymour as the recipient of its 2008 Visionary Award. Seymour was selected for the honor ...
Dislocation/decentration continues to be concern with foldable IOLs
Jul 01, 2007; ... 2006 update ASCRS/ESCRS survey identifies reasons for device explantations for ninth year San Diego-Dislocation/decentration continues to be one of the most common concerns associated with foldahle IOLs requiring explantation, according to results ot the ninth annual survey sent ...
Square and nearly square incisions prevent hypotony
Jul 01, 2007; ... Postoperative IOP stability Clear corneal wounds with careful construction and appropriate architecture are stable postop San Diego-Clear corneal wounds with square or nearly square surface architecture that are meticulously checked for incisional sealing are stable ...
Hydrophilic acrylic shows stability
Jul 01, 2007; ... Microincision lens San Diego-A new microincision IOL (Akreos MI60, Bausch & Lomb) can be implanted easily through a 2-mm incision. Clinical resulis reported by Roberto Bellucci, MD, at the annual meeting of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery indicate that the ...
Success possible with diffractive lens in patients who underwent prior LASIK
Jul 01, 2007; ... Visual outcomes Keys: control surgically induced astigmatism, use accurate formulae, select patients carefully San Diego-Use of an apodized diffractive IOL (AcrySof ReSTOR, Alcon Laboratories) in patients who need cataract surgery after prior refractive surgery is considered to ...
Effect of a blue-blocking IOL on color discrimination and contrast acuity
Jul 01, 2007; ... Yellow-tinted IOLs were developed to mimic the ability of the aging crystalline lens to attenuate transmission of short-wavelength, high-energy visible blue light to the retina based on the theory that they would reduce lipofuscin phototoxicity and the development or progression of age-related ...
Refractive multifocal IOL offers spectacle independence for patients following cataract surgery
Jul 01, 2007; ... Prospective study Alternative to monofocal lens provides better range of vision and high patient satisfaction San Diego-A refractive multifocal IOL (Re-Zoom, Advanced Medical Optics [AMO]) is an effective method for diminishing dependence on glasses for patients undergoing ...
Monofocal aspheric IOL alternative for presbyopia
Jul 01, 2007; ... Spectacle independence Correction provides favorable outcomes in patients undergoing cataract surgery San Diego-Bilateral implantation of the aberration-free aspheric IOL (SofPort AO, Bausch & Lomb) in a monovision approach can provide patients undergoing cataract surgery ...
Blended tip affords easy transition to torsional ultrasound
Jul 01, 2007; ... Less angled New configuration adds slight curvature to traditional straight tip San Diego-A new phacoemulsification tip with a less angled tip configuration has been designed for use during microcoaxial techniques with torsional ultrasound. This new instrument design, ...
Microcoaxial incision technique may offer better wound integrity
Jul 01, 2007; ... Two studies Benefit measured through less intraocular ingress of trypan blue and bacteria San Diego-Bimanual phacoemulsification wounds allow significantly greater ingress of fluid from the ocular surface compared with a microcoaxial incision, according to results of randomized ...
Accommodating, multifocal IOLs make effective combination, study finds
Jul 01, 2007; ... Expanding focal range Good acuity outcomes, high rates of satisfaction achieved using lenses in fellow eyes San Diego-Implanting an accommodating IOL (AT-45 crystalens, cyeonics) and an apodized diffractive multifocal IOL (AcrySof ReSTOR, Alcon Laboratories) in fellow eyes may be ...
Dynamic IOP measurements track changes during phaco
Jul 01, 2007; ... Reliable setup Lower bottle heights, enhanced fluidics management system aid in control without compromising anterior chamber stability, studies show San Diego-A comparison of dynamic IOP values during cataract extraction by phacoemulsification using high and low flow found that ...
Studies suggest superiority of ketorolac in cataract surgery
Jul 01, 2007; ... Topical treatment Better aqueous concentration, prostaglandin inhibition, according to comparative trials of NSAIDs San Diego-A series of studies conducted to compare aqueous concentrations and prostaglandin E^sub 2^ (PGE^sub 2^) inhibition in patients undergoing cataract surgery ...
New phaco platform includes dual-pump fluidics
Jul 01, 2007; ... Product Introduction Designed to enhance chamber stability, provide more flexibility to surgeon San Diego-A new phacoemulsification system (WhiteStar Signature with Fusion Fluidics, Advanced Medical Optics) features dual-pump fluidics in an effort to enhance chamber stability and ...
