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| Kaiser study results on ranibizumab and bevacizumab
| A Kaiser Permanents Southern California study published in this month?s Ophthalmology, the journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, compares ranibizumab (Lucentis) and bevacizumab (Avastin) and found them to be equally effective in halting vision loss. | | | First ever sham-controlled study of radiation therapy for wet AMD initiated by Oraya Therapeutics
| | )? Oraya Therapeutics, Inc., announced today that enrollment is now underway for the first ever masked and sham-controlled study to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of radiation therapy for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The groundbreaking clinical trial is being conducted at seven European sites, and will include a minimum of 150 patients, with approximately one third of those receiving a sham exposure and the remainder receiving radiation dosing of either 16 or 24 Gray (GY). | | | Visudyne evaluation indicates positive results
| | Positive twelve-month primary analysis results from the Phase II RADICAL study (Reduced Fluence Visudyne Anti-VEGF-Dexamethasone In Combination for AMD Lesions) in patients with wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) have been announced by QLT Inc. | | | Gene genie collaboration
| | A new collaboration between Oxford BioMedica and Sanofi-Aventis is to develop and commercialise gene therapy treatments for retinal degenerative diseases such as Stargardt disease, the form of early-onset macular degeneration and Usher syndrome, a relatively rare genetic disease where sufferers are born deaf and lose vision within the first 10 years of life. | | | The IOL-VIP system: restoring sight to AMD patients
| | Dr José Luis Menezo looks at improving the visual acuity of patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) using an IOL-Vip system. | | | Treating wet AMD with radiation
| | A single procedure may be as effective as repeated anti-VEGF injections claims Timothy L. Jackson. | | | Eye drops: a breakthrough in dry AMD treatment?
| | Paul Sternberg assesses the new approaches and exciting pipeline of potential dry AMD treatments. | | | Retina 2007
| | Take a look at what happened in the Retina field in 2007 and what exciting developments are round the corner in 2008. | | | Experience with Avastin in a UK clinic
| | A UK team reports how they achieved significant reductions in macular thickness by using intravitreal bevacizumab. | |  MORE ARTICLES
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| First ever sham-controlled study of radiation therapy for wet AMD initiated by Oraya Therapeutics
| | )? Oraya Therapeutics, Inc., announced today that enrollment is now underway for the first ever masked and sham-controlled study to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of radiation therapy for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The groundbreaking clinical trial is being conducted at seven European sites, and will include a minimum of 150 patients, with approximately one third of those receiving a sham exposure and the remainder receiving radiation dosing of either 16 or 24 Gray (GY). | | | Cancer drug no different in effectiveness as gold standard treatment for macular degeneration
| | Investigators from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) and the VA Boston Healthcare System have shown, at 6 months in a small group of patients, that there is no difference in efficacy between Bevacizumab (Avastin) and Ranibizumab (Lucentis) for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). | | | Early AMD associated with coronary heart disease
| | The results of a study published in the July issue of Ophthalmology has discovered that people in the early stages of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are at a higher risk of developing coronary heart disease (CHD), offering further support to the theory that AMD is associated with underlying systemic vascular disease. | | | AMD prediction a step closer using nature or nuture variables
| | Prevalence and incidence of advanced AMD can be catergorized as 'nature' or 'nurture' using a prediction model, based on genetic, environmental and demographic variables. | | | Question mark over Novartis combination therapy
| | The twelve-month primary analysis results from the Novartis sponsored Phase II MONT BLANC study investigating the efficacy and safety of combining Visudyne (Novartis Pharma AG) and Lucentis (Novartis Pharma AG, Genentech Inc.) have been released and so far are showing no significant differences. | | | Dr Ambati wins 2010 ARVO award
| | Dr Jayakrishna Ambati, professor and vice chairman of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Kentucky, has been chosen to receive the 2010 Cogan Award from The Association for Research in Vision and Opthalmology (ARVO). | | | AMD biological marker discovered
| | A biological marker for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has been discovered by a team of researchers from the University of Kentucky. | | | Visudyne evaluation indicates positive results
| | Positive twelve-month primary analysis results from the Phase II RADICAL study (Reduced Fluence Visudyne Anti-VEGF-Dexamethasone In Combination for AMD Lesions) in patients with wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) have been announced by QLT Inc. | | | Vitamin supplement to afford long-term benefit for AMD?
