Ophthalmology Times back issues from September 2007:
Panel reaches consensus on IOP
Sep 01, 2007; ... Released at WGC Differences from prevailing opinion highlighted Reviewed by Robert N. Weinreb, MD Singapore-A group of leading authorities on IOP has issued a consensus document on the topic that aims to optimize care of patients with glaucoma. Conducted under the ...
Glaucoma-a diagnostic dilemma
Sep 01, 2007; ... Practicing in the borderland Share your professional expertise to engage patients when difficult decisions affect their lives One of the greatest challenges for ophthalmologists is deciding when a patient crosses the threshold from suspected glaucoma to having early glaucoma and ...
Look for clues that indicate cause of transient visual loss
Sep 01, 2007; ... Diagnosis Reviewed by Jonathan Trobe, MD Ann Arbor, MI-Transient monocular visual loss can result from systemic disease. Jonathan Trobe, MD, described simple steps for sorting the causes of transient monocular visual loss: * Abrupt onset. Visual loss can be described as ...
Epithelial ingrowth seen increasing in older population
Sep 01, 2007; ... Re-treatment problem Reviewed by Colin C.K. Chan, MD, FRANZCO ipu pithelial ingrowth, a common com:" plication after LASIK enhancement HH procedures, may be more frequent with increasing patient age and as hyperopic ablations are more common in older patients. This may explain ...
Travoprost 0.004% gets Japan's approval
Sep 01, 2007; ... In Brief Authorization Tokyo - Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare has approved travoprost ophthalmic solution 0.004% (Travatan Z) for the treatment of glaucoma and ocular hypertension. "Travoprost solution provides doctors with a new treatment option that may ...
Eye center opens in Indonesia
Sep 01, 2007; ... Blindness prevention Bandung, Indonesia - The first ophthalmology training center developed as part of an effort to eliminate preventable blindness in the world by 2020 has opened at Cicendo Hospital, Bandung, Indonesia. Michael Kaschke, MD, director of Carl Zeiss AG and chairman ...
Phase III trial to compare wet AMD drugs
Sep 01, 2007; ... Evaluation Tarrytown, NY - Regeneran Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Bayer HealthCare have initiated a phase III study of a fusion protein antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF Trap-Eye) in the neovascular form of agerelated macular degeneration (wet AMD). The study will compare ...
To the editor...
Sep 01, 2007; ... Fluctuations Dynamic IOP measurements track changes during phaco Congratulations to Abhay Vasavada, MS, FRCS, for his study showing that dynamic IOP measurements track changes during phaco {Ophthalmology Times, July 1, 2007, Pages 34 and 36). Our Houston-based research team found ...
FDA Briefs
Sep 01, 2007; ... Uveitis drug put on 'fast track' Jersey City, NJ-The FDA has again granted fast-track designation for Lux Biosciences Inc.'s LX211, a next-generation calcineuhn inhibitor designed to treat non-infectious posterior and intermediate uveitis and panuveitis. According to the company, ...
On the Fast Track
Sep 01, 2007; ... ASCRS honor Dr. Apple inducted into Ophthalmology Hall of Fame Salt Lake City-David J. Apple, MD, professor of ophthalmology and pathology, and director of the David J. Apple Center for Ocular Biodevices, at the John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, has ...
'Father of angiogenesis inhibitors' to address academy
Sep 01, 2007; ... Leading expert Dr. Folkman endured years of adversity yet forged ahead with determination What's New at the AAO When Judah Folkman, MD, first proposed the theory approximately 40 years ago that all cancer tumors are angiogenesis-dependent, people walked out of his ...
On being a beginner: When does the fear start to fade?
Sep 01, 2007; ... Providing patient care First-year resident finds a frustrating disconnect between expected performance and ability Life as a first-year ophthalmology resident is tough. Now don't take that the wrong way. I am not a complainer, I have no problem working long hours, and I do not ...
Ocular toxoplasmosis: Little is known, much less is true
Sep 01, 2007; ... Many misconceptions Majority of cases no longer thought to be congenital; treatment and understanding evolving Reviewed by Rubens Belfort, MD, PhD, MBA Baltimore-Many misconceptions exist about ocular toxoplasmosis, the most prevalent being that the majority of cases of ...
Prognosis not always bleak for young Chinese patients with OAG diagnosis
Sep 01, 2007; ... New findings Optic nerve damage might be related to myopia and may slow or stabilize over time Reviewed by Kuldev Singh, MD, MPH Stanford, CA-In a unique subgroup of young to middle-aged individuals of Chinese origin, a diagnosis of open-angle glaucoma (OAG) or suspected ...
