3/9/2010
Optometry bill continues to stir debate
The second Senate bill to prompt a public hearing in the House in the last three days is SB230. It would allow optometrists to do limited laser surgery. Full Story
3/8/2010
Leading Experts Spotlight “A Day in the Life With Glaucoma” to Demonstrate the Growing Impact of Glaucoma on Society
During World Glaucoma Week (March 7-13), leading glaucoma experts are joining forces to increase awareness of the consequences of diminished vision as a result of glaucoma and its impact on the daily lives of patients. Full Story
3/7/2010
LC Industries donates $12 million to Duke Eye Center
A Durham-based nonprofit that employs blind and visually impaired people to manufacture and sell mattresses, military supplies and other products has donated $12 million to help build a new Duke Eye Center. Full Story
3/7/2010
The 7 habits of Highly Effective People in Ophthalmology and Optometry
3/4/2010
HRT, Alcohol Consumption Increases Postmenopausal Women’s Cataract Risk
Intriguing findings on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and cataract risk are reported in the March issue of the journal Ophthalmology.
An 8-year prospective study of more than 30,000 postmenopausal Swedish women found that those who were using or had used HRT had significantly higher rates of cataract removal, compared with women who had never used HRT. Alcohol consumption seemed to increase HRT’s harmful effect. Full Story
3/3/2010
University of Louisville ophthalmology department gets $100,000 grant
The University of Louisville’s Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences has been awarded a $100,000 grant from Research to Prevent Blindness, a New York City-based nonprofit that supports research aimed at preventing, treating or eliminating diseases that threaten vision. Full Story
3/2/2010
Successful cataract surgery in pseudoexfoliation eyes hinges on planning, technique
Frequent examination, careful planning and proper surgical technique are critical to safe, successful cataract surgery in pseudoexfoliation eyes. Reay H. Brown, MD, offered pearls for performing cataract surgery in noncompromised pseudoexfoliation eyes at the joint meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology. Full Story
2/28/2010
$132 million tower boosts capacity for University of Michigan’s Kellogg Eye Center by 50%
It’s a visual the University of Michigan’s eye doctors have been waiting years to see. Their new facility – a $132 million, 8-story, 230,000-square-foot research and clinical structure on Wall Street in Ann Arbor – will welcome patients Monday. Full Story
2/26/2010
Optegra launches AMD home test technology
A new home-testing kit to diagnose AMD has been launched by Optegra Eyecare, enabling men and women in the UK to identify their own personal risk factor of contracting AMD. Full Story
2/24/2010
Academy Provides Membership To Haitian Ophthalmologists To Help Rebuild Eye Care
In light of the recent tragedy in Haiti, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (Academy) has granted complimentary membership for 2010 and 2011 for all Haitian ophthalmologists. Full Story
2/22/2010
The Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s Museum of Vision Celebrates 30 Years of Preserving Ophthalmic Heritage
Founded in 1980, the Museum of Vision, an educational program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (FAAO) has worked to preserve and promote ophthalmic heritage. In honor of its 30th anniversary, the award-winning museum has launched a new web site, www.museumofvision.org. Full Story
2/21/2010
Green Tea May Ward Off Eye Disease
Substances found in green tea work their way into the tissues of the eye and could protect against common eye diseases like glaucoma, researchers say. Full Story
2/19/2010
Alcon’s independent directors fight back Novartis control
Novartis plans to assume complete control over Alcon Laboratories Inc. in a two-step process that some analysts and some members of Alcon’s board of directors are challenging for its fairness under Swiss and US merger laws. The deal, announced on January 4th, begins with Novartis exercising its option to purchase Nestle’s 52% share of Alcon for $28 billion, giving Novartis 77% majority ownership of the largest eye-care company in the United States. Full Story
2/18/2010
VEGF Trap-Eye Shows Positive Results in a Phase 2 Study in Patients With Diabetic Macular Edema
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: REGN) and Bayer HealthCare AG today announced that VEGF Trap-Eye showed positive results in a Phase 2 study in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME). The primary endpoint of the study, a statistically significant improvement in visual acuity over 24 weeks compared to the standard of care in DME, macular laser therapy, was met. Visual acuity improvement was measured by the mean number of letters gained over the initial 24 weeks of the study. Full Story
2/16/2010
Telemedicine System Expected to Relieve Shortage of Eye Doctors
Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the University of Yamanashi and the Information Technology Center of the University of Tokyo conducted a field test of an ophthalmology telemedicine system developed by the University of Yamanashi. Full Story
2/15/2010
Your practice manager: controlling too much?
You have a practice manager so you don’t have to deal with paperwork, collections, insurance forms and staffing by yourself. You just want to practice medicine and hand off the rest to someone you trust. That seemed to be working well—until a crisis hit. Full Story
2/12/10
Do E-Readers Cause Eye Strain?