| | Patients suffering from AMD have experienced long-term benefits from using the Macular Health vitamin supplement following the second phase of the Multifocal Electroretinogram (MERG) study at the Callahan Eye Foundation Hospital at the University of Alabama Birmingham (US). | | | MORE ARTICLES
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| Eyes on Oman
| More than 150 participants from 27 countries attended this year's SCHWIND User Meeting in Muscat, Oman. | | | Local anaesthesia for cataract surgery
| | A comparative evaluation of local anaesthesia for cataract surgery, published in The Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery says that randomized clinical trials are needed to facilitate statistical methods of metaanalysis to establish convincingly the overall benefits and efficacy of the various local anesthesia procedures in cataract surgery. | | | Schwind PresbyMAX treats presbyopia with excimer surgery
| | Schwind unveiled its PresbyMAX software module at ESCRS, a presbyopia solution for its AMARIS system. According to Schwind, the software makes it possible, for the first time, to treat emmetropic as well as myopic, hyperopic and astigmatic patients whose accommodative response is limited. | | | Technique intra-operative findings and postoperative regimen
| | Technique intra-operative findings and postoperative regimen | |
| New approach to presbyopia treament
| | This is the first ESCRS congress for 9-month old company, Technolas, which was formed out of a joint venture between Bausch and Lomb's refractive surgery unit and 20/10 Perfect Vision. The new business was founded to innovate in excimer and femtosecond laser technologies, focusing primarily on the correction of presbyopia. | | | Cataract surgery in patients with pre-existing AMD: Risks and Benefits
| | Cataract surgery in patients with pre-existing AMD: Risks and Benefits | | | Breakthrough micro-lens treatment for presbyopia
| The Flexivue System, a breakthrough implantable micro-lens treatment for presbyopia from Presbia Coöperatief was unveiled at the show and it is keenly anticipated that it will be in clinical trials in several European countries by the end of the year. | | | Toric IOL enhances refractive outcomes
| Rayner, the world's first IOL manufacturer, unveiled a dynamic new brand identity at ESCRS and held a seminar today to highlight the success doctors are having with its range of toric IOLs. Headlined A Roadmap to Success the seminar featured presentations from seven European doctors relating their experiences of using Rayner's toric IOLs. | | | Combined cataract and vitreoretinal surgery
| | Combind cataract and vitreoretinal surgery | | | MORE ARTICLES
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| Local anaesthesia for cataract surgery
| | A comparative evaluation of local anaesthesia for cataract surgery, published in The Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery says that randomized clinical trials are needed to facilitate statistical methods of metaanalysis to establish convincingly the overall benefits and efficacy of the various local anesthesia procedures in cataract surgery. | | | Researchers uncover genetic link to age-related cataracts
| | Researchers in Cleveland have discovered the first gene associated with the formation of age-related cataracts. EphA2 encodes an enzyme that plays a role in the repair of proteins in the lens of the eye after they become damaged and clump together, according to the investigators. | | | Clinical trials show promise to help mydriasis during cataract surgery
| | Results from the Omeros Corporation for the Phase I/Phase II clinical trial of OMS302, a proprietary combination of an anti-inflammatory agent and an agent that causes pupil dilation (mydriasis) are said to be promising. | | | Ketolorac tromethamine should be available in September
| | Allergan Inc. expects its ketorolac tromethamine ophthalmic solution 0.45% (Acuvail) to be available in the United States in September. The preservative-free formulation of ketorolac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is indicated for the treatment of pain and inflammation after cataract surgery and received FDA approval at the end of July, the company announced. | | | Post cataract surgery pain treatment gets thumbs up
| | ACUVAIL (Allergan), the ketorolac tromethamine ophthalmic solution, which acts as a treatment for inflammation and pain after cataract surgery has been approved by the FDA. | | | Phacoemulsification fluidics characterized by new lab methods
| | Implementation of novel techniques to analyze the fluidic signature of phacoemulsification performed using different ultrasound modalities and phaco tips is providing important insights that will be helpful for improving the efficiency and safety of lens removal surgery. | | | Cataract surgery pipeline
| | The cataract surgery technology landscape including pipeline products at varying development stages comes under scrutiny in a new report released this month. | |
| IOL receives further $40 million investment
| | Visiogen is reporting significant progress in the development of the Synchrony IOL, including the completion of the US phase III study, the formation of Visiogen Europe GmbH and the commencement of commercialization in Europe. | | | Managing post-PRK discomfort
| | When treating post-phacorefractive keratectomy (PRK) discomfort, there are no significant differences in either safety or efficacy between bromfenac twice-daily and ketorolac four times daily, according to a study published in the February issue of the Journal of Refractive Surgery. | | | MORE ARTICLES
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| Out with the old and in with the new
| | A comparison of an older nanoliter osometer and a newer osometer shows that both devices are effective in measuring tear osmolarity and produce comparable measurements. | | | Cyclosporine helps revent progression of dry eye
| | A recent study showed that moderate to sever dr eye disease can be best treated with anti-inflammatory medications such as topical cyclosporine. According to one ophthalmologist, cyclosporine can significantly limit progression of dry eye disease and should be considered a 'go-to' therapy for this patient population. | | | Intraductal meibomian gland probing reduces inflammation
