Month: October 2013

Incomplete visual rehabilitation may be identified after DMEK

The causes of incomplete visual rehabilitation after Descemet’s membrane endothelial keratoplasty can usually be identified, contrary to the undefined low visual outcomes that may be associated with other endothelial keratoplasty methods, a study found.“This may suggest that the apposition of an isolated [Descemet’s membrane] onto the recipient posterior stroma most probably provides the best optical performance of a transplanted cornea today,” the study authors said.

Chemoreduction with cyclophosphamide controls retinoblastoma progression

Chemoreduction with cyclophosphamide controlled progression of retinoblastoma while preventing the need for enucleation and external beam radiotherapy, a study found.The retrospective study included 56 eyes of 40 patients with retinoblastoma who underwent six cycles of intravenous cyclophosphamide, vincristine, etoposide and carboplatin. Cycles were every 21 days, and mean follow-up was 101 months.

NICE says yes to Lucentis for myopic CNV in fast tracked draft final guidance

In a Final Appraisal Determination (FAD) published October 25, The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended that Lucentis® (ranibizumab) be approved for use within the NHS in England and Wales as an option to treat people with visual impairment due to choroidal neovascularisation associated with pathological myopia (myopic CNV)6…

Circularity Index as a Risk Factor for Progression of Geographic Atrophy – Corrected Proof

Objective: To develop a parameter that can assess the relative rate of progression of geographic atrophy (GA) based on the hypothesis that noncircular configuration of the atrophic lesion may be a risk factor for enlargement.Design: Cohort study.Participants: Digitized color photographs of 593 eyes with GA from the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS).Methods: A novel parameter called the “Geographic Atrophy Circularity Index” (GACI) was developed on the basis of area and perimeter measurements to categorize the irregularity of the shape of GA. The GACI ranges from 0.0 to 1.0 and is categorized into 3 groups: 0.25 (very irregular), 0.25 to <0.75 (Read more...)

LASIK more accurate than lens-based procedures in correcting residual ametropia

LASIK was found to be the most accurate technique for correcting residual ametropia after cataract surgery; however, lens-based procedures are preferred in cases with severe ametropia, corneal abnormalities or an unavailable excimer laser platform, according to a study.Sixty-five eyes of 54 patients with unacceptable final refractive error results after phacoemulsification were included in the retrospective, multicenter study.

PK with topical anesthesia successful for perforated corneal ulcers

Topical anesthesia for penetrating keratoplasty produced successful results in cooperative patients with perforated corneal ulcers, a study found. The prospective, interventional case series included 17 eyes of 15 patients who underwent PK under topical anesthesia to treat corneal ulcers. Eight eyes were phakic, eight eyes were pseudophakic and one eye was aphakic.The procedure was successful in all eyes.

Oertli announces features of new phaco machine

Oertli has released details about the CataRhex 3 phacoemulsification device, which was launched at the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons meeting. The compact, portable device weighs 5 kg and can be anchored to any IV pole, according to a press release.The CataRhex 3 easyPhaco technology can be used with 1.6-, 2.2- and 2.8-mm incisions, and irrigation and aspiration

BLOG: Human resource issues: What should I do when … ? Part 1

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned over the years is that quickly addressing and not ignoring HR conflicts is the best route. Direct, appropriate confrontation can be awkward, uncomfortable, even painful. But ultimately you find that it is a relief for your remaining practice staff and healthier for your practice. Every delayed decision impacts your bottom line and, if you own the practice, affects financial opportunity. It is possible to be a strong leader, be financially responsible, and treat colleagues and employees well. Below are a few ways to (Read more...)