Techniques can help surgeons manage IFIS
Jul 01, 2007; ... Cataract procedures Approaches can help turn complicated cases into routine ones San Diego-Cataract surgeons can reduce the rate of complication from intrauperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) by using certain techniques before and during surgery, according to I. Howard Fine, MD, ...
New microincision surgery system earns high marks
Jul 01, 2007; ... Field observation study Next-generation technology shown to perform well in all phases of phacoemulsification San Diego-A new microincision cataract surgery system ([IMICS]; Stellaris Vision Enhancement System, Bausch & Lomb), has earned high market for its performance during ...
Predicting the Future-The Role of Optic Nerve Imaging in OHTS
Jul 01, 2007; ... Advanced optic nerve imaging plays an increasingly important role in diagnosing glaucoma and treating patients with the disease. By assessing the optic nerve and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), clinicians can diagnose glaucoma in a timely manner and monitor disease progression, allowing for ...
Following the Optimal Treatment Algorithm for Glaucoma Management
Jul 01, 2007; ... Advances in medical and surgical treatments for glaucoma have expanded the therapeutic options in an ophthalmologist's practice, offering several approaches to the management of glaucoma patients. With this range of treatment options, ophthalmologists will be better able to optimize patient care ...
Pearls to Successful Laser Trabeculoplasty
Jul 01, 2007; ... Laser surgery has a long history in glaucoma management, beginning with the seminal work of Beckman and colleagues, who "punched" holes in the trabecular meshwork (TM) with the ruby laser.39 Laser use stagnated until Wise and Witter published a study in 1979 demonstrating the efficacy of argon ...
Evaluating Success and Adherence With Medical, Laser, and Surgical Therapy
Jul 01, 2007; ... Glaucoma therapies have evolved with technological advances in imaging and detection that refine disease diagnosis. Initially, glaucoma was believed to be the result of elevated IOP. VF defects later were determined to influence the diagnosis, and, with elevated IOP, constituted the precursors ...
Simulator compares night-driving performance with clinical tests
Jul 15, 2007; ... Multifocal IOL safety Reviewed by Bruce A. Drum, PhD Fort Lauderdale, FL-Preliminary findings from a driving simulation study conducted by the FDA held some surprises. Investigators have not yet been able to identify clinical tests that would be acceptable substitutes for ...
Physicians to see 9.9% CUT
Jul 15, 2007; ... Medicare fee schedule Changes to four eye exam codes may offer reprieve Physicians will face a 9.9% cut in the fees they may charge to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in 2008 unless Congress intervenes to stop one of the largest cuts to the physician fee ...
Balance between quality data, novel ideas can be fine line
Jul 15, 2007; ... Publishing research Should a news magazine include preliminary discoveries in its coverage? Recently, my travels took me to Dubai, where I attended the Middle East African Council of Ophthalmology. It was a long flight to spend 48 hours someplace, but it was worth it ....
United States needs to nurture ideas, innovation
Jul 15, 2007; ... To the editor. . . Environment After reading a recent editorial by Peter J. McDonnell, MD ("The lights are on," Ophthalmology Times, May 1, 2007, Page 4), the United States still has the environment to produce innovation and progress. However, the changes in its environment due ...
Corneal staining chart at center of Bausch & Lomb, Alcon lawsuit
Jul 15, 2007; ... 'False and misleading' claim Rochester, NY-Bausch & Lomb is suing Alcon Laboratories Inc. over what it calls a "false and misleading" system of rating corneal stains that it says unfairly attacks the credibility of its multipurpose contact lens solution (ReNu Multi Plus). The ...
Investor group opposes B&L acquisition
Jul 15, 2007; ... 'Unacceptable risk' ValueAct Capital voices concerns, intends to vote against AMO deal One of Advanced Medical Optics (AMO) Inc.'s major investors has thrown a roadblock in the company's quest to acquire Bausch & Lomb (B&L). In a July 10 letter to AMO Chairman, ...
EyeCare America launches new Web site
Jul 15, 2007; ... San Francisco-EyeCare America has launched a new public service Web site, www.eyecareamerica.org. The new Web site is part of the national nonprofit organization's educational mission to empower visitors with reliable and informative data. Visitors to the site can access information ...
BD surgical products mark 75th anniversary
Jul 15, 2007; ... Blade and knife line Waltham, MA-BD Medical-Ophthalmic Systems, a unit of Becton, Dickinson and Co., is celebrating the 75th anniversary of its BD Beaver product line of surgical blades and knives. Initially designed ...
B&L facilities cleared after inspections; retina team established
Jul 15, 2007; ... In Brief In compliance Rochester, NY-More than 1 year after FDA inspectors found a series of problems at Bausch & Lomb's Greenville, SC, solutions manufacturing plant and distribution center, the facilities have received a clean bill of health. The agency inspected ...
