The FDA announced that the U.S. Senate voted to confirm Robert Califf, MD, MACC, as commissioner of the agency.Califf, who was named deputy commissioner for medical products and tobacco in January 2015, was nominated by President Obama in September 201…
Author: Healio ophthalmology
Publication Exclusive: Europe increasingly involved in setting up systematic screening programs for diabetes
Since the 2005 Liverpool Declaration, Europe has made significant progress toward implementation of systematic national screening programs to reduce diabetes-related visual impairment. However, barriers still remain in countries with predominantly private, insurance-based health care systems or countries that lack human and financial resources, Simon Harding, FRCS, FRCOphth, MD, chair professor of Clinical Ophthalmology at the University of Liverpool and St. Paul’s Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, United Kingdom, said.The Liverpool Declaration was the result of a consensus conference, gathering official national representatives of 29 European countries, invited experts and (Read more...)
VIDEO: Challenges of combined cataract, glaucoma surgery
At OSN New York, Nathan M. Radcliffe, MD, presents challenges cases of combined cataract and glaucoma surgery.
Faster visual field loss associated with depressive symptoms in glaucoma patients
Fast progression of visual field loss may be associated with depressive symptoms in patients with glaucoma, according to a study. The prospective, observational cohort study included 204 eyes of 102 patients who had glaucoma-related visual field defect…
Publication Exclusive: Infant presents with tearing, discharge from both eyes
A 4-month-old previously healthy full-term infant presented to her pediatrician with tearing and discharge from both eyes. The mother noted this had been present since birth and did not note any associated symptoms. On exam, the pediatrician noted normal development and bilateral tearing. The infant was diagnosed with nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Warm compresses and nasolacrimal massage were recommended.The patient was sent home; however, a week later she returned to the emergency department with right eye injection and mild edema around the right eye. She was playful on exam and had (Read more...)
Allergan reports 74% increase in Q4 net revenue
Allergan plc reported in a press release that net revenue from continuing operations increased 74% to $4.2 billion for the fourth quarter 0f 2015 compared to $2.4 billion in the same quarter in 2014.In the fourth quarter, diluted earnings per share fro…
VIDEO: Advances in small pupil management
At OSN New York, Kenneth R. Kenyon, MD, discusses the advantages of the I-Ring pupil expander from Beaver Visitec.
VIDEO: Therapeutic laser-assisted cataract surgery
At OSN New York, John P. Berdahl, MD, presents a case of where he performed therapeutic laser-assisted cataract surgery.
Cryoablation improves visual acuity, other outcomes in eyes with active pars planitis
Peripheral retinal cryoablation improved visual acuity, vitreous cell and cystoid macular edema in eyes with active pars planitis better than conventional regional corticosteroid injections and oral corticosteroid therapy, according to a study. The ret…
CMS proposes increase for 2017 Medicare Advantage plans
CMS has proposed changes for the Medicare Advantage and Part D Prescription Drug Programs in 2017, according to a press release.The changes would “provide stable and fair payments to plans” and make “unprecedented improvements to the program for plans …
pSivida revenue totals $526,000 in second fiscal quarter
pSivida reported revenue of $526,000 in its second fiscal quarter compared with $521,000 in the same quarter a year ago, according to a press release.Net loss was reported at $5.2 million, or $0.18 per share, compared with $4.1 million, or $0.14 per sh…
Publication Exclusive: Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery increasingly performed by anterior segment surgeons
Anterior segment surgeons are increasingly performing minimally invasive glaucoma surgery in their patients with mild to moderate disease, especially in conjunction with cataract surgery.“What these procedures have done is brought effective glaucoma surgery into the hands of mainstream cataract surgeons who prior to these procedures did not routinely perform glaucoma surgical procedures,” OSN Technology Board Member Jodi I. Luchs, MD, FACS, said. Moreover, minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) “can produce a significant difference in clinical outcomes, reducing intraocular pressure and relieving the need to use topical medications in many cases,” (Read more...)
New phakic lens improves vision in keratoconus patient implanted with intracorneal ring segment
The Implantable Phakic Contact Lens, or IPCL, might be an additional good option to correct refraction in combination with intracorneal ring segments for patients with keratoconus, according to one surgeon. Luis Salvà Ladaria, MD, an ophthalmologist in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, performed the first implantation of this lens in a 29-year-old patient with grade 4 keratoconus who was previously implanted with an intracorneal ring segment in the left eye.
Europe increasingly involved in setting up systematic screening programs for diabetes
Since the 2005 Liverpool Declaration, Europe has made significant progress toward implementation of systematic national screening programs to reduce diabetes-related visual impairment. However, barriers still remain in countries with predominantly private, insurance-based health care systems or countries that lack human and financial resources, Simon Harding, FRCS, FRCOphth, MD, chair professor of Clinical Ophthalmology at the University of Liverpool and St. Paul’s Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, United Kingdom, said.The Liverpool Declaration was the result of a consensus conference, gathering official national representatives of 29 European countries, invited experts and (Read more...)
OCT angiography has potential to improve diagnosis and monitoring of corneal vascularization
OCT angiography is designed and optimized for the retina, but it offers potential for the diagnosis and monitoring of several conditions that affect the cornea, according to one specialist.“With a modified focus and algorithm, OCTA can be used for imaging and delineating corneal vascularization, which is seen in any insult to the cornea, including patients with ocular surface disease and limbal stem cell deficiency,” Marcus Ang, FRCS, said in an interview with Ocular Surgery News.
Publication Exclusive: Dry eye can be a surgical disease
For some reason I get all confessional with you here. Doubtless it has something to do with our shared experience in the trenches, stomping out dry eye wherever it threatens our patients. Here is my latest: I would really rather be in the operating roo…
Publication Exclusive: Disruptive changes ahead in glaucoma space
All of us who do cataract surgery see a significant number of patients who have glaucoma as a comorbidity. At least 10% of patients who come to have cataract surgery also have a diagnosis of glaucoma or ocular hypertension, and a review of Medicare sta…
Hyperopic LASIK with corneal vertex centration minimizes postop higher-order aberrations
LASIK for high hyperopia with corneal vertex centration and asymmetric offset yielded a low risk of postoperative higher-order aberrations, according to a study.“Maintaining postoperative keratometry less than 49 D after hyperopic LASIK and centering on the corneal vertex reduces the induction of coma compared to non-aspheric profiles and lower hyperopia,” the study authors said. “The use of corneal vertex centration results in a morphologically stable cornea, less topographic asymmetry and enhanced stability.”
Publication Exclusive: Repositioning a dislocated IOL can be complicated but have good results
Despite our best efforts, complications happen during cataract surgery, and often it is not surgeon error, but rather weakness or irregularity in the tissue of the patient. When cataract surgery patients do not have a sufficient degree of capsular supp…
STAAR Surgical, Aier Eye Hospital Group enter into strategic cooperation agreement
STAAR Surgical has entered into an agreement with Aier Eye Hospital Group, the largest refractive surgery provider in China, to provide STAAR’s CentraFLOW IOL as a primary and premium option for refractive eye treatment, according to a press release from STAAR. Hospital officials believe that the partnership with STAAR will result in a strong collaboration expected to include surgeon training, clinical studies, patient registries, local inventory, patient information both in person and through digital communications, and an ability to meet patient demand, Li Li, CEO of Aier Eye Hospital Group, (Read more...)