Study explores mechanism of increased nocturnal IOP
Sep 01, 2007; ... Sleep changes Episcleral venous pressure most likely cause of change, although multiple factors may contribute Reviewed by Arthur J. Sit, MD Fort Lauderdale, FL-Recent research has indicated that IOP follows a circadian rhythm that includes a nocturnal increase, which ...
SOLX laser comparison clinical study to begin
Sep 01, 2007; ... Boston-SOLX, a division of OccuLogix Inc., has completed enrollment and is preparing to collect and analyze data in a 510(k) clinical trial comparing use of the company's 790-wavelength titanium sapphire laser (TiSaLT) with argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) for reduction of IOP. The company ...
Medication adherence difficult for many glaucoma patients
Sep 01, 2007; ... Glaucoma medication adherence Uncovering obstacles to compliance provides strategies for improvement Reviewed by Robert D. Fechtner, MD San Diego-Glaucoma patients often fail to follow their prescribed treatment regimens because of the many obstacles to glaucoma ...
Hyperemia is most common side effect of glaucoma therapy, interfering with adherence
Sep 01, 2007; ... Drug selection Ocular redness often leads patients to discontinue treatment, large retrospective analysis finds Reviewed by Thom J. Zimmerman, MD, PhD Fort Lauderdale, FL - Hyperemia is the dominant side effect in patients taking current glaucoma therapy and significantly ...
Calculator estimates risk of progressing from ocular hypertension to glaucoma
Sep 01, 2007; ... Reviewed by Michael Kass, MD St. Louis-A calculator to estimate the 5-year risk of developing primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) has been developed from predictive models derived from the pooled data of two landmark clinical trials. The S.T.A.R. II (Scoring Tool for Assessing Risk) ...
Fluctuating IOP, visual field deterioration linked
Sep 01, 2007; ... FROM STAFF REPORTS Seoul, Korea - Fluctuations in IOP may be associated with a decreasing peripheral field of vision in patients with glaucoma, even if IOP remains low overall, according to a report in the August issue of Archives of Ophthalmology (2007; 125:1010-1013). Samin ...
Educational program addresses nonadherence issues in glaucoma
Sep 01, 2007; ... Reviewed by David S. Friedman, MD, MPH, PhD, and Steven Hahn, MD As eye care professionals know, many glaucoma patients do not adhere fully to their treatment regimens. There is a clear need to identify effective ways to uncover nonadherence, given that patients are reluctant to reveal ...
SOLX update: training enrollment
Sep 01, 2007; ... FROM STAFF REPORTS Boston - SOLX is continuing to train ophthalmologists internationally to implant its gold micro shunt used to perform blebless glaucoma surgery. The biocompatible, 24-karat gold implant uses the eye's natural pressure differential between the anterior chamber and the ...
Risk calculators improve OH management
Sep 01, 2007; ... Clinical tools Reviewed by Michael V. Boland, MD, PhD Baltimore - Available risk calculators can help guide clinicians in their decisions about the management of ocular hypertension (OH), but the determination of whether to treat elevated IOP still must be individualized, said ...
Micropulse laser trabeculoplasty seems to reduce IOP associated with OAG
Sep 01, 2007; ... Pilot study Pressure had not responded previously to medical therapy Reviewed by Antonio Fea, MD, PhD Singapore-Micropulse laser trabeculoplasty (MLT) seems to be effective in reducing IOP that previously could not be controlled medically in eyes with open-angle glaucoma ...
Fixed-combination solution reduces IOP at all time points
Sep 01, 2007; ... Useful agents Dorzolamide/timolol shows greater decrease than timolol alone for around-the-clock control Reviewed by Robert M. Feldman, MD Fort Lauderdale, FL-Application of the fixed combination 2% dorzolamide hydrochloride/0.5% timolol maleate ophthalmic solution ...
Outcomes favorable for pars plana insertion of glaucoma drainage implant in eyes with penetrating keratoplasty
Sep 01, 2007; ... Retrospective study IOP control, graft survival rates comparable with GDI placed in anterior chamber Reviewed by Matthew Witmer, MD Fort Lauderdale, FL-Glaucoma drainage implant (GDI) placement through the pars plana (PP) appears to be an effective method for controlling ...