| | A new technique of intraductal meibomian gland probing using disposable cannulas of various lengths appears highly effective in providing quick and lasting relief from inflammatory sysmptoms of obstructive meibomian gland disease. | | | Insert improves symptoms and quality of life for patients with dry eye
| | The use of hydroxypropyl cellulose can significantly improve the symptoms of dry eye, resulting in increased quality of life. | | | New options in treating lid wiper epitheliopathy
| | An oil-in-water and a corticosteroid were both effective in eliminating the signs and symptoms of lid wiper epitheliopathy after a 1-month active treatment phase in a recent study. Improvement was effectively maintained with the emollient eye drops in all patients over a 12-month period. | | | Severe trachomatous dry eye treatment
| | Dr Mustafa Guzey and colleagues have found topical cyclosporine A to be effective in treating severe trachomatous dry eye in a recent study published in Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology. | | | High viscosity eye drop improves T-BUT in VDT users
| | High molecular weight increases blink rate and helps eye drops retain moisture on the ocular surface according to Professor Giancarlo Montani an optometrist FIACLE and a professor of optometry at the Universita del Salento in Italy. | | | Regimen change cuts eye drops use in half
| | Nerve damage associated ocular dryness improved dramatically with hyaluronic acid-based lubricating eye drops explains Claes Feinbaum M.Sc. Professor Emeritus Optometry, Vision4You, Lund, Sweden. | | | Non invasive ocular drug delivery trial promising for dry eye
| | In a dry eye Phase II clinical trial EyeGate Pharma reports that EGP-437, a corticosteroid solution administered by a non-invasive ocular drug delivery system, improved signs and symptoms in patients with dry eye syndrome (DES). | | | MORE ARTICLES
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| It's all changing at Zeiss
| | Recent acquisitions, division restructuring, and management changes prove that Carl Zeiss Meditec is very much committed to change. Ophthalmology Times Europe spoke with CEO, Dr Michael Kaschke about the challenges that he faces in an ever evolving market. | | | Femtosecond to fully replace microkeratome
| | The age of microkeratomes is coming to an end as femtosecond lasers come of age. That's the chief conclusion drawn by Dr Gunther Grabner, professor of ophthalmology at the Paracelsus University of Salzburg, in a survey on the advantages and limitations of femtosecond lasers. | | | Seiler vs Holladay: the presbyopia debate
| | The search for a presbyopic treatment that is universally effective and universally applicable is viewed in the industry and the profession as the holy grail because of the number of people in the presbyopic age group today. | | | Femtosecond gets thumbs up from Pallikaris
| | Femtosecond lasers provide a safe and effective way to create corneal flaps and tunnels, explained Professor Ionannis Pallikaris. | | | Dry eye diagnostic coming to a clinic near you
| | OcuSense, makers of the innovative TearLab Osmolarity System for the diagnosis of dry eye, announced the signing of multi-year agreements with four distributors in five EU countries, for the exclusive distribution of the TearLab system. | |
| Moria introduces single-use cataract instruments
| | The "One" range of single-use ophthalmic instruments has been introduced by Moria. The range comprises instruments commonly used during cataract surgery; instruments are available individually, or as part of a custom pack. | | | Oertli proud of new 1.6 mm tip
| | Oertli proudly showcased their new product that enables coaxial microincision cataract surgery through 1.6 mm: the CO-MICS 2 tip is fully compatible with the firm's existing OS3, SwissTech and CataRhex platforms. | | | Volk launches high resolution wide field lens
| | Volk Optical has launched the H-R Wide Field Laser Lens, a pan-retinal lens intended for diagnosis and PRP laser treatment. | | | Femtosecond benefits in corneal procedures
| | Dr Rudi Nujits, presented new research on femtosecond laser assisted Descemet Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty (FS-DSEK) at a session on the femtosecond laser and therapeutic corneal surgery. | | | MORE ARTICLES
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| Berlin Beckons
| | Join OTE in booth BL10 at this year's ESCRS congress | | | Thank you!
| | Although we have always received a steady stream of feedback from readers, contributors and industry, never have we been bombarded by so many compliments in such a short space of time as at two recent conferences. | | | What do you want to see in OTE in 2009?
| | Fill in OTE's online readership survey for the chance to win €500 Marriott hotel vouchers. | | | The industry's evolving, so are we
| | Sometimes I sit back and think about how this magazine has evolved over the years and, on a more regular basis, I think about where we can go from here. | | | Micro innovations
| | In technological terms, when a word is prefixed by 'micro' you come to expect that word to signify some form of technological innovation or advance. In ophthalmology, the word 'microincision' represents significant advancement, particularly in the fields of cataract and vitreoretinal surgery. | | | World Glaucoma Day 2008: uniting to make a difference
| | The lack of public knowledge about glaucoma surprises me. Although pretty much everybody has heard of it, little is generally known other than the fact that it affects the eye. | | | LASIK: some still in the dark
| | I recently attended a party where I was drawn into a conversation by some people who had one thing in common – LASIK. Somebody amongst the group had undergone the procedure six years ago (incidentally, that was my sister) whilst another underwent wavefront-guided LASIK just weeks prior. Each of the four people had a story to tell about their experience with the procedure but, overall, each claimed they were happy with the end result. | | | Tempted by a free trip for two?
