Author: Healio ophthalmology

CRYSTAL study shows good results of personalized anti-VEGF treatment regimen in CRVO

Two-year results of the CRYSTAL study show that an as-needed medication regimen with frequent monitoring can reduce the number of anti-VEGF injections needed to achieve and maintain good anatomic and visual acuity outcomes in central retinal vein occlusion.According to Michael Larsen, MD, DMSc, member of the CRYSTAL Study Group, “The criteria of the CRYSTAL regimen can be easily transferred into clinical practice.”

Valeant names Joseph C. Papa as new chairman, CEO

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International announced in a press release that its board of directors has named Joseph C. Papa as Valeant’s chairman and CEO.Papa, chairman and CEO of Perrigo Company plc, a global health care supplier that develops and distributes over-the-counter and prescription pharmaceuticals, is expected to begin his new position in early May, according to the release. He will succeed J. Michael Pearson, who is expected to remain as CEO and a director until Papa begins at Valeant, the release reported.

Bilateral, contralateral multifocal IOLs yield similar intermediate, distance visual acuity

Bilateral implantation of a multifocal IOL was non-inferior to contralateral implantation of different multifocal IOLs in terms of intermediate and distance visual acuity, according to a study. However, bilateral implantation did not yield comparable near vision.“These results suggest that contralateral implantation might have a higher likelihood than bilateral implantation of patients attaining spectacle independence over a wide range of distances,” the study authors said.

Advances in regenerative medicine may alter treatment of corneal endothelial diseases

The last decade has seen significant advances in the field of corneal surgery. Various lamellar keratoplasty techniques have been refined, and endothelial keratoplasty in the form of Descemet’s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty has now become the standard for endothelial diseases. Worldwide, DSAEK is now one of the most common techniques for endothelial transplant, with excellent functional outcomes.However, Descemet’s membrane endothelial keratoplasty, with its better functional results and faster visual recovery, is now challenging DSAEK. The concern with DMEK is the handling of the delicate Descemet’s membrane and endothelium and the (Read more...)

Alcon, PowerVision enter strategic alliance to develop accommodating IOL

Alcon has entered into a strategic alliance with PowerVision, according to an Alcon press release.PowerVision has developed an accommodating IOL that has shown the ability in pilot studies to change focus through fluid-driven shape-changing technology. The IOL is for cataract patients with presbyopia, and it is implanted in the capsular bag and utilizes the eye’s natural accommodating muscles to transport fluid in the IOL.