The admonition offered by legions of mothers — “Don’t sit so close to the TV” — isn’t really an option when it comes to e-reading devices. You have to get close to the screen to use it. Amazon.com’s Kindle with a black-and-white E Ink screen.The act of reading is going through a number of radical transitions, but perhaps none is more fundamental than the shift from reading on paper to reading on screens. As consumers decide whether to make this jump and which technology to use, one key question is how reading on a screen affects the eyes. Full Story
2/10/10
Glaucoma Medications May Lower Death Rate, Study Reveals
More than 21,000 Americans participated in a four-year study examining the relationship between glaucoma medications and lower death rates. The study, published in the journal Archives of Ophthalmology, states that all glaucoma medications, regardless of type, appear to increase the survival rate of patients with glaucoma, a progressive eye disease that may lead to vision loss. Full Story
2/6/2010
Drugs May Be Beneficial in Age-Related Macular Degeneration
In patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration, intravitreal bevacizumab or ranibizumab may help stabilize the loss of visual acuity, according to a study in the February issue of Ophthalmology. Full Story
2/4/2010
Patient complains of acute unilateral photopsias and metamorphopsia
A 53-year-old woman presented to her optometrist with complaints of decreased visual acuity, photopsias and metamorphopsia in her left eye for 2 days and was referred to our eye clinic for ophthalmic consultation. Full Story
2/3/2010
Best Ophthalmology Hospitals from US News & World Report
These hospitals had the highest recommendations from specialists in Ophthalmology for challenging cases and procedures. Use the expanded search to locate services related to this specialty at more than 5,000 U.S. hospitals. Full Story
2/2/2010
Ophthalmic Women Leaders (OWL) Names Pamela Gleeson, CFO Of Santen Inc., as 2010 President
Ophthalmic Women Leaders (OWL) has appointed Pamela Gleeson, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Santen Inc., as its 2010 president. Full Story
2/1/2010
Kaiser Study Compares Two AMD Treatments
A Kaiser Permanente Southern California study compared two very similar medications– ranibizumab and bevacizumab–used to treat “wet” AMD and found the two equally effective at halting vision loss. Because many Americans will soon be 65 or older and AMD incidence rises sharply with age, the disease is becoming an urgent concern for the healthcare system. Full Story
1/28/2010
Blind for 20 years, implant partially restores sight
By implanting an experimental electronic eye device, the sight of a woman previously blind from retinal disease was partially restored. The woman is able to see light and make out figures for the first time in 20 years, explained lead researcher Lucian V. Del Priore, MD, PhD, an Attending Surgeon at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and a Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. Full Story
1/27/2010
UV-blocking contacts protect against sun damage
UV-blocking contact lenses can reduce or eliminate the effects of the sun’s harmful UV radiation, according to a new study. Full Story
1/26/2010
Bifocals Beat Regular Lenses in Slowing Myopia in Children
Bifocals worked better than single-vision glasses to slow nearsightedness in children whose sight was deteriorating most rapidly, according to a study in the Archives of Ophthalmology. Researchers randomly assigned 153 of these children, ages 8 to 13, to wear either single-vision glasses, standard bifocals or so-called prismatic bifocals for two years. Though the eyesight of children in each group worsened throughout the study, children who wore standard bifocals required one-third less subsequent correction than children who wore single-vision glasses. Children who wore the prismatic bifocals, which permit the wearer to adjust the focus of the near-viewing lens, fared even better, requiring about one-half as much subsequent correction as children who wore single-vision lenses. Though the precise reason why bifocals slow the progress of myopia is unclear, they may work by reducing eyestrain, which contributes to nearsightedness. Full Story
1/24/2010
Possible New Heritable Marker For Retinoblastoma: Findings May Suggest New Targets And Treatments For Childhood Cancer
Retinoblastoma is a pediatric eye cancer initiated by the loss or mutation of both copies of the retinoblastoma gene. Current evidence suggests that additional genetic alterations are required for retinoblastoma to become fully malignant. Full Story
1/22/2010
Alcon Outrage at Novartis’ Bullying
Far from achieving “clarity” in its Alcon takeover by bidding for the minority shareholders’ 23% stake as well as buying up Nestlé’s majority ownership, Novartis has apparently whipped up a storm of anger among Alcon’s independent directors and shareholders. That may turn into a legal battle unless the Swiss group ups its offer. Full Story
1/21/2010
Technology evolving toward solution for continuous IOP monitoring
Technology is being rapidly developed to enable IOP monitoring outside of the clinic, but no technology currently available is ideal, according to one speaker here. Full Story
1/20/2010
Bifocals may slow kids’ nearsightedness progression
A prescription for bifocals may help children with rapidly worsening nearsightedness maintain better vision, a new study suggests. Full Story
1/19/2010
Results show cataract surgery alone best option for combined glaucoma and cataract cases
For the general ophthalmologist, the best option for combined glaucoma and cataract patients is cataract surgery alone, a speaker here said. Full Story
1/18/2010
Hawaiian Eye Foundation honors two ophthalmologists for service to the profession
The first day of Hawaiian Eye 2010 got under way with a series of presentations from noted ophthalmologists on what inspired their career choice and what continues to motivate their lives. Full Story
1/11/10Cornea cell density predictive of graft failure at 6 months post-transplant
Cornea donor study investigator group finds preoperative cell density not a factor in success. Full Story
1/10/10Results from a highly preliminary ophthalmologist study reveal signposts for career, life happiness
What makes a merely good ophthalmic practice great? This is the second column in a three-part series exploring the determinants of eye surgeon happiness and satisfaction. Full Story
1/8/2010Understand the 2010 changes in current procedural terminology (CPT)
