Month: October 2013

Humanized monoclonal antibody shows promise in treating geographic atrophy

HAMBURG —  Lampalizumab, a  humanized, monoclonal antibody directed against complement factor D, showed high safety profile and efficacy in inhibiting geographic atrophy in a study presented at the Euretina meeting.  “This study represents a breakthrough, because for the first time we have a potential treatment option for geographic atrophy,” Frank G. Holz, MD, said.

Study shows high prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in sub-Saharan Africa

HAMBURG — The prevalence of sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy in the sub-Saharan regions of Africa demands urgent development of diabetic eye services, a speaker said at the Euretina meeting here.  “Prevalence of [sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy] is 6 times higher compared to the data reported in recent European studies; prevalence of proliferative diabetic retinopathy is over 10 times higher,” Phil Burgess, MD, said.

Minimally invasive radiation therapy shows encouraging results in AMD

HAMBURG — A new device for episcleral brachytherapy showed safety and tolerability in patients with neovascular AMD, according to the results of a phase I trial presented at the Euretina meeting.  “Combined with anti-VEGF injections, it may result in synergy and reduced treatment burden.  An  increased proportion of patient may respond to treatment and preserve vision,” Kam Balaggan, MD, said. 

Controlled surgery cabin enhances safety, cuts costs for outpatient procedures

HAMBURG — The ArcSterile controlled ambient surgery cabin provides a sterile location for outpatient procedures, optimizing time, use of human resources and, ultimately, costs, according to one surgeon.The cabin is a movable, wheeled unit that includes two columns of air impulsion and air filtering, generating a tunnel of sterile laminar air flow. 

A Controversy in Cornea

iTunes conversion to RSS provided by Feed Flipper: [Web] – [Facebook] – [Donate!]

Dr. Roger Steinert explores the debate surrounding the newly identified Dua layer in the cornea and what it may mean in managing your corneal patients.

Thyroid orbitopathy part 1: Further study of correlation needed

Thyroid orbitopathy, also known as thyroid eye disease, thyroid ophthalmopathy and Graves’ eye disease, is an autoimmune process that affects the soft tissue and fat of the orbit. Its prevalence is more common in females than males. It most commonly occurs concurrently in the setting of thyroid disease and less frequently precedes and follows thyroid disease.