SLT seems to affect untreated eyes of patients with open-angle disease
Sep 01, 2007; ... Chart review Systemic effect lowers IOP in fellow eye following surgery Reviewed by Rebecca Weinstein, MD Fort Lauderdale, FL-Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) seems to exert a systemic ef- fect that results in the lowering of IOP in the untreated fellow eyes of ...
Explaining benefits enhances acceptance of therapy
Sep 01, 2007; ... Counseling intervention Adherence to IOP-lowering regimen potentially could be increased as well, according to researchers Reviewed by Steven M. Silverstein, MD Fort Lauderdale, FL-Thorough patient education about anticipated side effects and benefits of treatment can ...
High success rate seen with glaucoma device at 1 year
Sep 01, 2007; ... Miniature shunt Valve implanted under partial-thickness scleral flap in patients with elevated IOP Reviewed by Elliott M. Kanner, MD, PhD Fort Lauderdale, FL-A proprietary miniature glaucoma device (Ex-PRESS, Optonol Ltd.) implanted under a partial-thickness scleral flap ...
Who will dominate structural analysis of glaucoma?
Sep 01, 2007; ... Clinical devices Comparison of three technologies yields one answer: choose what's best for you Reviewed by Richard K. Parrish II, MD Los Cabos, Mexico-Three widely available clinical devices are in a "horse race" to become the premiere instrument for conducting ...
Brimonidine/timolol fixed combination fares well
Sep 01, 2007; ... Comparison study Efficacy, tolerability found better than dorzolamide/timolol; may aid in therapy adherence Reviewed by Donald R. Nixon, MD Singapore - In a pooled data set, the fixed combination of 0.2% brimonidine/0.5% timolol (Combigan, Allergan) showed greater ...
ECP/phaco provides multiple benefits for cataract surgery patients with OAG
Sep 01, 2007; ... Practice pearl Treatment is becoming popular for decreasing IOP, reducing or eliminating topical medications Special to Ophthalmology Times The treatment armamentarium for open-angle glaucoma (OAG) offers physicians many methods of therapy. Endoscopic ...
Travoprost with less toxic preservative causes less ocular surface toxicity
Sep 01, 2007; ... 'New wave' in glaucoma therapy Ionic-buffered preservation may help eliminate side effects resulting from drugs containing BAK Reviewed by Penny Asbell, MD, MBA, FACS Fort Lauderdale, FL - An anti-glaucomatous medication formulated with a less toxic preservation causes ...
Novel administration of anecortave acetate sustains lower IOP
Sep 01, 2007; ... New frontier? Anterior juxtascleral depot in sub-Tenon's space effective in significant number of patients with OAG Reviewed by Alan L. Robin, MD Singapore-A novel route of administration of anecortave acetate suspension (Retaane, Alcon Laboratories) by anterior ...
Canaloplasty shows favorable outcomes in patients with OAG
Sep 01, 2007; ... Interim analysis Procedure effectively lowers IOP, with low risk of complications Reviewed by Richard A. Lewis, MD Sacramento, CA-Canaloplasty is a safe and effective method for lowering IOP in patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG), according to results from an interim ...
Adjunctive brimonidine results in greater IOP lowering
Sep 01, 2007; ... Prospective study Study finds lower mean peak IOP, greater IOP reduction at peak effect than with dorzolamide Reviewed by Thomas K. Mundorf, MD Fort Lauderdale, FL-Results of a prospective, randomized, investigator-masked trial comparing brimonidine 0.15% containing an ...
Glaucoma valve implantation viable method for IOP control in PKP eyes
Sep 01, 2007; ... Retrospective review At mean follow-up of 32 months following procedure, overall surgical success rate was 65% Reviewed by Arun Lakshmanan, MD Fort Lauderdale, FL-Implantation of a proprietary glaucoma valve (Ahmed Glaucoma Valve, New World Medical) is an effective method ...
Phacotrabeculectomy: One site or two? It depends
Sep 01, 2007; ... Prospective comparison Study finds no difference in IOP at 24 months, but one-site procedure has some advantages Reviewed by Yvonne M. Buys, MD, FRCSC Fort Lauderdale, FL-A prospective, randomized comparison of one-site versus two-site phacotrabeculectomy found no ...
Optic neuropathy may be drug-related, physician says
Sep 01, 2007; ... Caution Condition awareness an important factor for adequate patient counseling Reviewed by Vivian Rismondo-Stankovich, MD Baltimore-Ophthalmologists need to be aware that certain medications are associated with the development of ischemic optic neuropathy, said Vivian ...