The American Medical Association (AMA) changes in Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) coding from year to year can have an enormous affect on any practice—some more than others, depending on the specialty and the coding changes specific to that specialty. Combine that reality with significant changes in reimbursement from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the uncertainty of what will be contained in the final national healthcare package and this year may go on record as one of the most stressful in recent history in terms of medical coding. Full Story
1/7/2010American Academy Of Ophthalmology Announces Results For 2010 Board Of Trustees Positions
The American Academy of Ophthalmology (Academy) announced today its new members for the Board of Trustees, whose terms began Jan. 1, 2010. Full Story
1/6/2010Room for improvement in glaucoma diagnosis
Diagnosing patients with glaucoma could be made more accurate through the use of common imaging devices when assessing patients, claims a new study. Full Story
1/4/2010Novartis Plans Full Takeover of Alcon for $39.3B
Novartis is proposing a complete purchase of eyecare company Alcon at some $39.3 billion. This excludes the $10.4 billion Novartis spent in April 2008 to purchase a 25% stake in Alcon from Nestlé. Full Story
1/2/2010Smoking, leading cause of blindness
Smoking not only places individuals at an increased risk of various health conditions but also increases the pace of age-related macular degeneration. Macular degeneration, also known as age-related macular degeneration is a chronic eye disease and the leading cause of blindness among the elderly. Full Story
12/30/2009In Myopia, a Surgical Revolution
When ophthalmologist James Salz, MD, first saw Nancy, severe myopia left her completely reliant on glasses and contacts. Without them, the Los Angeles city employee and mother of two had vision so poor (-10 D) that she couldn’t even recognize her children. Full Story
12/28/2009OSN Technology and Equipment Workshop presentation: TrueVision 3-D imaging system
John A. Hovanesian, MD: We’re going to switch gears a little bit now to not so much what comes up through the oculars of the microscope, but what the microscope outputs. The next frontier in microscope surgery is the view that the surgeon actually gets, not just how it’s lighted but what we see. I am a consultant to a number of different companies, but I have no financial interest in the topic of this presentation. Full Story
12/26/2009Woman presents with scotoma after recent viral illness
A 39-year-old woman was referred to the retina service at the New England Eye Center for evaluation of decreased vision. The patient noted a “gray spot” in her left eye for 1 week and was beginning to experience similar spots in her right eye for 2 days before presentation. Full Story
12/22/2009Clinical Trial Examines Drug’s Potential for Protecting the Optic Nerve
Acute optic neuritis, an inflammation of the optic nerve, doesn’t occur all that often. But for those who experience it, the vision loss, pain and nerve damage that often result are no small matter. A clinical trial is investigating whether or not a drug currently used to treat multiple sclerosis may protect the nerve from damage due to optic neuritis. Full Story
12/21/2009Zinc may ward off viruses but there are dangers
With at least two flus and plenty of colds, coughs and sore throats circulating this season, some Americans are turning to zinc to ward off viruses. Lozenges, supplements and nasal sprays that contain the mineral claim to boost immunity, and there is some evidence that they might do so. In an effort to stay well, though, we might be making ourselves sick. Consistently taking excessive amounts of zinc, according to early evidence, could lead to learning and memory problems, nerve damage, urinary tract problems and other negative effects. Full Story
12/20/2009Bright lights, big problems
Whenever Malcolm Brown, 22, of West Donegal Township, drives home from Drexel University at night, he encounters the same dazzling lights. They peep in and out of the slots in median guardrails. They roll their little bluish-white eyes along the tops of cement barriers. They sneak up behind him and bounce off his rearview mirror, making him wince. Full Story
12/18/2009BTG Grants Allergan Rights to Gel-Based Drug-Delivery Technology for Use in Ocular Disease Treatment
BTG granted Allergan an exclusive, worldwide license to its ReGel® drug-delivery system for ophthalmology indications. The product is a thermosetting gel that solidifies when injected into the body and has been deisgned to provide high local concentrations of a drug for a sustained period, BTG explains. Full Story
12/17/2009America’s vision problem: 42 pct are nearsighted
Some people just can’t see the forest for the trees. A growing numbers can’t even see the trees. Survey and diagnostic data published this week in the Archives of Ophthalmology indicate that the overall rate of nearsightedness among Americans increased from 25 percent in 1970-1971 to 41.6 percent for the years between 1999 and 2004. Full Story
12/16/2009Career in Eye Care Practical Compared to Rising Tuition Costs
According to “Measuring Up 2008: The National Report Card on Higher Education” by the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education, “increases in college tuition have outpaced price increases in other sectors of the economy.”¹ Since 1982, the national price of college has risen nearly 450% in current dollar prices. The deterioration of college affordability is forcing students and future professionals to get smarter about the educational and training pathways they choose. The burden of long-term loans make employment as an eye care professional a quick and an inexpensive alternative route to career success. Full Story
12/15/2009Molecular Partners Raises Almost $45M to Support Phase II Trials in Ophthalmology
Germany-based Molecular Partners raised CHF 46 million (about $44.24 million) in a Series B equity investment round. The company aims to use the new funds to progress its lead VEGF antagonist, MP0112, into Phase II studies in two separate ophthalmology indications. The financing will also be used to support development of its preclinical pipeline of DARPin candidates. Full Story
12/14/2009Six steps will minimise risk from trial lenses
Revised guidance on the decontamination of trial contact lenses and other contact devices has been released by the Department of Health’s (DoH) Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens (ACDP). Full Story
12/12/2009Scientists discover new inherited eye disease
Scientists at the University of Iowa have found a new inherited eye disease that affects the macula, which is part of the retina. Full Story
12/10/2009Successful stem cell therapy for treatment of eye disease