| | Tempted? | | | We invite you to have your say
| | When we launched Ophthalmology Times Europe (OTE) two years ago, our aim was always to provide a forum for ophthalmologists to communicate their knowledge, discoveries, experience and opinions. This aim has not changed. However, with the industry evolving at such a dramatic rate, it is difficult to convey the views and opinions of everyone who wants to be heard in our print publication. Help is at hand. | | | MORE ARTICLES
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| World Glaucoma Day
| | Glaucoma remains the world's leading cause of irreversible blindness, but 50% of people who have this devastating disease don't know it,” said Dr Clive Midgal, president of the European Glaucoma Society. | | | Innovative glaucoma research award
| | The Glaucoma Research Foundation (GRF) awarded the 2010 Shaffer Prize for Innovative Glaucoma Research to Kate Keller, PhD. Dr Keller is Research Assistant Professor, Department of Ophthalmology at Casey Eye Institute in Portland, Oregon. | | | New study demonstrates potential for improving glaucoma diagnosis across Europe
| | Research claims that imaging devices can effectively support ophthalmologists with glaucoma diagnosis | | | Alcon acquires Optonol
| | Alcon acquires Optinol and enters glaucoma surgical market. | | | Scottish Medicines Consortium accepts first preservative-free ophthalmic prostaglandin
| | The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has announced that Saflutan (tafluprost) has been accepted for restricted use within NHS Scotland for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in open angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension | | | Santen CEO joins Glaucoma Research Foundation
| | Adrienne Graves, CEO of Santen Inc., has been appointed to the Glaucoma Research Foundation?s board of directors. | | | New generation of diagnostic ultrasound system unveiled
| | Ellex Medical Lasers Ltd. unveiled the latest version of its diagnostic ultrasound system (Eye Cubed) at the recent annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. | | | Laser system for treatment of glaucoma gets European patent approval
| | The IOPtiMate laser-based system, from the Bio-Light Group, used for the non-invasive filtration treatment of glaucoma has received European Patent Office approval. | | | Glaucoma related to selenium levels
| | The pathology of glaucoma is likely to be related to the presence and levels of selenium, according to the results of a study published in the August issue of the British Journal of Ophthalmology. | | | MORE ARTICLES
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| Bausch & Lomb Introduces the Crystalens Aspheric Optic (AO) Lens
| | Crystalens AO is the first aberration-free accommodating IOL | | | Novel scleral lens proves cost-effective
| | In the December issue of the American Journal of Ophthalmology Brandeis University researchers published a paper about the highly precise scleral lens, to treat severe cornea or ocular surface disease, the Boston Ocular Surface Prosthesis (BOS-P). | | | IOL evolution for presbyopia
| | “As we move into the 21st century the role of the IOL will evolve allowing better outcomes in cataract surgery and find new roles in surgery to improve vision such as through the treatment of presbyopia.”
| | | Partnering multifocal IOLs with LASIK to achieve perfect vision
| | Without performing LASIK, 85-90% of [multifocal IOL] patients may achieve spectacle independence. However, with LASIK success rates are about 99% | | | IOL implantation in children
| | The desired refractive outcome is approximately 2 D by age two and 1 to 2 D by age three, reflecting the fact that the majority of growth of the eye has occurred by this age | | | Can a MICS IOL also be a Toric IOL?
| | MICS is no longer just a more modern and innovative therapeutic option for cataract; it is also the best choice when offering refractive solutions. | | | Mix & match your way to better vision
| | By mixing and matching diffractive and refractive IOLs, patients can achieve much better all round visual results. | | | Investigational phakic IOL: examining the evidence
| | The AcrySof angle-supported phakic refractive IOL (Alcon) continues to offer patients with high myopia stable and accurate refractive results with excellent visual acuity (VA), according to physicians speaking at the XXIV Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) in London last September. | | | Vivarte IOL: good refractive results but withdrawn over safety concerns
| | Correction of very high myopia, i.e. above –9.00 D, remains a controversial topic and new designs of phakic IOLs have spurred great interest in the past five years. Presently, long-term results are becoming available and some interesting conclusions can be drawn, explained Matteo Piovella, MD, who reported his four-year results with one of these lenses at the XXIV Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons in London. | | | MORE ARTICLES
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| Novel scleral lens proves cost-effective
| | In the December issue of the American Journal of Ophthalmology Brandeis University researchers published a paper about the highly precise scleral lens, to treat severe cornea or ocular surface disease, the Boston Ocular Surface Prosthesis (BOS-P). | | | 60 years of pioneering IOL innovation
| | Rayner Intraocular Lens Limited, has marked a milestone with a celebration to honour the 60th anniversary of the implantation of the first intraocular lens (IOL) in a patient. The late Sir Harold Ridley implanted the first IOL on 29 November 1949 at St. Thomas Hospital in London. Due to the controversial nature of the surgery, this first surgery was conducted in almost total secrecy. | | | Multifocal IOLs
| | Have a closer look at some of the multifocal IOLs available in Europe. | | | Monofocal IOLs
| | Take a look at some of the Monofocal IOLs available in Europe. | | | Accommodating IOLs
| | Accommodating IOLs are making a splash in Europe - why don't you take a closer look at some of them? | | | Phakic IOLs
| | Look at some of the Phakic IOLs that have been making a name for themselves in Europe. | | | MORE ARTICLES
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| Point of care tear film test simplifies dry eye management
| | Diagnosing and managing dry eye patients can be challenging. Here Dr Philipp Steven looks at a new way of treating tear film osmolarity, the TearLab Osmolarity System, which he believes could dramatically simplify the process. | | | Clinical improvement in adenoviral conjunctivitis model
| | Foresight Biotherapeutics, Inc. has announced data from a pre-clinical study designed to assess the safety and efficacy of the topical administration of FST-100 in a highly regarded Ad5 NZW rabbit model of adenoviral conjunctivitis. | | | Liquid ocular bandage launched in Europe