Elevation topography can be a helpful screening tool before refractive surgery
Sep 01, 2007; ... Ectasia avoidance Reviewed by Michael W. Belin, MD Cancún, Mexico-Elevation topography can be a useful tool in screening patients for LASIK surgery to lessen the chance of developing ectasia, said Michael W. Belin, MD, at the 27th PanAmerican Congress of Ophthalmology. "A ...
Patient selection, technique critical to phakic IOL success
Sep 01, 2007; ... Myopic correction Sophisticated imaging technology can help both pre- and postoperatively in these cases Reviewed by Lucio Buratto, MD Milan-Phakic IOLs available in the United States for the treatment of myopia can provide excellent vision outcomes, but careful attention ...
Implementing an acquired 401(k)
Sep 01, 2007; ... Beneficiary aid Several options are available, but be sure to make an informed decision Money Matters Q I was just named the beneficiary of a 401 (k). Please explain what options I have. A Now that you have inherited a 401(k) plan account, you have four basic ...
Take your practice from the Temple of Doom to the Holy Grail
Sep 01, 2007; ... Quest for the best How to create a high-performance culture in your practice New York, NY-Years ago, ophthalmology practices were simple. Staffs were small, accounts receivable was not part of the business, and health insurance was nonexistent. Physicians only needed to ...
Smooth sailing
Sep 01, 2007; ... Skating on black ice For most of us, clear, black ice and a steady breeze exist in less than desirable conditions. For Christopher R. Croasdale, MD, these factors create a rare opportunity for great ice boating. Dr. Croasdale, a cornea specialist with Dean Health Systems in ...
Bausch & Lomb, Alcon settle suit over staining chart
Sep 15, 2007; ... Conflict resolution Suit dismissed with prejudice, without payment of damages from parties Bausch & Lomb has settled a lawsuit with Alcon Inc. after the latter company agreed to alter its promotional use of a controversial conical staining grid. (see Ophthalmology Times, July ...
Study: older children more likely to develop strabismus, amblyopia
Sep 15, 2007; ... MEPEDS Reviewed by Rohit Varma, MD, MPH Fort Lauderdale, FL-No difference exists regarding the prevalence of amblyopia and strabismus in a population of Hispanic and African-American preschool children, and the prevalence of the two pathologies increases with age, according to ...
Researchers make great strides under Artificial Retina Project
Sep 15, 2007; ... Advances in nano-ophthalmology The notion of an artificial retina that would bring the gift of sight to individuals whose retinas have been destroyed or damaged through trauma or disease seems so outlandish that, until recently, it was hard to believe that such whimsy might be taken ...
DSEK upsurge likely due to high satisfaction, good visual results
Sep 15, 2007; ... Procedures up Reviewed by Francis Price, MD San Diego-Descemet's stripping endotheliai keratoplasty (DSEK) has changed the landscape in cornea surgery. Compared with patients undergoing standard penetrating keratoplasty (PKP), DSEK patients have a much easier time postoperatively ...
Don't forget to wash your hands
Sep 15, 2007; ... One approach MRSA infections increasing: What to do? "We are well on the way towards getting rid of the harmful bacteria and viruses causing disease, and it is probable that most of those we suffer from will be merely historical curiosities in the next century." -James ...
Allergan Horizon Grant applications due
Sep 15, 2007; ... In Brief Sept. 28 deadline Irvine, CA-Sept. 28 is the deadline for receipt of applications to the Allergan Inc. Horizon Grant program. The program provides funding to support fellows conducting clinical research related to the diagnosis or pharmacologie treatment of ...
CMS: Tamper-resistant prescription pads a must
Sep 15, 2007; ... Effective Oct. 1 Baltimore-Beginning Oct. 1, all physicians must use tamper-resistant prescription pads tor the non-electronic prescriptions they write for patients receiving Medicaid assistance for outpatient care. The recent Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) ...
Azithromycin launches in United States
Sep 15, 2007; ... Bacterial conjunctivitis Durham, NC-Inspire Pharmaceuticals has launched the 1% azithromycin ophthalmic solution (AzaSite) developed by InSite Vision Inc. for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis in the United States. Administered via InSite's patented drug-delivery vehicle ...