SurModics, Merck forge license, research link
Jul 15, 2007; ... Intravitreal implant Eden Prairie, MN-SurModics Inc. and Merck & Co. Inc. have formed a license and research collaboration to pursue the joint development and commercialization of SurModics' intravitreal implant offering sustained-release delivery of triamcinolone acetonide (I-vation ...
Study: coffee protects against blepharospasm
Jul 15, 2007; ... Causing a stir London-People who drink coffee are less likely to develop primary late-onset blepharospasm, according to results of a multicenter case control study conducted in Italy and published online ahead of print in the journal of Neurology Neurosurgery and Psychiatry. One ...
Topcon receives FDA approval for OCT technology
Jul 15, 2007; ... FDA Brief Paramus, NJ-Topcon Medical Systems has received FDA approval for technology that combines Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) with a color, nonmydriatic retinal camera. The equipment (3D OCT-1000) is the first of its kind, according to the company. The ...
Corrections
Jul 15, 2007; ... * Incorrect contact information for OASIS Medical Inc., of Glendora, CA, was provided in a recent article highlighting punctum plugs ("Advances in punctum plug technology continue," Ophthalmology Times, May 1, Pages 34 to 36). The correct point of contact for OASIS Medical is Craig Delgado, vice ...
Novel technique enables ultra-thin flap creation
Jul 15, 2007; ... New approach Femtosecond laser, modified settings, soft docking allow safe, reproducible results Reviewed by Brian Will, MD San Diego-Using a carefully designed technique involving modified laser settings, the 60-kHz femtosecond laser (IntraLase FS, Advanced Medical ...
Epi-LASIK, advanced surface ablation, wavefront-guided procedures on rise
Jul 15, 2007; ... 10th year ASCRS survey divulges practice patterns, use of newer techniques, technologies Reviewed by Ernest W. Kornmehl, MD San Diego-The 2006 American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) Refractive Surgery Survey has yielded some interesting results ...
Tracking eye movements important
Jul 15, 2007; ... LASIK 29% of eyes can rotate 5° or more when patients shift positions Reviewed by Barbara A.M. Lege, MD San Diego-Tracking of dynamic rotational eye movements during LASIK is especially important for obtaining good ablation results, considering that 29% of eyes can rotate ...
Trial aims to provide scientific basis for evaluating 'mixing, matching' of presbyopia-correcting IOLs
Jul 15, 2007; ... Prospective, randomized study Refractive lens associated with better intermediate vision; diffractive lens, better near vision Reviewed by Richard J. Mackool, MD San Diego-Prospective, randomized controlled trials are needed to determine the risks and benefits of "mixing ...
Post-LASIK corneal changes may affect enhancement
Jul 15, 2007; ... Epithelial hyperplasia Depending on the laser, patients might have less residual tissue than expected Reviewed by Ronald Krueger, MD San Diego - A femtosecond laser (IntraLase, Advanced Medical Optics) and microkeratome (M2, Moria) differ when it comes to changes in the ...
Offset system yields new approach to alignment control
Jul 15, 2007; ... Indicator for fixation Instrument allows detection and definition of line of sight and visual axis positions Reviewed by Ernest W. Kornmehl, MD San Diego - A new offset system for alignment control (Torsion Error Detection, Nidek) measures the distance between the line of ...
Microkeratome associated with low rate of complications, good UCVA
Jul 15, 2007; ... Flap creation Logistics, cost among benefits of using mechanical device, according to surgeon Reviewed by C. Joseph Anderson, MD San Diego - In eyes undergoing LASIK, use of one proprietary microkeratome (Zyoptix XP, Bausch & Lomb) yields a low rate of complications, ...
Online pachymetry, advanced eye-tracking improve LASIK
Jul 15, 2007; ... Clinical experience Study finds significantly better efficacy, safety for procedures using upgraded technology Reviewed by Barbara A.M. Lege, MD San Diego-Static eye-tracking, dynamic rotational eye-tracking (DRET), and online optical coherence pachymetry (OCP) all are ...
Technique enables excellent outcomes with dual accommodating IOL
Jul 15, 2007; ... Surgical delivery Results with novel implant can lead to high patient satisfaction Reviewed by Ricardo Alarcon, MD San Diego-Delivery of a dual accommodating IOL (Synchrony, Visiogen) is safe and easy to control, and with meticulous surgical technique, this novel implant ...