| | BD OcuSeal Liquid Ocular Bandage, a fully synthetic protective barrier to be used for post-surgical, post-traumatic and non-traumatic ocular conditions, has been launched in Europe by BD Medical?Ophthalmic Systems. | | | Novagali technologies allow greater drug access to the posterior of the eye
| | According to research analysts it is estimated that as little as five percent of a topically applied drug ever reaches the intraocular tissues due to drug loss as the result of tearing, lacrimal fluid-eye barriers, and blood-ocular barriers. | | | Retisert implant in sympathetic ophthalmia
| | The fluocinolone acetonide (Retisert; Bausch & Lomb) surgical implant can prevent blindness in cases of sympathetic ophthalmia (SO), according to research at the University of Iowa, US. | | | Link between skin cancer and eye cancer
| | There is an association between uveal and a variety of skin melanomas, according to study results published in the March issue of Ophthalmology. | | | Uveitis study enters Phase IIa
| | ESBATech AG, a developer of antibody fragment therapeutics, has initiated a Phase IIa study in patients with acute anterior uveitis, designed to evaluate the safety, tolerability and clinical activity of topically applied ESBA105. | | | Causes of infectious scleritis
| | Fungus and microbial infection are the most common causes of infectious scleritis, according to study conclusions published in the February issue of Eye. | | | Anti-inflammatory enters Phase I/II
| | ESBA105, an anti-TNF alpha antibody fragment designed to reduce inflammation in patients undergoing cataract surgery, has begun a Phase Ib/IIa trial, according to an announcement from ESBATech AG, the antibody's developer. | | | MORE ARTICLES
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| Open your mind to a new philosophy
| | Didier Ducournau talks about the development and growth of the EVRS and on his personal vision for vitreoretinal surgeons. | | | The Italian pioneers
| | Surgeons should not feel ashamed if they only manage to see a few patients, devotion to the patient and then to your practice is of paramount importance. Then, and only then, will you be doing your job well. | | | European Society of Ophthalmology: the first 50 years
| | Since its inception in 1956, the European Society of Ophthalmology (SOE) has grown from a small entity into a conglomerate of national ophthalmological societies from all 40 European countries, representing more than 40,000 European ophthalmologists. We speak with President Zdenek Gregor about the changing face of the society, the importance of collaboration and the way the society has adapted to an ever-evolving Europe. | | | Learning to work together
| | 1991 witnessed the birth of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS); a new kind of society aimed at unifying specialists and societies across a number of disciplines throughout the continent. Society President, Professor Marie José Tassignon talks to OTE about her vision for the future.
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| New CEO at Carl Zeiss
| | Dr Ludwin Monz is now the new CEO of Carl Zeiss Meditec, having taken over from Dr Michael Kaschke. Kaschke has been elected back to the Supervisory Board and was appointed its Chairman in a subsequent Supervisory Board meeting. | | | Leber's congenital amaurosis sufferers could benefit from gene therapy trial
| Last year a human trial involving administering gene therapy to Leber's congenital amaurosis (LCA) patients produced improvements in 12 children and young adults. The same researchers then conducted an animal study that found that a second injection into the previously untreated eye, was safe and effective with no signs of interference from immune reactions from the earlier injection. | | | 116th SFO Congress
| | The Congress of the French Ophthalmology Society, SFO, will take place at the Palais des Congres, 2 place de la Porte Maillot, Paris, France, 8-11 May 2010. | | | Research set to change how we think about glaucoma in the future
| New research is emerging from the Vanderbilt Eye Institute that indicates the first sign of injury in glaucoma occurs in the brain. | | | NicOx partners with Bausch & Lomb for its candidate glaucoma drug
| | A worldwide licensing deal has been made between NicOx, the French biotech business and Bausch & Lomb for the former's candidate glaucoma drug NCX 116. | | | Anti-VEGF for AMD a top advancement
| | San Francisco?Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatments for neovascular age-related macular degeneration represent the most significant advancement in ophthalmology over the past decade, according to 52% of respondents to an online survey of members of the American Academy of Ophthalmology conducted in December. | | | Wet AMD drug enters Phase I trial
| | Palomid 529 (P529) is to enter its Phase I trial in patients with AMD. A Phase I Open-Label Study to Investigate the Safety, Tolerability and Pharmacokinetic Profile of Single Intravitreal and Subconjunctival Doses of Palomid 529 in Patients with Advanced Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration will according to Paloma Pharmaceuticals, be a dose-ranging study for safety but will also have an objective measure for efficacy. | | | Ranibizumab for retinal angiomatous proliferation in age-related macular degeneration
| Eye advance online publication 12 February 2010; doi: 10.1038/eye.2010.9
| | | Use of heavy Trypan blue in macular hole surgery
| | Eye advance online publication 12 February 2010; doi: 10.1038/eye.2010.3 | | | MORE ARTICLES
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| Dear Editor
| | In answer to the question: "What specifically makes SLT different
from ALT in its action?" we offer the following response: | | | An African expedition
| | I embarked on a memorable trip to Africa recently and, along with a wonderful team of skilled ophthalmologists and nurses, we set up two eye camps in Namibia and Zambia. Our mission was to study corneal thickness in native Africans so that we could, in the future, establish the relationship between corneal thickness and glaucoma in this population. | | | MORE ARTICLES
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| Highlights from AAO 2007
| | Read Ophthalmology Times' extensive coverage from the 2007 annual meeting in New Orleans, USA. | | | Highlights from the ESCRS Congress 2007
| | Read Ophthalmology Times Europe's extensive coverage from the 2007 annual meeting in Stockholm, Sweden. | | | IGS 2007 Meeting Highlights
| | Athens played host to the sixth annual International Glaucoma Society (IGS) congress, which ran from 28-31 March. Attended by more than 2,650 participants from around the world, the meeting earned the title of the most attended international glaucoma meeting ever held. | | | Meeting highlights from the AAO annual congress 2006, Las Vegas, 11-14 November
