Author: Healio ophthalmology

Oertli obtains CE mark for OS4 surgical platform

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Oertli Instrumente AG has obtained CE mark for its OS4 surgical platform for vitreoretinal, cataract and glaucoma surgery, according to a press release. The OS4 is equipped with a high-definition dynamic direct control that acts as an extension to the surgeon’s hand, as well as a three-pump system that works with controlled vacuum and controlled flow.

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Intraoperative OCT enhances surgical decision-making

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VIENNA —Microscope-integrated intraoperative OCT provides valuable feedback and significantly impacts decision-making during surgery, according to a study. In the age of ubiquitous imaging in the management of ophthalmic diseases, taking OCT technology to the operating room may be the next paradigm shift, Justis Ehlers, MD, said at the American Society of Retina Specialists meeting.

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VIDEO: Photosimulation technique may be a treatment option for patients with chronic retinal detatchment

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VIENNA — At the American Society of Retina Specialists meeting, Juan Arias, MD, discusses the pilot study he and his colleagues conducted at the Clinica FOSCAL in Colombia. Arias and colleagues designed treatment using Topcon’s Pascal Laser System for the treatment of patients with chronic retinal detachment caused by central serous chorioretinopathy.

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Senators question CMS’ tactic of enforcing policies as if they were law

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From international law firm Arnold & Porter LLP comes a timely column that provides views on current regulatory and legislative topics that weigh on the minds of today’s physicians and health care executives.One of the great frustrations experienced by physicians and other providers who participate in the Medicare program is the confusion and inconsistency of Medicare policy. While formal regulations and other guidelines such as national coverage determinations are subject to notice and comment requirements, the vast majority of Medicare policies are buried in manuals and other guidance documents, many (Read more...)

No direct correlation with adverse events found for bevacizumab treatment of ROP

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VIENNA —The use of intravitreal bevacizumab appears to be safe in preterm infants for treatment of retinopathy of prematurity, according to a long-term multicenter study. The 9-year study performed in Mexico, Chile and India focused on systemic and adverse events, and included 418 eyes of 262 infants. Mean weight at birth was 1,338.3 grams, ranging from 600 grams to 1,800 grams. Average age at time of birth was 30 weeks, and average age at time of treatment was 36 weeks.

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Benefit-risk analysis supports as-needed anti-VEGF therapy vs. laser in treatment of DME

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VIENNA — Benefit-risk analysis of phase 3 clinical trial data supports the favorable profile of ranibizumab 0.5 mg as-needed dosing compared with laser therapy for treatment of diabetic macular edema, according to a presentation here. Comparative benefit-risk assessment was conducted using the Benefit Risk Action Team Software Tool (BRAT), which encompasses a series of steps for selection, summarization, organization and interpretation of data.

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Woman experiences decreased vision with normal fundus exam

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A 26-year-old female nursing school graduate was referred to the New England Eye Center for decreased vision in both eyes with a normal fundus exam. One month before referral, she noted gradually worsening vision more significant in the right eye than the left. Other than a vague history of back pain and numbness in her right toe, she had no other significant medical or family history. A recent MRI of the brain showed no abnormality.The patient’s best corrected visual acuity was 20/200 in the right eye and 20/30 in the (Read more...)

Uniform care may minimize extensive number of exams in infants with ROP

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Establishing uniform care for infants with retinopathy of prematurity may alleviate the number of unnecessary examinations that are performed, a physician said in a presentation at the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus annual meeting in New Orleans.“While protocols exist for evaluation of ROP, actual physician practice may vary,” Amanda L. Way, MD, said in her delivery of results of a Web-based survey of 267 physician respondents who related their preferences for ROP treatment.

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Trocar anterior chamber maintainer facilitates ocular surgeries

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Self-sealing wounds are the most desirable hallmark of any intraocular surgery. Controlled access to intraocular segment structures without running the risk of hypotony is the prime concern of all surgeons. Anterior chamber maintainers and trocar cannulas are the most common methods employed for infusion by anterior segment and posterior segment surgeons, respectively.The introduction of the trocar cannula was a monumental advance in ophthalmology because it allowed, for the first time, controlled access to the posterior segment of the eye, and currently it is an integral part of modern pars plana (Read more...)

Providing eye care for professional sports teams involves commitment beyond game day

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Sports have become a huge part of our country’s entertainment culture. This is especially true in Pittsburgh, which likes to bill itself the “City of Champions.” In many areas of the country, there is fanatical support for professional and college sports teams. Getting into a playoff, bowl game or March Madness can not only invigorate a city’s collective psyche, but also provide significant revenue to the local economy. In recent years, many teams and colleges have boosted the level of medical care to their athletes. This is a win-win situation (Read more...)