Newcastle, United Kingdom, December, 2009 – Newly published research, by investigators, at the North East England Stem Cell Institute (NESCI) in the journal Stem Cells reported the first successful treatment of eight patients with “Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency” (LSCD) using the patients’ own stem cells without the need of suppressing their immunity. LSCD is a painful, blinding disease that requires long-term, costly treatment with frequent clinic visits and intensive hospital admissions. The vision loss due to LSCD makes this disease not only costly, but often requires social support due to the enormous impact on patient’s quality of life. This is further magnified by the fact that LSCD mostly affects young patients. Full Story
12/8/2009Ophthalmology residents underestimate impact of low vision on quality-of-life
Ophthalmology residents tended to underestimate the influence of visual impairment on overall quality-of-life, according to a study. “They can gain a better appreciation of such an impact by using low-vision simulators during daily activities,” the authors said. The study included 29 ophthalmology residents. Four types of low-vision simulators were used: central loss, peripheral loss, hemianopia and overall blur. The residents wore the simulators while executing daily activities included in the Visual Function-14 (VF-14) questionnaire. Full Story
12/7/2009Revolutionary Method for Eyesight Correction While the Patient Sleeps
Dr. Jeffrey Michelman, Doctor of Optometry at Invision Optometric Center announces a safe, revolutionary method of eyesight improvement, Overnight Vision Correction (OVC) also known as Orthokeratology (Ortho-K). OVC treatment involves reshaping the eyes cornea without surgery or eye discomfort, using specialized contact lenses to gently correct vision while the patient sleeps. When the lenses are removed in the morning, clear vision is retained all day without the aid of glasses or contacts. Full Story
12/1/2009Ophthalmic Imaging Systems Receives FDA Clearance to Market Revolutionary New Portable Digital Imaging Device
Ophthalmic Imaging Systems (“OIS” or “the Company”) (OTCBB: OISI), a leading digital imaging and informatics company, today announced that its revolutionary new portable imaging device, the OIS EyeScan, has received 510(k) market clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Full Story
11/27/2009Job Crunch Even Harder On People With Disabilities
As large numbers of Americans deal with losing jobs, the unemployment rates are even higher among certain groups, including men, minorities — and also people with disabilities (including the sight impaired). Full Story
11/26/2009Progress on pills for age-related blindness
Until now there has been no treatment for many causes of age-related blindness, but a team of researchers led by a doctor at the University of Utah are one step closer to developing a pill to combat such diseases, according to Deseret News. Full Story
11/25/2009Ophthalmic, orthopedic specialties had high numbers of adverse events, study finds
Ophthalmic and orthopedic surgeries had the highest numbers of adverse reported events in operating rooms at Veterans Health Administration medical centers during a 5-year period, while ophthalmology and invasive radiology were the specialties reporting the highest total numbers of adverse events in that time span, a study found. Full Story
11/24/2009Eye-tech INJURY: Is your computer damaging your eyes?
After a day at the office, Charlene Simchuk’s red eyes well up with tears.The Winnipeg financial analyst often has to explain to her co-workers that she has not been crying—something they assume, especially after she uses her eye drops. When she tells them that her computer is the cause of her irritation, many can relate; they have the same symptoms. “By the end of the day my eyes are so fried. They are painful, red itchy, watery. Gritty almost,” says Simchuk, 45. Full Story
11/23/2009PIMS Launches Ophthalmology Allscripts Professional EHR Webinar Demonstration on Its Website
PIMS announces a new ASP model that will host Allscripts Ophthalmology EHR Pro and Practice Management Software. Ophthalmology content is now available for Allscripts Professional EHR and PIMS can help physicians in implementing EHR in their Ophthalmology practice. Full Story
11/18/2009Surgical Mistakes Continue Despite VA Initiative
Despite a concerted effort to reduce them, surgical mistakes, particularly errors in communication, continue to occur in the operating room and elsewhere in hospitals, a Veterans Health Administration study found. Full Story
11/16/2009Finding a protective mechanism for retinal cells could save sight
Determining what triggers the death of retinal cells, called photoreceptors, could hold the key to stopping blinding disorders caused by a wide range of eye diseases, Yale School of Medicine researchers report in the November journal Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. Full Story
11/12/2009Gene therapy improves vision
German scientist Paul Ehrlich popularized the phrase “magic bullet” in the late 19th century upon developing the world’s first effective treatment of syphilis. Now for the first time, the most promising magic bullet yet—gene therapy—has been shown to safely improve vision in children and adults with rare retinal diseases that cause blindness. Full Story
11/11/2009JCAHPO/ATPO Pocket Guide Launches for Eye Care Professionals
In October, The Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO), and the Association of Technical Personnel in Ophthalmology (ATPO) proudly launched a new tool for ophthalmic professionals: The JCAHPO/ATPO Pocket Guide: A Clinical Skills and Reference Guide for the Ophthalmic Technician. Full Story
11/10/2009Dutch glasses could offer vision to one billion people
The idea has been around for a while but the model from Frederik van Asbeck offers something extra: “adjustable glasses.” Glasses that people can adjust according to their own eyes. By turning small wheels found on the side of the frame the user is able to change the strength of the glasses. Full Story
11/10/2009Laser eye surgery doesn’t damage corneas, study suggests
While many people have undergone various vision-correction procedures in which laser light is used to reshape the cornea, there has been some people in and out of the medical profession who have worried the operations were causing damage that would eventually become apparent. Full Story
11/9/2009Santen CEO named to research foundation
The Glaucoma Research Foundation announced that Adrienne L. Graves, Ph.D., has been appointed to its board of directors. Full Story
11/7/2009New Way To Attack Inflammation In Graves’ Eye Disease
A small group of patients with severe Graves’ eye disease experienced rapid improvement of their symptoms, and improved vision, following treatment with the drug rituximab. Inflammation around their eyes and damage to the optic nerve were significantly reduced. The same patients had not previously responded to steroids, a common treatment for Graves’ eye disease. Full Story
11/4/2009Topcon introduces image management, sharing software
