Novartis said the European Commission has approved its eyecare unit Alcon’s Simbrinza eye drops suspension to decrease elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in adults with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. International Approvals
Month: July 2014
Back to Basics: Unusual cases alter accuracy of IOL power calculations
For average eyes, IOL power estimation calculations are reasonably accurate because the assumptions that are made by the formulae all hold true: The anterior chamber is an average depth, the corneal curvature and axial length are accurately measured by our machines, and the future position of the IOL is accurately predicted. However, there are some clinical situations in which the IOL calculation is not as accurate, and we can end up with a refractive surprise.The surgeon should be aware of a patient’s history, review the biometric information in detail and (Read more...)
PK, DSAEK offer similar graft survival rates regardless of glaucoma therapy
Penetrating keratoplasty and Descemet’s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty had comparable graft survival rates in eyes without glaucoma management and in eyes with comparable glaucoma management, according to a study.Researchers performed a retrospective chart review for 57 eyes that underwent PK and 156 eyes that underwent DSAEK. Patients’ eyes were categorized as having no glaucoma treatment, medical therapy only or surgical intervention.
Spectral Edge plans enhanced video trial with Colour Blind Awareness
Spectral Edge has announced that it is working together with Colour Blind Awareness, an organisation that raises the awareness of the needs of the colour blind, to trial its new image-enhancement…
Simbrinza approved in EU for treatment of glaucoma
The European Commission has approved brinzolamide and brimonidine tartrate eye drops suspension for the treatment of elevated IOP in adults with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension, according to a press release.Brinzolamide 10 mg/mL and brimonid…
New Eye Monitoring Device Spots Early Signs of Diabetes
Autonomic neuropathy is a common complication arising from diabetes, causing side effects like gastroparesis, erectile dysfunction, and other conditions due to damaged autonomic nerves. Early detection of diabetic autonomic neuropathy can have substantial benefits to patients thanks to treatment commencing sooner than it does now. Now researc (Read more...)
PLXNA4 gene may increase risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine report variants in a new gene, PLXNA4, which may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The discovery of this novel genetic association may lead to new drug treatment options that…
Ophthalmic Premier League Symposium offers friendly competition among surgeons
The Ophthalmic Premier League Symposium, a team video competition, will be debuted at the 2014 American Academy of Ophthalmology. “The video format makes this symposium very interesting for ophthalmologists, and added to it is the competition element where the ophthalmologists in the audience can vote and decide the best team,” Agar Agarwal, MD, told Ocular Surgery News in an interview.
Ten-point scorecard can assess administrator prowess
In today’s complex and changing practice world, few factors are as critical to practice success as your administrator’s global fitness. OSN Practice Management Board Member and Healio.com/Ophthalmology blogger Corinne Z. Wohl, MHSA, COE, an experienced hospital and practice administrator, provide insight into how the success of your administrator has a direct effect on the success of your practice.What follows is a simple “administrator’s scorecard.” It will help you answer one of the most common questions asked of practice management consultants: “How is my manager doing?”
Boston type 1 keratoprosthesis produced favorable long-term outcomes
Despite an increase in complications with longer follow-up, Boston type 1 keratoprosthesis was shown to have lasting positive effects during a 7-year period, according to study findings. The retrospective study included 139 eyes of 133 patients who und…
DALK after treatment of keratoconus-associated hydrops improves visual acuity
Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty performed after combined thermokeratoplasty and anterior chamber paracentesis improved vision and resolved membrane ruptures in patients with hydrops associated with keratoconus, according to study findings.The retro…
Doxycycline Treatment in Mild Graves’ Orbitopathy
Status: Recruiting,
Condition Summary: Graves Ophthalmopathy; Graves Disease; Eye Diseases; Thyroid Diseases; Endocrine System Diseases; Eye Diseases, Hereditary; Hyperthyroidism; Autoimmune Diseases; Immune System Diseases
Top 4 glaucoma surgery videos
The emergence of technologies for the treatment of glaucoma continue to set the stage for further approaches that target patients with the condition.Minimally-invasive transscleral glaucoma surgery techniques and stab incision glaucoma surgery have tak…
Nonsurgical option available for long-standing or sensory strabismus in adults
In this News You Can Use from UPMC Eye Center publication exclusive, Lea Ann Lope, DO, at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, provides insight into the use of Botox to treat strabismus in adults.With Botox, improvements in the position of the eye can be seen even after the initial 3-month paresis has worn off.
Deadline to Check Industry Payments to Docs Fast Approaching
CMS soon will publish what drug and device makers have reported giving physicians. They can review the data for accuracy beforehand, but accessing it online may take more time than they would like. Medscape Medical News
Behavior Therapy May Help Prevent Depression Over Vision Loss
For older people with central vision loss, combining occupational therapy with behavior therapy to keep them from becoming too isolated may prevent depression, according to a new study. Reuters Health Information
Cosmetic transcutaneous lower blepharoplasty results in temporarily dry, tearful eyes
Cosmetic transcutaneous lower blepharoplasty affected ocular surface and tear fluid, resulting in temporary dryness, tearful eyes and chemosis, according to study findings.The prospective, observational case series study included 60 eyes of 30 patients…
Ocular Therapeutix prices initial public offering at $13 per share
Ocular Therapeutix has priced its initial public offering of 5,000,000 common stock shares at $13 per share, before underwriting discounts and commissions, according to a company press release.The company has also granted the underwriters an option for a 30-day purchase period at the public offering price excluding the underwriting discount — up to 750,000 additional shares of common stock to cover over-allotments, according to the press release.
European authorities recommend marketing extension for Ozurdex
The European Union’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use has recommended extending the marketing authorization for the dexamethasone 700 mcg intravitreal implant in applicator, according to an Allergan press release.Dexamethasone 700 mcg intravitreal implant (Ozurdex, Allergan) is indicated for adult patients with vision loss due to diabetic macular edema who are pseudophakic, or who are unable to undergo non-corticosteroid therapy.
BLOG: Managing associate optometrists in your practice, part 3
Hiring a new optometrist — or properly managing the doctors you have — should start with a position description. This should include the following elements:Scope of practiceThe practice’s optometrists will practice to the highest levels permitted by state practice regulations and payer stipulations, and within the boundaries set by the medical director.