Monthly Archives: March 2012
Not Enough Qualified Eye Doctors Globally
According to a study published online in the British Journal of Ophthalmology there are over 200,000 eye doctors in practice across the world. However, this is not enough to keep up with the current needs of developing countries and the increasing demands of aging populations...
Review: Diabetic Retinopathy
Source: N Engl J Med
Area: News
In this review, the authors highlight the principles underlying metabolic control and anti-VEGF therapies in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy. They also discuss the molecular interactions of neuronal, glial, and vascular cells in the retina and examine the effect of diabetes on these cells in order to highlight new therapeutic approaches that are needed to address the large increase in the worldwide prevalence of diabetes.
Area: News
In this review, the authors highlight the principles underlying metabolic control and anti-VEGF therapies in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy. They also discuss the molecular interactions of neuronal, glial, and vascular cells in the retina and examine the effect of diabetes on these cells in order to highlight new therapeutic approaches that are needed to address the large increase in the worldwide prevalence of diabetes.
An 8-Year-Old Boy With Pain and Double Vision
An 8-year-old boy presents with progressive pain in his right eye and double vision. What is your diagnosis?
Medscape Ophthalmology
Medscape Ophthalmology
JDRF, iCo Therapeutics partner for iCo-007 Phase II trial in DME
iCo Therapeutics, a Vancouver-based drug reprofiling company and JDRF, the largest charitable funder of type 1 Diabetes (T1D) research have joined forces to investigate a potential new treatment for one of the most common complications of diabetes, diabetic macular edema.
MIGS: A Promising Option in Glaucoma Management
Considerable interest surrounds microincision glaucoma surgery (MIGS), with its less invasive approach. Dr. Roger Steinert explores the surgical techniques and comments on their impact on practice.
Medscape Ophthalmology
Medscape Ophthalmology
Ophthalmologists Scarce in Both Poor and Rich Countries
There is a current shortfall, as well as an anticipated shortfall, in the number of ophthalmologists in both developing and high-income countries.
Medscape Medical News
Medscape Medical News
Regular Examination for Retinal Detachments
Routine examination for retinal detachments are usually not worthwhile...even if you had a previous detachment, but if you have symptoms....
MIGS: A Promising Option in Glaucoma Management
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Considerable interest surrounds microincision glaucoma surgery (MIGS), with its less invasive approach. Dr. Roger Steinert explores the surgical techniques and comments on their impact on practice.
Considerable interest surrounds microincision glaucoma surgery (MIGS), with its less invasive approach. Dr. Roger Steinert explores the surgical techniques and comments on their impact on practice.
Individual Mandate on Trial: Supreme Court Hearing, Day 2
The justices today probed the pro and con arguments on whether the ACA requirement for individuals to obtain insurance coverage or else pay a penalty lies within the Constitutional power of Congress.
Medscape Medical News
Medscape Medical News
CADTH rapid response report: Olopatadine for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis
Source: Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH)
Area: News
This Rapid Response Report from the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) evaluated the efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness of olopatadine, in comparison with ketotifen, cromolyn, or placebo to assist in the decision making with respect to these agents for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis. A limited literature search found that "Treatment of allergic conjunctivitis with olopatadine, ketotifen or cromolyn showed reductions in signs and symptom scores compared to baseline. Both olopatadine and ketotifen were well tolerated. The efficacy results of olopatadine compared to ketotifen were inconsistent. One study of limited quality showed that olopatadine and ketotifen have greater efficacy than cromolyn. There is limited amount of evidence on the cost-effectiveness of olopatadine compared with ketotifen or cromolyn." The Rapid Response Service is an information service for those involved in planning and providing health care ...
Area: News
This Rapid Response Report from the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) evaluated the efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness of olopatadine, in comparison with ketotifen, cromolyn, or placebo to assist in the decision making with respect to these agents for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis. A limited literature search found that "Treatment of allergic conjunctivitis with olopatadine, ketotifen or cromolyn showed reductions in signs and symptom scores compared to baseline. Both olopatadine and ketotifen were well tolerated. The efficacy results of olopatadine compared to ketotifen were inconsistent. One study of limited quality showed that olopatadine and ketotifen have greater efficacy than cromolyn. There is limited amount of evidence on the cost-effectiveness of olopatadine compared with ketotifen or cromolyn." The Rapid Response Service is an information service for those involved in planning and providing health care ...
Is memantine effective in the treatment of nystagmus?