Topcon Medical Systems Inc. introduceda new image management and sharing software suite (EyeRoute) at the recent American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting. One new module(EyeRoute Mobile iPhone) includes a mobile phone application designed to enable physicians—via a secure, protected interface from any 3‐G compatible proprietary phone (iPhone, Apple)—to access images and reports stored in the system. The application’s touch screenis designed to offer multiple review formats of patient data and images, to which notes or audible dictation can be securely added. Full Story
11/2/2009Giving Sight by Therapy With Genes
By the time Corey Haas was 7, the retinal disease he was born with had already stolen much of his vision. “He always clung to me or my wife,” said Corey’s father, Ethan Haas. Full Story
10/30/2009Strong International Presence And High Attendance Mark American Academy Of Ophthalmology Joint Meeting
Turnout was strong for the largest and most comprehensive ophthalmic educational meeting in the world, the 2009 American Academy of Ophthalmology (Academy)-Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology (PAAO) Joint Meeting, held in San Francisco Oct. 25 to Oct. 27. Preliminary figures for attendance at the meeting were approximately 25,000, a 17 percent increase over 2008. More than 6,000 international physicians attended the meeting, an increase of 50 percent compared to 2008. Preliminary figures for attendance at the Subspecialty Day events Oct. 23 and 24 also showed a strong increase, totaling more than 7,100, a 37 percent rise over the previous year. Full Story
10/29/2009AAO hosts the world premiere of Charles Kelman television documentary
The organization that once ostracized Charles D. Kelman, MD, more than 30 years ago honored him by screening the world premiere of the PBS documentary “Through My Eyes: The Dr. Charles D. Kelman Story.” Full Story
10/28/2009AAO: CMS Rescinds Pay Cut for Eye Drug
The recent cut in Medicare reimbursement for intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) will be reversed on Jan. 1, 2010, CMS announced today. Full Story
10/27/2009Treating indigent glaucoma patients is financially difficult but necessary, clinician says
Alternative ways of caring for indigent glaucoma patients are needed to reduce financial burden on practices from delayed payments and lack of payment from noninsured patients, Jacob Wilensky, MD, said here. Full Story
10/26/2009AAO calls on members to participate in health care reform conversation
While the Academy of Ophthalmology remains committed to physician education and advocacy programs, the pending health care reform efforts now taking place are the predominant issue affecting ophthalmologists, the Academy’s Executive Vice President said. Full Story
10/26/2009Children & kids contact lenses news
A teenager has described his satisfaction with the new reshaping contact lenses he is trying. Full Story
10/24/2009Ophthalmology Innovation Summit puts small companies in the spotlight
The first Ophthalmology Innovation Summit was held here prior to the start of the American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting and served as a forum for small companies to showcase new innovations before investors and key industry leaders. Full Story
10/21/2009Can We ‘Learn To See?’: Study Shows Perception Of Invisible Stimuli Improves With Training
Although we assume we can see everything in our field of vision, the brain actually picks and chooses the stimuli that come into our consciousness. A new study in the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology’s Journal of Vision reveals that our brains can be trained to consciously see stimuli that would normally be invisible. Full Story
10/20/2009Smokers are at a higher risk of going blind
The next time you cannot resist that uncontrollable urge to light up, consider this: On top of a host of life-threatening conditions such as lung cancer and heart disease, smoking can also blind you. Full Story
10/19/2009Lux Biosciences Completes $50 Million Series B Financing
Lux Biosciences, Inc., a privately held biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of therapies for serious ophthalmic diseases, today announced that the company has closed a $50 million Series B venture financing. Full Story
10/19/2009Eye M.D.s Partner to Promote Vision Screening Requirements
The American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus AAPOS) are stepping up their campaign to protect children’s eye health by calling for states to adopt legislation or strengthen statutes mandating vision screenings. Since this effort began in 2000, 11 states have enacted Pre-K vision screening requirements. Full Story
10/15/2009More Infants Surviving Pre-term Births Results In Higher Rates Of Eye Problems
As more extremely pre-term infants survive in Sweden, an increasing number of babies are experiencing vision problems caused by abnormalities involving the retina, according to a report in the October issue of Archives of Ophthalmology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. Full Story
10/13/2009Early AMD May Increase Heart Disease Risk in Older Adults
Older adults with early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) may be at higher risk of coronary heart disease, according to the Cardiovascular Health Study published in the October issue of Ophthalmology. Full Story
10/12/2009Visual Impairment May Affect Mortality Risk in Elders
Visual impairment that cannot be corrected increases the odds of mortality in older adults, especially among those younger than 75, according to a study published in the October issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology. Full Story
10/10/2009Young woman has 10-day history of flashes in the left eye
A 24-year-old Caucasian woman presented with a 10-day history of intermittent flashing lights and a dark spot in the temporal aspect of her left eye. There was no associated pain, headache, floaters, shadows or recent viral illness. She had no significant ocular history or medical history, had no known drug allergies and was on no medications. Full Story
10/8/2009Two-thirds of world’s blind are women: Study
Two-thirds of blind people worldwide are women and girls, and the gender bias has resulted in men and boys having twice the access to eye-care, says an international agency in a report to mark the “World Sight Day” Thursday. Full Story
10/7/2009SurModics, Inc. (SRDX) Signs Agreement With Genentech and Roche
SurModics, Inc. announced yesterday that it has signed an exclusive agreement with the Roche Group and Genentech for the licensing of its proprietary drug delivery system. This agreement will also establish a development process whereby a new, sustained-delivery formulation for the highly successful Lucentis® (ranibizumab) injection will be commercialized and brought to market using SurModics’ technology, logistics and expertise. Full Story
