Vittamed out of Carlisle, MA received European CE Mark approval for its non-invasive intracranial pressure meter and non-invasive cerebrovascular autoregulation monitor. The Vittamed 205 intracranial pressure monitor works by applying pressure to the tissue surrounding the eye using a special pressure cuff. A Doppler ultrasound transducer plac (Read more...)
Month: July 2014
Hyperopic LASIK with low-energy femtosecond laser yields few complications
A low-energy femtosecond laser enabled predictable flap creation and a low retreatment rate for hyperopic LASIK with non-custom ablation, according to a study.The prospective case series study included 800 eyes of 413 patients who underwent hyperopic L…
FDA announces closer scrutiny of lab-developed tests, companion diagnostics
In an effort to validate the accuracy, consistency and reliability of diagnostic testing, the FDA has announced its intent to issue a final guidance document on the development, review and approval of companion diagnostics. The agency has also alerted Congress that it will publish a risk-based oversight framework for laboratory-developed tests, according to an agency press release. “Ensuring that doctors and patients have access to safe, accurate and reliable diagnostic tests to help guide treatment decisions is a priority for the FDA,” FDA commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg, MD, said in (Read more...)
FDA Green Lights Eylea for DME
(MedPage Today) — The FDA has approved the vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor aflibercept (Eylea) for diabetic macular edema, drugmaker Regeneron announced.
Valeant second-quarter total revenue increases 86%
Valeant Pharmaceuticals reported a total revenue of $2 billion for the second quarter of 2014, up 86% from the second quarter of 2013. The company’s net income was $126 million, or $0.37 per diluted share. Based on cash earnings per share, Valeant’s adjusted income increased by 43% from the previous year at $651 million, or $1.91 per diluted share, according to a company press release.
Woman reports ‘sparks’ during routine eye exam
In this Ocular Surgery News publication exclusive, Kristen Dunbar, MD, and Caroline Baumal, MD, of the New England Eye Center at Tufts University School of Medicine, discuss a case in which a fundus exam of the left eye showed an inferotemporal excavation in the optic nerve head with a serous retinal detachment.A 19-year-old female college student was referred by an outside optometrist for retinal evaluation of her left eye. She initially presented for a routine annual exam with no visual complaints. On further questioning, she noted occasional “sparks” in her (Read more...)
Merck announces Q2 financial results
Merck’s second-quarter worldwide sales were $10.9 billion, marking a 1% decrease from the same time last year, according to a company press release. Pharmaceutical sales declined by 2% to $9.1 billion, while second-quarter global sales of consumer care products were $583 million, marking a 19% increase from the previous period in 2013.
Poll shows 25 million older adults received unwanted medical care
About 25 million older Americans have been subjected to unwanted or excessive medical treatments, according to new survey data. The research was sponsored by Compassion & Choices, a nonprofit, end-of-life patient advocacy group. A poll of 1,007 individuals aged 50 years and older was conducted by Purple Insights, a research division of Purple Strategies.
Digital reading system for the blind, allows them to read graphs
People who are blind can now read more than just words, such as graphs and graphics, following the development of an affordable digital reading system by Curtin University researchers.
Automatic Test Detects Secondary Cataracts with High Precision
After cataract surgery a troubling number of patients develop posterior capsule opacity, also known as a “secondary cataract,” whereby a cloudy membrane develops behind the newly implanted lens. Recognizing this condition normally requires expert analysis, and while automated systems exist that detect lens opacity, they are not looking (Read more...)
FDA OKs Aflibercept (Eylea) for Diabetic Macular Edema
The drug is the first VEGF inhibitor that can be taken for less than once a month for this eye problem, the manufacturer has noted. FDA Approvals
Intensive ranibizumab treatment of AMD linked to vascular adverse events
Intensity of intravitreal ranibizumab treatment for age-related macular degeneration may be linked to vascular adverse events, but not to an increased risk of mortality, according to researchers.The researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 11 randomize…
Range of options available for IOL calculations
CEDARS Debates is a monthly feature in Ocular Surgery News. CEDARS — Cornea, External Disease, and Refractive Surgery Society — is a group of cornea, cataract and refractive surgery specialists, here to discuss some of the latest hot topics in ophthalmology.With laser refractive surgery becoming so widespread over the past 20 years, there is now an ever-increasing number of post-refractive patients who require cataract surgery.
FDA approves Eylea for treatment of diabetic macular edema
The U.S. Food and Drug administration has approved Eylea for treatment of diabetic macular edema, according to a Regeneron Pharmaceuticals press release.This is the third FDA-approved indication for the aflibercept injection, which was approved for tre…
New contrast sensitivity test reliable for detection of early glaucoma
A new contrast sensitivity test demonstrated reliability in identifying patients with glaucoma, according to a study.The Spaeth/Richman Contrast Sensitivity Test (SPARCS) is designed to gauge the contrast threshold of patients’ central vision and peripheral vision. The internet-based test features multiple-choice questions and a bracketing technique to determine contrast threshold.
Common diabetes-related condition diabetic autonomic neuropathy may be detected by wearable device
A group of researchers in Taiwan has developed a new optical technology that may be able to detect an early complication of diabetes sooner, when it is more easily treated.
The secret lymphatic identity of the Schlemm’s canal
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. A major risk factor for glaucoma is elevated eye pressure due to poor drainage of aqueous humor, the fluid that provides nutrients to…
FDA approves EYLEA Injection for treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved EYLEA (aflibercept) Injection for the treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema (DME).
McDonald confirmed as new VA secretary
Robert McDonald, a West Point graduate and former CEO of Proctor and Gamble, has been confirmed as the next secretary of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.President Barack Obama praised the Senate’s unanimous decision.
Glaucoma Treatment Study: Visual field loss, improvement comparable through 5 years
Comparable rates of visual field loss and improvement were seen until 5-year follow-up of the Collaborative Initial Glaucoma Treatment Study, at which time visual field loss became more common, according to a study. The prospective, comparative case se…