| | More prospective studies are needed to evaluate the role of diurnal and long-term intraocular pressure (IOP) function in glaucoma development and progression, according to Felipe A. Medeiros, MD, PhD, assistant professor of ophthalmology, University of California at San Diego, USA, speaking at the glaucoma subspecialty session. | | | MICS has made very little impact on US and EU surgeon practice
| | Microincision cataract surgery (MICS), hailed to be the next big development in cataract surgery, has not had the expected impact on surgeon's practice, David Leaming revealed, whilst detailing the results of his most recent survey on cataract surgery practice in Europe and the US. | | | Parameters for defining quality of vision
| | According to Oliver Findl, it is becoming increasingly important to use a wider variety of parameters to assess visual quality after cataract surgery in order to gain a better understanding of patient's day-to-day experiences. | | | Toric posterior chamber phakic lens is safe and effective at one year
| | According to Alaa El Danasoury and colleagues, Toric ICL (TICL; STAAR Surgical) implantation is safe, effective and predictable in its correction of compound myopic astigmatism. | | | Comparing aspherical IOLs: Tecnis remains on top
| | According to Alessandro Franchini, it is insufficient to design an aspheric lens that maintains a certain degree of spherical aberration simply to achieve a degree of pseudo-accommodation. | | | UK pilot cataract surgery audit yields interesting findings
| | A large survey has recently been piloted in the UK to demonstrate the use and benefits of electronic data collection with respect to rapidly monitoring the access, delivery and outcome of cataract surgery in the UK's National Health Service (NHS) and to update benchmark standards for these parameters of care. |
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| A comparison of six OCT devices
| | In a head-to-head comparison of six OCT devices, the Spectralis spectral domain OCT (Heidelberg Engineering) showed the lowest co-efficient of variation in a test-retest study. | | | IQ 577 laser system now available to doctors
| | Iridex has commenced shipment of its IQ 577 laser systems which is designed to treat vision-threatening eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma. | | | Implant with potential to permanently treat glaucoma
| | OcumatRx, an early stage company that is developing a medical device that represents a new concept for the permanent treatment of patients with glaucoma, has announced the successful completion of clinical trials for their first device with favourable preliminary safety and tolerability. | | | Clinical trials show promise to help mydriasis during cataract surgery
| | Results from the Omeros Corporation for the Phase I/Phase II clinical trial of OMS302, a proprietary combination of an anti-inflammatory agent and an agent that causes pupil dilation (mydriasis) are said to be promising. | | | Ketolorac tromethamine should be available in September
| | Allergan Inc. expects its ketorolac tromethamine ophthalmic solution 0.45% (Acuvail) to be available in the United States in September. The preservative-free formulation of ketorolac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is indicated for the treatment of pain and inflammation after cataract surgery and received FDA approval at the end of July, the company announced. | | | NicOx reacquires rights to PF-03187207 for glaucoma from Pfizer
| | NicOx S.A. has signed an agreement with Pfizer Inc to reacquire the full development and commercialization rights to PF-03187207, which has completed two phase II studies in patients with primary open angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. As part of this agreement, Pfizer has granted NicOx the right to access and use certain proprietary Xalatan (latanoprost) data. | | | Alcon discontinues development of anecortave acetate for IOP reduction
| | Alcon Inc. announced it has discontinued development of anecortave acetate for the reduction of IOP associated with glaucoma. | | | Post cataract surgery pain treatment gets thumbs up
| | ACUVAIL (Allergan), the ketorolac tromethamine ophthalmic solution, which acts as a treatment for inflammation and pain after cataract surgery has been approved by the FDA. | | | Future of corneal tomography
| | CSO, which has a background in measuring and analysing the anterior corneal surface has extended its research to the posterior surface with its new device SIRIUS. | | | MORE ARTICLES
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| Inhibiting and regressing corneal neovascularisation
| | Interim results from a Phase II study by Gene Signal suggest that antisense oligonucleotide GS-101 is safe and effective at inhibiting abnormal corneal new blood vessel growth. | | | Glaucoma related to selenium levels
| | The pathology of glaucoma is likely to be related to the presence and levels of selenium, according to the results of a study published in the August issue of the British Journal of Ophthalmology. | | | Lowering levels of arginase may halt progression of diabetic retinopathy
| | High levels of the enzyme arginase contributes to vascular eye damage, and therapies to lower its levels could halt progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR), according to researchers at the Medical College of Georgia (MCG) School of Medicine, USA. | | | The brain predicts what moving eyes will see
| | A new study conducted by researchers at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, has found that the brain predicts the consequences of eye movement even before the eyes take in a new scene. | | | Clinical trials show promise to help mydriasis during cataract surgery
| | Results from the Omeros Corporation for the Phase I/Phase II clinical trial of OMS302, a proprietary combination of an anti-inflammatory agent and an agent that causes pupil dilation (mydriasis) are said to be promising. | | | Researchers uncover genetic link to age-related cataracts
| | Researchers in Cleveland have discovered the first gene associated with the formation of age-related cataracts. EphA2 encodes an enzyme that plays a role in the repair of proteins in the lens of the eye after they become damaged and clump together, according to the investigators. | | | Implant with potential to permanently treat glaucoma
| | OcumatRx, an early stage company that is developing a medical device that represents a new concept for the permanent treatment of patients with glaucoma, has announced the successful completion of clinical trials for their first device with favourable preliminary safety and tolerability. | | | Gene therapy delivers bonus results
| | Partial sections of vision were recently restored to a blind woman's retina through the use of gene therapy. | | | When can an eye growth transform into melanoma?