Iris registration considers pupil centroid shift, cyclotorsion
Jul 15, 2007; ... Refractive outcomes Ignoring pupil centroid shift may lead to suboptimal results in wavefront-driven refractive surgery San Diego-Iris registration with compensation for cyclorotation and centroid pupil shift seems to be essential for further improvement of refractive outcome and ...
Wavefront-optimized technique favored for hyperopic LASIK
Jul 15, 2007; ... Initial findings Prospective studies investigate outcomes with different laser platforms Reviewed by Jason E. Stahl, MD San Diego-Preliminary results from a randomized, prospective, single-center study demonstrate the efficacy and safety of hyperopic LASIK using either a ...
Mix and match technique results in good vision
Jul 15, 2007; ... Multifocal IOLs Combination of diffractive, refractive lenses also yields high patient satisfaction at all distances Reviewed by Matteo Piovella, MD San Diego-A custom mix-and-match technique in which a diffractive multifocal IOL (Tecnis, Advanced Medical Optics [AMO]) is ...
Reminder service helps improve contact lens compliance
Jul 15, 2007; ... In Brief Change management Jacksonville, FL-Vistakon has launched Acuminder, a free online service designed to help contact lens users comply with recommended schedules for changing their lenses, thereby enhancing eye health for the 38 million contact lens wearers in the United ...
Aspheric IOL shows night driving, contrast sensitivity benefits
Jul 15, 2007; ... Prospective study Reviewed by Robert P. Lehniann, MD San Diego-Results of a prospective, randomized, observer- and subject-masked,contralateral eye study demonstrate benefits of an aspheric lens (AcrySof IQ [SN60WF], Alcon Laboratories) compared with a spherical, single-piece ...
Corneal vertex centration a benefit for hyperopic LASIK
Jul 15, 2007; ... Prospective clinical trial Entrance pupil center also safe, but with more induction of coma-like aberrations, study finds Reviewed by Jorge L Alio, MD, PhD San Diego-Centration on the corneal vertex or entrance pupil center are both safe procedures for performing ...
Comparative studies document outstanding results with contemporary custom LASIK
Jul 15, 2007; ... Two platforms Both systems perform well; one delivers better contrast sensitivity under some conditions Reviewed by James P. McCulley, MD San Diego-A study comparing wavefront-guided LASIK for the treatment of myopia using two platforms (CustomCornea wit Ii the ...
Re-attachment of donor button after DSEK can be achieved with postop rebubbling
Jul 15, 2007; ... Retrospective study Optical coherence tomography helpful for determining cause of detachment Reviewed by Leejee Suh, MD San Diego-No surgical procedures are without the risk of complications. That said, the most frequently occurring complication following Descemet's ...
AR value to reach millions of airline passengers
Jul 15, 2007; ... In-flight movie Washington, DC-To help educate consumers on the importance of anti-reflective (AR) lenses, the Vision Council of America (VCA) AR Committee created an in-flight public service announcement (PSA) that will be used on US Airways flights. The 90-second message will run on ...
Health fair promotes eye health among Hispanics
Jul 15, 2007; ... Vive tu vida! Pinellas Park, FL-Reaching out at the grass roots level to help meet the eye health needs of Hispanic consumers, Transitions Optical Inc. and JCPenney Optical supported the National Alliance for Hispanic Health recently by providing complimentary vision screenings during ...
About Lighthouse International
Jul 15, 2007; ... Lighthouse International is a resource for information about the latest technologies that can be helpful for patients with low vision. Lighthouse also offers a wide range of adaptive, non-optical products ranging from large-print clocks and remote controls to talking watches and ...
Mixing presbyopic IOL technologies may provide benefits
Jul 15, 2007; ... Monocular, binocular outcomes Reviewed by Guy M. Kezirian, MD San Diego-Mixing multifocal IOL technologies may afford better visual acuity results than implantation of a single multifocal IOL model bilaterally, but implanting an accommodating IOL (crystalens, eyeonics) and a ...
Corneal template enables and enhances CK
Jul 15, 2007; ... Learning curve Device has potential to make procedure easier to learn for novice surgeons, one specialist says Reviewed by Marguerite B. McDonald, MD, FACS San Diego-Experience with a new corneal marking and positioning template (Opti-Point, Refractec) for conductive ...
Improving quality of life for low vision patients
Jul 15, 2007; ... High-tech help Using the right devices, patients can remain productive, safe, and independent As baby boomers age, millions of people are experiencing uncorrectable vision loss due to age-related diseases such as macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. That means ...
Adaptive devices can help patients with low vision
Jul 15, 2007; ... Many products are available to help patients with low vision remain safe, independent, and active at any stage of life. For example, optical devices such as hand magnifiers, stand magnifiers, and telescopes generally help ...