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Lasers can reduce retinal thickening
Among diabetic macular oedema (DME) patients, those with diffuse retinal thickening (DRT) experience greater reductions in retinal thickening after undergoing focal laser photocoagulation when compared with either cystoid macular oedema (CME) or vitreomacular interface abnormalities (VMIA) patients, according to a study published online ahead of print by the British Journal of Ophthalmology. 

Clinicians should consider switching glaucoma medication within the same class
It is essential that clinicians familiarize themselves with the full spectrum of glaucoma medication available, concludes a study published in the March 2009 issue of Current Opinion in Ophthalmology. 

Glaucoma and mortality link remains unknown
Although there appears to be a relationship between open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and cardiovascular disease, its nature remains unknown, reported a study published online ahead of print by Eye. 

Peribulbar anaesthesia controls intravitreal injection-related pain
Peribulbar anaesthesia is the most effective way to control injection-related pain resulting from intravitreal delivery of bevacizumab, according to a study published in the January/February issue of Clinical Science. 

New fast test to diagnose bacterial endophthalmitis
A newly-developed fast real-t PCR (f-real-t PCR) test is an effective and much more rapid way to diagnose bacterial endophthalmitis (BE), concluded a study published online ahead of print by the British Journal of Ophthalmology. 

Confirming SAP results with further test is the best way to diagnose VF abnormalities
It is best to confirm visual field (VF) abnormality as shown by Standard Automated Perimetry (SAP) with either a further SAP test or a Short-Wavelength Automated Perimetry (SWAP) test, concluded a study published in the March 2009 issue of Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science. 

News in brief…

The European Glaucoma Society has established GlaucoGENE, the world’s first glaucoma-specific multicentre bio-bank. The project is intended to provide detailed phenotype information on the condition, identifying the genetic basis for common glaucomas.

Researchers at the University of Manchester, UK have found that, with the Oculus Pentacam, measurement confidence limits increase towards the peripheral cornea, and the device can provide repeatable measurements when measured within a few seconds, at one hour and at one week.

A study published in Optometry and Vision Science has shown that pre-existing anxiety about ophthalmic examinations results in lower patient satisfaction after the examination or procedure; reassuring patients prior to examination may increase subsequent patient satisfaction.

Columbia University researchers have shown that, rather than the typical disease pathology, caused by a single mutation of the ABCA4 gene, a combination of genetic mutations make it possible for Stargardt disease to present with peripapillary atrophy, although this is rare.

Compared with spectacles, contact lenses are more effective in children for boosting self-esteem as well as self-perception of social acceptance, academic performance and athletic ability, the Adolescent and Child Health Initiative to Encourage Vision Empowerment (ACHIEVE) Study has concluded.

SynergEyes, Inc has launched sharingonevision.com, a patient education website about its hybrid contact lenses for keratoconus.

Mitochondria may be an appropriate target for glaucoma treatment, concluded researchers at the University of Melbourne, Australia, after finding that dysfunction of the mitochondria associated with increasing age may reduce the amount of energy available to retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), which could make RGCs more vulnerable to apoptosis and damage from glaucoma.

Research conducted at the Magrabi Eye Hospital, Cairo, Egypt, showed that, compared with the traditional evisceration technique, motility enhancing fornix sutures provide greater predictability and motility of non-coupled ocular prostheses after undergoing scleral overlapping evisceration with a transequatorial release incision.

According to a study in the European Journal of Ophthalmology, unexplained retinal haemorrhages, even with no further systemic indications, may be a symptom of undiagnosed hairy cell leukaemia (HCL), although this presentation is rare.

Bausch & Lomb has launched a multimedia initiative to educate presbyopia patients about the condition, and to advocate the lifestyle benefits of multifocal contact lenses compared with spectacles. Further information for patients can be found at www.goodbyereaders.com.

When treating glaucoma secondary to trauma, it is advisable to use IOP-reducing medication as soon as possible and to use surgery only when medication has proved ineffective or severe complications arise, claimed a study in the March issue of the European Journal of Ophthalmology.

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