10/5/2009Researchers Discover Novel Circulation In Human Eye, New Glaucoma Treatment Target
Researchers at the University of Toronto, St. Michael’s Hospital and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre have discovered a previously unidentified form of circulation within the human eye which may provide important new insights into glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness. Full Story
10/1/2009Sanofi-aventis to acquire FOVEA Pharmaceuticals, a French biopharmaceutical ophthalmology company
Sanofi-aventis (EURONEXT:SAN and NYSE: SNY) announced today that it has signed a binding agreement for the acquisition of Fovea Pharmaceuticals SA. (“Fovea”) a privately held French research and development biopharmaceutical company, focused on ocular diseases. Full Story
9/29/2009NAACP Passes Resolution on Optometric Vision Therapy
A routine visit to the eye doctor resulted in a national resolution that was passed by the NAACP at its 100th Anniversary Convention held in New York City, endorsing optometric vision therapy as a way to help some prisoners become productive members of society. Full Story
9/28/2009Shedding Light on Laser Laws
We heard from a number of readers who wanted to set the record straight about state regulations governing who can utilize lasers. Full Story
9/25/2009Is there a role for silicone oil in the repair of macular hole?
I do not think there is any question that gas is more effective than silicone oil at achieving macular hole closure. Notably, Lai and colleagues reported in Ophthalmology in 2003 a 65% macular hole closure rate after surgery with silicone oil compared with a 91% rate with gas tamponade. Gas accomplishes its intended purposes and is easily absorbed without the need for a second surgery, which is another drawback of silicone oil. Full Story
9/22/2009Researchers Identify Gene Variant Linked to Glaucoma
An international team, led by researchers from the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and the National Eye Institute, has discovered gene variants for glaucoma in a black population. The finding could lead to future treatments or a cure for this disease, which leads to blindness in two million Americans each year. Full Story
9/21/2009Reportlinker Adds The Ophthalmic Pharmaceutical Market Outlook To 2014
Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue. Reportlinker Adds The Ophthalmic Pharmaceutical Market Outlook To 2014: Competitive landscape, pipeline analysis, growth opportunities and market forecasts. Full Story
9/18/2009Monkeys` colour blindness cured
Two monkeys have had their colour blindness corrected in gene therapy. Research led by University of Washington ophthalmology professor Jay Neitz, which was published in the journal Nature, used a “Trojan horse” technique. Full Story
9/17/2009FDA says Allergan left out or minimized Latisse risks and side effects on Web site
The Food and Drug Administration has warned Allergan Inc. that the Web site for its eyelash thickener Latisse is misleading because it avoids or downplays risks associated with the product. Full Story
9/16/2009Dr. Travis Meredith is new AUPO president
Travis Meredith, MD, has been elected as the new president of the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology (AUPO), which is composed of department chairmen, residency directors, and research directors of ophthalmology departments in the United States and Canada, according to a prepared statement. Full Story
9/15/2009Allergan Pays Pieris $10M Up Front to Exploit Anticalin Technology in Ophthalmology
Allergan is paying Pieris $10 million up front as part of a collaboration focused on exploiting the latter’s Anticalin technology for the development of treatments for serious ocular disorders. Full Story
9/14/2009Alcon to buy Swiss biotech firm EsbaTech
Alcon, the Huenenberg, Switzerland, eye-care-products specialist, definitively agreed to acquire EsbaTech AG, the closely held Zürich clinical-stage biotech company, for $150 million cash plus as much as $439 million of additional payments based on milestones. EsbaTech is developing a pipeline of ophthalmic therapeutics for topical and local delivery, Alcon said in a statement late on Sunday. Full Story
9/13/2009Special technique effectively treats difficult traumatic cataracts in children, with long-lasting results
BARCELONA — A special technique for treating traumatic cataract in young eyes, shifting the IOL optic behind the posterior capsule, is showing rewarding long-term results, according to a speaker here. Full Story
9/11/09Just 10 Minutes of Exercise Could Help Prevent Vision Loss from Glaucoma
A statistically significant decrease was found in IOP during jogging. The aerobic exercise reduces the IOP in those eyes where a b-blocker, a prostaglandin analogue or an α-agonist was previously instilled. The IOP is also decreased in glaucoma patients who are already under antiglaucoma treatment. Full Story
9/9/09Double Vision Possible Fluoroquinolone Side Effect
Fluoroquinolones, a class of antibiotics that includes Levaquin and Cipro, may cause double vision in some patients, according to a new study. The study appears in the September issue of Ophthalmology. Full Story
9/8/2009ISTA Pharmaceuticals’ Bepreve™ Receives FDA Approval
ISTA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Bepreve™ (bepotastine besilate ophthalmic solution) 1.5% as a twice-daily prescription eye drop treatment for ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis in patients two years of age and older. Full Story
9/6/2009Kids With Contact Lenses Like Their Looks Better Than Kids With Glasses
Children wearing contact lenses felt better about how they look, their athletic abilities and acceptance by their friends than did children wearing eyeglasses in a recent study. Full Story
9/5/2009TARGETING THE BACK-TO-SCHOOL PATIENT
It’s that time of year when your younger patients come into your office looking for new eyewear to go with their new back-to-school outfits. To help you reach out to them, look at some of the following innovative ways to work with these mini-consumers—and their parents! Full Story
9/2/2009ISTA to seek bromfenac label change
ISTA Pharmaceuticals plans to ask the FDA to approve a change to the label of its bromfenac 0.09% ophthalmic solution after obtaining positive preliminary phase III results in a confirmatory clinical study of once-daily bromfenac (Xibrom QD) for the treatment of inflammation and pain after cataract surgery. The topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compound currently is labeled for twice-daily use beginning 24 hours after such surgeries. Full Story
9/1/2009Could long-term effects of cross-linkage be a concern and a potential source of problems?