Source: Regional Drug and Therapeutics Centre
Area: Evidence > Medicines Q & A
Nystagmus is a disorder of the eyes in which fast, uncontrollable movements of the eyeball occur. Usually, vision is not affected, and the patient may not be aware of the movements. Some patients, particularly in cases of acquired nystagmus, can experience blurred vision and oscillopsia which can interfere with their quality of life. Nystagmus may have a variety of causes including congenital, trauma, and multiple sclerosis (MS). A number of drug treatment strategies, including antiepileptics, botulinum toxin, alcohol, and tetrahydrocannabinol have been used for treatment of acquired nystagmus, although no cure exists. Non-pharmacological treatment can include use of prisms and filters, or surgery. Memantine is an NMDA receptor antagonist licensed for the treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer's Disease. Its use as a treatment for nystagmus is an unlicensed indication.
Area: Evidence > Medicines Q & A
Nystagmus is a disorder of the eyes in which fast, uncontrollable movements of the eyeball occur. Usually, vision is not affected, and the patient may not be aware of the movements. Some patients, particularly in cases of acquired nystagmus, can experience blurred vision and oscillopsia which can interfere with their quality of life. Nystagmus may have a variety of causes including congenital, trauma, and multiple sclerosis (MS). A number of drug treatment strategies, including antiepileptics, botulinum toxin, alcohol, and tetrahydrocannabinol have been used for treatment of acquired nystagmus, although no cure exists. Non-pharmacological treatment can include use of prisms and filters, or surgery. Memantine is an NMDA receptor antagonist licensed for the treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer's Disease. Its use as a treatment for nystagmus is an unlicensed indication.
AIUM to honor four individuals in the field of medical ultrasound
During the opening session of the 2012 American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) Annual Convention at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa in Phoenix, Arizona, on March 30, 2012, Alfred Z. Abuhamad, MD, president of the AIUM, will present awards to individuals who have significantly contributed to the growth of medical ultrasound.
First Day of Oral Arguments on ACA: Is the Penalty a Tax?
The high court must decide whether a ruling on the ACA's individual mandate must wait until the IRS begins to assess the penalty -- or is it a tax? -- for noncompliance in 2015.
Medscape Medical News
Medscape Medical News
NETAG issues updated recommendation on dexamethasone intravitreal implant (Ozurdex®) in uveitis
Source: NETAG
Area: Evidence > Drug Specific Reviews
The NHS North East Treatment Advisory Group (NETAG) has issued an updated recommendation supporting the use of Ozurdex® (dexamethasone intravitreal implant) for uveitis, only in accordance with the defined treatment protocol from the North East Retinal Group, which would ensure its safe and cost-effective use.
Area: Evidence > Drug Specific Reviews
The NHS North East Treatment Advisory Group (NETAG) has issued an updated recommendation supporting the use of Ozurdex® (dexamethasone intravitreal implant) for uveitis, only in accordance with the defined treatment protocol from the North East Retinal Group, which would ensure its safe and cost-effective use.
NETAG issues appraisal on Aflibercept (Eylea®) for AMD but defers recommendation
Source: NETAG
Area: Evidence > Drug Specific Reviews
The NHS North East Treatment Advisory Group (NETAG) has issued an appraisal report on aflibercept (Eylea®) for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) but deferred making a recommendation until confirmation of the relevant health economic parameters.
Area: Evidence > Drug Specific Reviews
The NHS North East Treatment Advisory Group (NETAG) has issued an appraisal report on aflibercept (Eylea®) for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) but deferred making a recommendation until confirmation of the relevant health economic parameters.
Physicians Get Another Chance to Avoid E-Rx Penalty
CMS invites physicians who think they should not suffer a Medicare “payment adjustment” to contact a help desk and tell their story, although reversals look to be “rare.”
Medscape Medical News
Medscape Medical News
Lab Notes: Zapping Glaucoma Away
(MedPage Today) -- A single jolt of x-ray radiation may provide lifelong protection against glaucoma, a mouse study suggested. Also in this week's Lab Notes, a cat parasite could hold clues to possible Alzheimer's disease therapies.
Discovery Of New Functions Of Brain Regions That Are Responsible For Seeing Movement
When observing a fly buzzing around the room, we should have the impression that it is not the fly, but rather the space that lies behind it that is moving. After all, the fly is always fixed in our central point of view...
Efficacy of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs in Treatment of Moderate and Severe Dry Eye Disease
Status: Recruiting,
Condition Summary: Moderate to Severe Dry Eye Disease
Good EHR Bets for Multispecialty Groups Surface in Survey
EHRs from Epic Systems and Cerner please the widest range of specialists, says research firm KLAS, which also reports that oncologists and ophthalmologists are the least happy with their systems.
Medscape Medical News
Medscape Medical News
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