An automated system for the detection of glaucoma may have a comparable performance for classification as compared with color fundus images viewed by trained ophthalmologists, according to a study.Because undiagnosed glaucoma is a large contributor to …
Author: Healio ophthalmology
OSN round table, part 2: Optimization of the ocular surface
Dry eye is a multifactorial progressive disease that worsens with time. At the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons meeting in Barcelona, Ocular Surgery News convened anterior segment surgeons from both sides of the Atlantic to address …
Questions abound when faced with issue of genetic testing
Welcome to another edition of CEDARS/ASPENS Debates. CEDARS/ASPENS is a joint society of cornea, cataract and refractive surgery specialists, here to discuss some of the latest hot topics in ophthalmology.Genetic testing has long been a controversial t…
OSN talks with Allergan CEO about Pfizer merger, days ahead
The impact of a Pfizer-Allergan merger on the world of U.S. eye care is a matter of speculation.Announced in November 2015, the agreement by the boards of directors of both companies allows for the smaller Ireland-based Allergan to acquire the larger U.S.-based Pfizer, putting Pfizer squarely into the ophthalmic space where it otherwise has a waning presence. The agreement is valued at $160 billion. Allergan’s legacy-rich products, including Restasis (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion 0.05%) and Lumigan (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.01%), would bolster Pfizer’s product line.
Ocular surface disease: One physician’s approach to treatment
It has been a busy 2 weeks in the clinic since I wrote my last commentary on dry eye syndrome, focusing on the screening diagnostics I use in my practice. First, a few more thoughts on the diagnosis side, and then on to therapy. I will compare what I do today vs. what I did in the past and focus on what I am really doing in my clinical practice today.In disclosure, I have practiced as a consultative corneal specialist for 38 years, so I may see a different mix (Read more...)
Man presents with 2-month history of declining vision
A 74-year-old man was referred to the retina service at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center by an outside ophthalmologist with progressive decreased vision in the left eye for 2 months. Cataract surgery was performed 2 days before presentation.The patien…
How to approach a complex cataract case
When teaching my ophthalmology residents, I find that going through an entire case from initial consultation to postoperative care is a great way for them to learn how to approach a complex cataract case. This method requires them to put together a wid…
Anti-VEGF treatment may benefit patients with DME, vitreomacular adhesions
Anti-VEGF injections may improve visual outcomes in patients with diabetic macular edema who have vitreomacular adhesions, according to a substudy of READ-3.“VMA does not adversely influence treatment outcomes and therefore should not preclude patients with DME from receiving treatment with anti-VEGF agents,” study author Yasir J. Sepah, MBBS, told Ocular Surgery News.
Femtosecond LASIK with novel settings improves vision in eyes with previous RK
LASIK with unique femtosecond laser flap creation settings improved vision with no serious complications in patients who had previously undergone radial keratotomy, according to a study.The settings helped surgeons avoid intraoperative and postoperativ…
A thankful beginning to the new year
Happy New Year! How were your holidays? Did your team win its bowl game? How was New Year’s Eve? Did you manage to stay up late enough to see the ball drop? Now, here’s the kicker: How many of your new year’s resolutions have you already blown?I definitely feel you on that last one. So much so that I am going to take an entirely different approach this year and not make any traditional resolutions. Instead I am going to begin my year, both professionally and personally, with a listing (Read more...)
AAO report: Limited high-level evidence for long-term benefit of NSAIDs after cataract surgery
There is insufficient high-quality evidence to support the long-term benefits of NSAID therapy to prevent vision loss from cystoid macular edema after cataract surgery, according to a report.Cystoid macular edema (CME) is the most common cause of visua…
Enrollment completed for PMA arm of first US clinical trial of artificial iris
An artificial iris is available to an increasing number of patients participating in a clinical trial because of a humanitarian use designation granted by the FDA.The CustomFlex artificial iris prosthesis, manufactured by HumanOptics, is designed for patients with iris defects, iris damage and aniridia. The clinical trial’s sponsor, Clinical Research Consultants, plans to submit a premarket approval (PMA) application to the FDA when the trial is completed.
Benefits of cross-linking go beyond stopping progression of keratoconus
Corneal cross-linking may provide more benefits than just stopping the progression of keratoconus, according to a speaker at OSN New York 2015.While the technique prevents keratoconus progression, it also can improve uncorrected visual acuity and best …
VIDEO: Surgeon encourages all cornea specialists to convert to DMEK
WAIKOLOA, Hawaii — At Hawaiian Eye, John P. Berdahl, MD, encourages his fellow cornea surgeons to convert from DSEK to DMEK due to better patient outcomes and despite a relatively steep learning curve.
VIDEO: Surgeon discusses injection regimen in refractive corneal and cataract surgery
WAIKOLOA, Hawaii — At Hawaiian Eye, Richard L. Lindstrom, MD, discusses the implementation of the “less drops” approach to cataract and refractive corneal procedures at Minnesota Eye Consultants.
VIDEO: Surgeon presents pearls for the management of eyelid lesions
WAIKOLOA, Hawaii — At Hawaiian Eye, Wendy W. Lee, MD, discusses her preferred methods for managing benign and potentially malignant lesions of the eyelids.
VIDEO: Ladas’ Super Formula, Super Surface enters beta testing phase
WAIKOLOA, Hawaii — At Hawaiian Eye, Uday Devgan, MD, discusses how the Ladas Super Formula and Super Surface are currently being beta tested by surgeons to further improve on calculations made in estimating astigmatism correction.
VIDEO: Surgeon presents pearls on astigmatism management in femtosecond laser cataract surgery
WAIKOLOA, Hawaii — At Hawaiian Eye, Sheri Rowen, MD, discusses the unique challenges posed by the femtosecond laser in the management of astigmatism during cataract surgery.
VIDEO: Evaluation of topography critical in toric IOL implantation
WAIKOLOA, Hawaii — At Hawaiian Eye, Jennifer M. Loh, MD, discusses the need for careful preoperative evaluation including topography before toric IOL implantation for astigmatism correction to discover pathologies that may go otherwise undetected without a topographic exam.
Hardware, software improvements advance OCT capabilities
WAIKOLOA, Hawaii — Hardware improvements that increase scanning speed with more imaging modalities and software enhancements that allow for new scanning protocols are features rounding out the OCT space in 2016, according to a speaker here. “Bottom line is that there are a lot of new things in OCT technology. We haven’t really hit the ceiling,” Jay S. Duker, MD, told colleagues at Retina 2016.