| | According to a report in the August issue of Archives of Ophthalmology, there are eight factors that may predict whether a choroidal nevus-a benign, flat, pigmented growth inside the eye and beneath the retina-may develop into melanoma. | | | MORE ARTICLES
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| Standardizing trauma terminology
| | A standardized language of trauma classification can have value for prognosis as well as description, according to Dr Dante Pieramici. | | | Should tear dysfunction be treated with nutritional supplements?
| | Nutritional supplements seem to make sense as a treatment of tear dysfunction, according to Marian Macsai, MD. Dr Macsai tempered her assertion with the observation that no objective trials have been performed to support the use of nutritional supplements in patients with tear deficiency. | | | Flying eye hospital gets new aeroplane
| | Orbis International, an international nonprofit humanitarian organization which operates the world"s only Flying Eye Hospital, is to upgrade from a DC-10-10 to a DC-10 Series 30 freighter airline, giving the project an extra 20 years of flying time. | | | Minimally invasive strabismus surgery vs the limbal approach
| | As with all medical disciplines, the goal of every surgeon is to perform surgery that is minimally invasive, in order to reduce the risk of unwanted complications and a poor postoperative appearance, and to increase patient comfort and satisfaction. | | | Dancing from pole to pole for ocular trauma surgery success
| | In industrialized countries, ocular trauma is the second leading cause of blindness among the over 50s population and the leading cause of monocular blindness among the general population; thus representing an important social health problem. | | | Using the CO2 laser in oculoplastic surgery
| | Over the past five years, we have successfully performed oculoplastic surgery on several hundred patients at the Belgian Ocular Laser Center (BOLC; www.BOLC.org) in Ghent, Belgium and, during this time, I have found the CO2 laser to provide an excellent alternative to the scalpel for treating the eyelids. Finally, we can offer bloodless surgery and improved outcomes. | | | Making waves in 2006
| | The wavefront guided approach has certainly yielded the best outcomes in my practice; patient satisfaction rate is very high, while the retreatment rate is extremely low at 2.3% | | | The life of an inspirational ophthalmologist
| | The surgeon does not change gloves in between cases but simply rinses with 0.5% chlorhexidine/70% isopropyl alcohol solution. Despite the simplicity of this, the rates of infection in Dr V hospitals is lower than US rates | | | Focus on Hungary
| | In 1999, the World Health Organization (WHO) initiated its worldwide campaign, "Vision 2020 - The Right to Sight". The main aim of the programme was to eliminate the main causes of avoidable blindness by the target date of 2020. Hungary is participating in this "Fight for Sight" initiative. Here, J?nos N?meth summarizes the progress that he and his colleagues have made over the last five years, showing the current state of, and trends in, ophthalmic healthcare in Hungary, as well as the incidence of blindness in the country. | | | MORE ARTICLES
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| Anterior and posterior capsulorhexis in children
| | Anterior and posterior capsulorhexis in children | | | Paediatric ophthalmology conference programme
| | The Egyptian Group of Paediatric Eye Surgery (EGPES) will be hosting the 4th International Symposium of Paediatric Ophthalmology, from 4th to 6th of November 2009, in Alexandria, Egypt. | | | A clinical conundrum
| | According to the J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2009;46:238-240 optic disc oedema is a clinical conundrum which has potential to delay diagnosis and therefore treatment of idiopathic intracranial hypertension. | | | Link between ROP and haemangioma in low birth-weight infants discovered
| | In infants with birth weights of 1250 g, haemangiomas are associated with the development of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), according to study data published in the March 2009 issue of Pediatrics. | | | US introduces law protecting children's vision
| | The Vision Care for Kids Bill of 2009, legislation to provide vision care to children without health insurance, has been introduced in the US after being approved both by the Senate and by the House of Representatives. | | | Treating paediatric glaucoma
| | Penetrating deep sclerectomy (combining deep sclerectomy with trabeculectomy) delivers promising intermediate results in the treatment of paediatric glaucoma, according to the conclusions of a study published in the January issue of Ophthalmology. | | | Long-term treatment of strabismus with Botox
| | A long-term course of injections of botulinum toxin ("Botox") offers a viable treatment for complicated strabismus, according to study results published in the December 2008 issue of the Journal of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. | | | Giving sight to the developing world
| OTE's Victoria Farrell interviews Cambodian paediatric ophthalmologist Phara Khauv to find out how an ORBIS initiative has impacted his practice in a vastly underserved country. | | | ROP treatment proves its worth
| | Intravenous administration of IPLEX, Insmed Inc's rhIGF-I/rhIGFBP-3 complex, is well-tolerated and efficacious in significantly premature infants, according to Phase I study results announced at this year's European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology meeting, held 20?23 September in Istanbul, Turkey. | | | MORE ARTICLES
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| Which IOL to choose
| | A doctor's perspective on what influences IOL lens design. | | | Setting yourself up for success in refractive surgery
| | Dr David Tanzer explains that in order to achieve the best possible post-operative results with laser vision correction, thorough pre-operative examinations are a must. Patients should be carefully screened, comprehensive clinical work-ups must be carried out and detailed informed consent given. Then, and only then, will surgeons achieve the best results. | | | My Europia