Enrollment under way for study of FA insert
Sep 15, 2007; ... Diabetic macular edema Atlanta-Enrollment has begun for the first human pharmacokinetic (PK) study of fluocinolone acetonidc (FA) delivered via a proprietary intravitreal insert (Medidur) to treat diabetic macular edema (DME), according to Alimera Sciences and pSivida Ltd. The ...
Staining patterns vital to early dry eye diagnosis
Sep 15, 2007; ... Lissamine green Dallas-A few properly placed drops of lissamine green can reveal staining patterns that are key to diagnosing dry-eye syndrome earlier than possible with other methods, according to new research from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. "What this ...
DOD opens refractive surgery center in Texas
Sep 15, 2007; ... State-of-the-art facility San Antonio, TX-The first Department of Defense (DOD) Joint Warfighter Refractive Surgery Center opened Aug. 23 at Wilford Hall Medical Center (59th Medical Wing), Lackland Air Force Base. "Every year, the U.S. Air Force spends billions of dollars ...
On the Fast Track
Sep 15, 2007; ... FROM STAFF REPORTS Clinical operations Chaney joins EyeGate's board of directors Waltham, MA-EyeGate Pharma, a privately held, specialty pharmaceutical company pioneering the use of non-invasive iontophoresis technology to deliver therapeutics for ocular indications, has ...
What's in the pipeline for dry eye and ocular allergy?
Sep 15, 2007; ... Pharmaceutical development New therapeutics focus on causes, prevention Dry eye and ocular allergy are bothersome to patients and present challenges to clinicians who, until recently, had limited treatment options that were typically directed at alleviating symptoms. Now, ...
Accommodating IOL enhances near vision, according to phase III trial
Sep 15, 2007; ... Interim results Lens provides good distance UCVA, too, along with favorable safety profile Reviewed by Paul J. Dougherty, MD San Diego-Interim results from a phase III study evaluating an accommodating !OL (Tetraflex KH-3500, Lenstec) for pscudophakic correction after ...
FDA gives fast-track status to uveitis treatment
Sep 15, 2007; ... FROM STAFF REPORTS Jersey City, NJ-Lux Biosciences Inc. has been granted FDA fast-track designation for its next-generation calcineurin inhibitor (LX211 ), intended to treat several ophthalmic diseases, under section 506 of the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The decision ...
Novel topical compound removes heavy metals intraocularly
Sep 15, 2007; ... Versatile applications Agent being studied for treating cataract, band keratopathy, asteroid hyalosis, IOL calcifications Reviewed by Randall J. Olson, MD San Diego-Initial results of preclinical and clinical studies suggest that an investigational compound able to remove ...
Keratoconus a 'two-hit' phenomenon, studies suggest
Sep 15, 2007; ... Solving a mystery Genetic predisposition, propelled by external factors, leads to cornea damage Reviewed by Mark J. Mannis, MD Sacramento, CA-Keratoconus appears to he a "two-hit" phenomenon, a genetic predisposition propelled by external factors to result in damage to ...
Malignant lesions of conjunctiva require appropriate management
Sep 15, 2007; ... Approaches Find out when to follow, when to treat the most common ocular malignancies Reviewed by Nicholas Iliff, MD Baltimore-Appropriate management of malignant lesions of the conjunctiva requires detailed knowledge of the appearance and nature of the lesions. Nicholas ...
Insights Into Ambulatory Surgery Centers: Business Models and Revenue Enhancement: Part 1 of a 2-part Series
Sep 15, 2007; ... Participants Kenneth V. Cahill, MD The Eye Center of Columbus, LLC Columbus, Ohio Mark Lomeo, MD The Eye Center of Columbus, LLC Columbus, Ohio Molly Saddler, Clinical Director The Eye Center of Columbus, LLC Columhus, ...
Nepafenac facilitates re-epithelialization and early pain reduction following PRK
Sep 15, 2007; ... Postop therapy Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory shows advantages in three-drug comparison Reviewed by John E. Sutphin Jr., MD San Diego-Nepafenac ophthalmic suspension 0.1% (Nevanac, Alcon Laboratories), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) administered three times ...
Topical moxifloxacin efficacious in preventing endophthalmitis after intravitreal injection
Sep 15, 2007; ... Preclinical model Clinical signs of condition did not develop in treated animals but occurred in 60% of controls Reviewed by Regis P. Kowalski, MS, [M]ASCP Fort Lauderdale, FL-Results of testing in an animal mode! demonstrated that topical moxifloxacin 0.5% ophthalmic ...