LISBON, Portugal — Because there are no safety issues in non-smokers exposed to beta-carotene, there is no reason why these patients should be switched to the AREDS2 formulation from the original AREDS formulation, according to one speaker at the Controversies in Ophthalmology meeting. In response to studies reporting an association between beta-carotene and increased risk of mortality and lung cancer, AREDS participants who were current smokers were reassigned to a formulation that did not contain beta-carotene. “At the conclusion of the AREDS, no increase in mortality or lung cancer was (Read more...)
Month: March 2014
Researchers discover novel population of neutrophils that exhibit enhanced microbial killing activity
Case Western Reserve University researchers have discovered a novel population of neutrophils, which are the body’s infection control workhorses. These cells have an enhanced microbial killing ability and are thereby better able to control infection.
FDA clears 532 nm laser for Stellaris system
The Stellaris PC Vision Enhancement System has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the integrated 532 nm green laser and software, Bausch + Lomb announced in a press release. The laser can be upgraded for existing S…
OD-OS introduces Navilas Laser System 577+
The Navilas Laser System 577+ will be launched at the World Ophthalmology Congress in Tokyo, OD-OS announced in a press release. The laser system features a yellow 577 nm wavelength and microsecond pulsed laser treatments.
New cross-linking protocol, device may help fight infectious keratitis on a global scale
LISBON, Portugal — An optimized treatment protocol, a miniaturized device that mounts on a slit lamp and a new photosensitizing agent may allow for a faster and more effective application of cross-linking for infectious keratitis in the near future. Cross-linking for infectious keratitis, now called PACK-CXL for photoactivated chromophore for keratitis-CXL, disinfects the corneal surface via reactive oxygen species and increases the resistance to enzymatic digestion by modification of the collagen structure.
Cost, accessibility remain issues for homebased monitoring of AMD
LISBON, Portugal — Daily home-based monitoring of age-related macular degeneration can have a positive impact on prompt, early treatment and preservation of vision, but access and cost may be issues, speakers said during a debate at the Controversies in Ophthalmology meeting. Susan B. Bressler, MD, PhD, presented results of the National Eye Institute’s HOME study, a secondary study to AREDS2, in which the ForeseeHome AMD Monitoring Program (Notal Vision) was used. The study was a 3-year phase 3 trial in which 1,520 participants were randomized 1:1 into the device group (Read more...)
Under-monitoring, under-treatment of AMD confirmed by real-life studies
LISBON, Portugal — Real-life studies carried out in different countries confirmed that age-related macular degeneration patients who require intravitreal anti-VEGF injections are under-monitored and under-treated. “Several studies already published, including LUMIERE, AURA, WAVE and Coimbra, as well as Medicare data, seem to indicate that this is the scenario all over the world,” Rufino Silva, MD, said at the Controversies in Ophthalmology meeting. The studies looked at the results of real-world clinical practice and revealed a scenario that is different from what should be expected by following the recommendations of clinical (Read more...)
AMRI signs definitive agreement to acquire all outstanding shares of Cedarburg Pharmaceuticals
AMRI today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire all the outstanding shares of Cedarburg Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for $38.2 million in cash.
Ocriplasmin injection showed high rate of success in select VMT patients
LISBON, Portugal — Real-life data of a selected, homogeneous group of patients with vitreomacular traction only, treated by a single injection of ocriplasmin, showed higher efficacy compared with MIVI-TRUST data. “We had an overall success rate, in terms of resolution of the traction, in 52% of the patients, compared with the 26% rate of the MIVI-TRUST. Patients with focal traction did even better, with a 61% success rate,” Peter Szurman, MD, said in an industry-sponsored symposium at the Controversies in Ophthalmology meeting.
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New genetic disease identified in children
Scientists and parents have worked together to identify a new genetic disease that causes neurologic, muscle, eye and liver problems in children. The discovery was unusually fast thanks to a combination of modern gene-sequencing techniques, social medi…
New Smartphone Devices Open the Door to Teleophthalmology
Researchers have developed low-cost smartphone-based devices that can obtain high-quality images of the retina and anterior segment of the eye. Medscape Medical News
Exercise and occasional drinking may protect against visual impairment
You stay physically active, but you are also fond of the occasional drink? Not to worry, you may be doing your eyes a favor, according to new research in the journal Ophthalmology.”Visual impairment” – loss of sight caused by eye disease, trauma or a c…
Why do our eyes widen in fear and narrow in disgust?
Think about the last time you were home alone and you heard a loud, unexpected noise. Chances are, your eyes widened as you listened for more information. In a new paper, researchers have detailed why this happens, as well as why our eyes narrow when s…
Survey shows most women unaware of their risk for permanent vision loss
Only 9% of American women realize they are at greater risk of having permanent vision loss than men, according to a press release Prevent Blindness. The survey, conducted by Harris Poll from Jan. 24-28 among 2,039 U.S. adults age 18 years and older, fo…
Corneal cross-linking for infectious keratitis with corneal melt has low complication rate
Corneal collagen cross-linking with photoactivated riboflavin for infections keratitis with corneal melting did not accelerate corneal healing but resulted in fewer complications than antimicrobial monotherapy, a study found. The prospective study incl…
Choroidal and retinal thickness associated with severity of refractive error
Significant variations in choroidal and retinal thickness in different regions of the macula in normal eyes are linked to the degree of refractive error, according to a study. The prospective, cross-sectional study included 124 Chinese adults who under…
Private sector progressing in Croatian ophthalmology
Croatian ophthalmology is fast gaining lost ground, reaching European standards and developing country-tailored key strategic initiatives, but more in the private sector than in the public sector, according to one official.