| | Myopia is a worldwide public health problem and the underlying mechanisms of its development are still unclear. Currently the key challenge is to attract, train and retain young researchers to the field. The European Research Training Network 'MY EUROPIA' adresses these urgent challenges, by innovative and attractive training and networking possibilities and by the establishment of closer private-public partnership links. | | | Accommodative IOL implantation: An expert's point of view
| | An interview with Dr Mark Tomalla about his experience with the Crystalens HD IOL. | | | A new approach to multifocal lens technology
| | Professor Auffarth of Heidelberg University Eye Clinic reports on the results of his implantation of the LENTIS Mplus and explains how the lens works using a new unique optical principle. | | | The patients' new perspective
| | Patients share their postoperative experiences and the dramatic changes in their lives bought about by undergoing refractive lens surgery. Patients had either high myopia, hyperopia and/or severe astigmatism and each received the AT.LISA 366D, a one-piece, 4 haptic multifocal IOL and each has found a new lease of life. | | | New research points to progress on the HOA front
| | Examining why wavefront guided ablation provides the best optical results in the majority of patients. | |
| | RNFL thickness after LASIK, LASEK and PRK
| | Does transient IOP elevation prevent doctors from submitting patients to refractive procedures? | | | IOLs for the ageing eye
| | A comparative study of three presbyopia-correcting lenses demonstrates that aspheric lenses offer superior performance over other designs. | | | MORE ARTICLES
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| ICLs effective over long-periods
| | The use of implantable collamer lenses (ICLs) to correct moderate to high myopia can offer predictable and stable results over a long period of time, according to a report published in the July issue of Archives of Ophthalmology. | | | Light adjustable lenses offer stability of refraction
| | Residual myopic errors can be successfully corrected postoperatively by using light-adjustable lens technology (LAL) in cataract patients, concludes a study published online by Ophthalmology. | | | Presbyopia lens launch
| | Oculentis will present its presbyopia correcting LENTIS Mplus IOL at DOC 2009 in Nuremberg to an expert audience. It claims the lens features a completely new approach in multi-focal lens technology. | | | IOL receives further $40 million investment
| | Visiogen is reporting significant progress in the development of the Synchrony IOL, including the completion of the US phase III study, the formation of Visiogen Europe GmbH and the commencement of commercialization in Europe. | | | New offerings for the refractive surgeon
| | The Visante omni is the first system to combine OCT and Placido disk technologies, providing comprehensive anterior and posterior topography for improved patient selection and care. | | | Can violent games improve lazy eyes?
| | Scientists at New York's Rochester University say that playing violent video games may improve contrast sensitivity, which is often impaired by amblyopia. | | | Eye diseases in pre-school children more common than first thought
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| In what is believed to be the first comprehensive eye disease study among urban pre-schoolers, investigators writing in the April issue of the journal Ophthalmology report that while vision problems are rare, they are more common than once thought. | | | Advantages of aspheric aberration-free method
| | Patients in need of visual corrections whose vision is not affected by existing high-order aberrations (HOAs) may have an alternative to wavefront treatment using an aberration-free method. | | | Auto-focusing spectacles
| | A trial of electronic spectacles with dynamic focusing lenses has begun enrolling its first wearers, according to an announcement from the spectacles' manufacturer, PixelOptics Inc. | | | MORE ARTICLES
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| Gene genie for AMD and RP?
| | Retinitis pigmentosa and AMD may be the beneficiaries of a new tool for gene therapy that significantly increases gene delivery to cells in the retina. | | | New retinal navigation system gains approval
| | The NAVILAS laser system, as reported on in the OTE Digest back in May this year ( What is Retinal Navigation? ) has been given FDA approval. | | | Two Phase III Lucentis studies show promise for RVO
| | Two Phase III studies of Lucentis (ranibizumab injection) in macular oedema due to retinal vein occlusion (RVO), have shown, on average, patients given either of two doses of Lucentis had a clinically and statistically significant improvement in vision as measured by the primary endpoint of mean change from baseline in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at six months compared to patients receiving sham injections. Results from both trials were presented at the Retina Congress 2009 meeting. | | | Cataract surgery in patients with pre-existing AMD: Risks and Benefits
| | Cataract surgery in patients with pre-existing AMD: Risks and Benefits | | | A review of the role and efficacy of anti-VEGF therapy in macular disease
| | A review of the role and efficacy of anti-VEGF therapy in macular disease | | | Improving retinal examination speed and efficiency
| Canon Europe, revealed its new CX-1, a world first in retinal imaging technology for the first time at this year's ESCRS Congress. | | | Lowering levels of arginase may halt progression of diabetic retinopathy
| | High levels of the enzyme arginase contributes to vascular eye damage, and therapies to lower its levels could halt progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR), according to researchers at the Medical College of Georgia (MCG) School of Medicine, USA. | | | A comparison of six OCT devices
| | In a head-to-head comparison of six OCT devices, the Spectralis spectral domain OCT (Heidelberg Engineering) showed the lowest co-efficient of variation in a test-retest study. | | | The brain predicts what moving eyes will see
| | A new study conducted by researchers at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, has found that the brain predicts the consequences of eye movement even before the eyes take in a new scene. | | | MORE ARTICLES
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