Reversible cross-linking methods are needed. Full Story
8/31/2009New Vision Device Passes Virtual Collision Test for People with Tunnel Vision
A high-tech device that expands the visual field of patients with tunnel vision has passed a collision test in a walking simulator, according to scientists at Schepens Eye Research Institute, in a study published in the September issue of Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science. Full Story
8/27/2009Keeping Your Practice Healthy In A Sick Economy
The recession has struck like a tsunami, sweeping everything before it: practice revenues, retirement plans, new equipment purchases, staffing levels, vacations and more. It’s resulted in lost income, shaky practices, uncertain futures and patients left more vulnerable due to missed appointments and unfilled prescriptions. With this series, ModernMedicine.com takes a look at how the recession has affected healthcare and physicians. It includes not only an overview of the impact, but steps physicians and their practices can take to make sure they stay healthy and vital. Full Story
8/24/2009Khorram article on cataract surgery published
Dr. David Khorram’s expertise in the field of cataract surgery has been recognized with the publication of an article he authored. The article, “Phacoemulsification of the White Cataract” was published in the magazine, Ophthalmology Management, which is received by 20,000 ophthalmologists in the United States and internationally. Full Story
8/21/2009Down’s patients show need for regular tests
The European Council of Optometry and Optics (ECOO) has called for Down’s syndrome patients to have regular eye examinations after research found significant differences from the norm in the structure of the eye in Down’s. Full Story
8/17/2009Scrubbing In: Blind man teaches others how to thrive with a loss
As summer sends Philadelphians to the Shore, an influx of new denizens is populating the city: medical school graduates. Now called residents, these newly minted doctors are just reaching the most intensive part of their training. Full Story
8/16/2009Is Marketing Expense Wasteful?
In the health care debate, many have noted the high level of administration expense, as there’s the idea that without marketing expense, public healthcare will be cheaper. Is that true? Full Story
8/14/2009Study reveals scope for eye care growth
Nearly half (44 per cent) of participants in a global eye health survey said that if they could see well, they believed their eyes were healthy. Most also said they valued their sight as the most important of their five senses. Full Story
8/13/2009Bascom Palmer veteran Dr. Eduardo Alfonso leading institute as it steps up research, plans expansion and firms up top ranking
After spending the majority of his career at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and as a professor at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine, Eduardo Alfonso was selected to serve as the institute’s fifth chairman since its 1962 opening. Full Story
8/11/2009Seven Traits Predict Risk of Ocular Melanoma
Seven traits of benign choroidal nevi identify lesions most likely to undergo malignant transformation, according to an analysis of data on more than 2,500 eyes. Full Story
8/10/2009Revascularization by anastomotic decompression improves retinal vein occlusion
Novel venous drainage is established through induction of multiple retinochoroidal venous anastomoses in the posterior periphery. Full Story
8/8/2009“ObamaCare and me” by Zane F. Pollard, Atlanta based Pediatric Ophthalmologist
I have been sitting quietly on the sidelines watching all of this national debate on healthcare. It is time for me to bring some clarity to the table by explaining many of the problems from the perspective of a doctor. Full Story
8/6/2009Glaucoma Symptoms Halted With Eye Drops, Study
A team of scientists from Italy found that eye drops containing nerve growth factor appeared to protect the optic nerve and retinal nerve cells from the damage caused by glaucoma and even restored some sight loss. Full Story
8/6/2009Sanofi-Aventis could increase ophthalmology footprint with Allergan seen as strong candidate
As Sanofi-Aventis (NYSE:SNY) narrows its selection of acquisition targets, ophthalmology buys are counted as an add-on that could reap synergies for the company, a source familiar with the situation told Pharmawire. Products that aid ailments in the eye, ear and even for balding/hair loss are considered high on the list of targets, the source said, with Allergan (NYSE:AGN) thought to be a strong contender. Full Story
8/5/2009Central Serous Chorioretinopathy Resulting in Altered Vision and Color Perception After Glenohumeral Corticosteroid Injection
Complications from shoulder corticosteroid injections are uncommon. This article presents a case of altered color perception and visual disturbances in a 29-year-old male active duty Navy SEAL following an intra-articular glenohumeral corticosteroid injection, previously unreported in the orthopedic literature. Full Story
8/4/2009Ophthalmology residency program receives top accreditation
The San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium Ophthalmology Residency Program at Wilford Hall Medical Center here has obtained the highest level of accreditation. Full Story
8/3/2009Tiny Cup Attached to Eye Improves Drug Delivery for Retinal Diseases
A new drug delivery system that uses a tiny silicone cup filled with any drug and sealed to the outer surface (episclera) of the eyeball may offer a more effective method for the sustained delivery of medicines for retinal and vitreous diseases, according to a new report by A. Linn Murphree, M.D, director of the Retinoblastoma Program in The Vision Center at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. Dr. Murphree is also Professor of Ophthalmology and Pediatrics at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California and attending physician at the Doheny Eye Institute. Full Story
8/2/2009Diabetes fourth largest cause of deaths in world
While revealing that diabetes has already become the fourth largest cause of deaths from diseases in the world, Dr Sunil Sah, secretary, VEBS said one out of every five Indian was expected to become diabetic by the year 2025. “Diabetes affects eyes and people with family history of the disease need to be extra careful,” he added. He also explained about the technique of phacoemulsification in diabetic cataract surgery. Full Story
7/31/2009Cancer Treatment Controls Macular Edema Related to Diabetes and to Cataract Surgery
This month’s “Ophthalmology,” the journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, reports on use of bevacizumab Avastin), to benefit diabetic patients with macular edema as well as people who develop cystoid macular edema after cataract surgery. Bevacizumab is also used to treat some cancers. Another study describes methods that could make cataract surgery safer for diabetic retinopathy (DR) patients. DR is the major threat to vision in working-age people, a problem that will only intensify if cases triple by 2050 as predicted. Full Story
7/28/2009Mass. Eye and Ear nets $126 million from patent judgment
After a nine-year legal battle, the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary has received a patent-dispute payment that amounts to more than half its annual patient revenue, the hospital announced today. The money will fund new research and educational programs. Full Story
7/28/2009Minor strokes may worsen vision in glaucoma patients
Glaucoma patients are likely to lose more of their vision if they suffer minor strokes, a three-year study in Hong Kong has found. Full Story
7/28/2009Learning disabilities not caused by vision problems, according to research
No scientific evidence supports the view that subtle eye or visual problems cause learning disabilities, according to a revised policy statement on learning disabilities, dyslexia, and vision issued by the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). Full Story
7/24/2009Computer vision syndrome in many computer users
Approximately 90 million people are estimated to be using computers worldwide. Following such widespread use of computers, concerns have been raised about various health problems being reported by computer users. The most common symptoms reported following repeated and prolonged computer usage are visual symptoms, including eye strain, tired eyes, irritation, burning, redness, blurred vision and double vision. These complaints have been grouped together to form a syndrome known as the computer vision syndrome (CVS). Full Story
7/23/2009Beta-Blockers Tied to Higher Cataract Risk
Australian researchers are reporting a possible link between widely used beta-blocker drugs and an increased risk of cataracts. Full Story
7/21/2009Rwanda: Country to Have Eye Bank Soon
It will be ground breaking as Rwanda is set to host the first state-of-the-art regional optical centre for research and eye banking which will also ease treatment hassles for eye patients. Full Story
7/21/2009Contact lens gradually dispenses medication to the eye
(Nanowerk News) Taking eye drops multiple times a day can be difficult for patients to do, and because of blinking and tearing, as little as 1 to 7 percent of the dose is actually absorbed by the eye. Now, researchers led by Daniel Kohane, MD, PhD, director of the Laboratory for Biomaterials and Drug Delivery at Children’s Hospital Boston, have developed special contact lenses that can gradually dispense a constant amount of medication to the eye, at adjustable rates. They describe their prototype lens in the July issue of Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science (“A Drug-Eluting Contact Lens”). Full Story
7/17/2009Protect children’s eyes during summer fun in Utah sun
Most parents remember to apply sunscreen on their kids before sending them outdoors or into swimming pools on hot, summer days. Full Story
7/15/2009Fewer Medicare Dollars for More Glaucoma Surgeries
The number of glaucoma surgeries is on the rise, but Medicare reimbursement for the procedures has been decreasing, researchers found. Full Story
7/13/2009New Implantable Lens Corrects Nearsightedness
A new type of implantable contact lens may offer an alternative to glasses or regular contacts for people with moderate to severe nearsightedness (myopia).The first long-term study of the implantable lenses made of a collagen-like polymer substance shows they were safe and effective at correcting myopia in the majority of recipients for up to four years. Full Story
7/9/2009Viability of ophthalmic electronic medical records hinges on interoperability
Advocates hope that electronic medical records become synonymous with health care efficiency, safety, improved patient care and reduced costs. However, questions remain regarding issues such as universal standards, security and systems that are specifically geared toward ophthalmology practices. Full Story
7/8/2009American Optometric Association Supports New Federal Health Report Findings: Vision Screening Methods for Seniors are Lacking
Millions of at-risk Americans better served with comprehensive eye exams to diagnose and prevent growing number of eye diseases and disorders. Full Story
7/6/2009Major Breakthrough in Eye Ailment by Ambati Lab
A team of researchers led by Dr. Jayakrishna Ambati at the University of Kentucky has discovered a biological marker for neovascular age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in older adults. Full Story
7/2/2009On the Lookout for Inexpensive Eyeglasses
Perhaps the designer look is prized by some style-conscious folks seeking a new set of spectacles. But what if you just want a spare pair of glasses on the cheap? Full Story
7/1/2009A clinical role for canaloplasty is established by ‘good long-term data’
Procedure achieves lower IOP, better safety results compared with trabeculectomy, says physician. Full Story
7/1/2009Analysis: Profession must revise provision of care
Efficiency. Productivity. Industrializat