The FDA approved the iDesign Advanced WaveScan Studio System for LASIK procedures, according to a press release from Abbott.The system generates a high-definition scan that captures more than 1,200 micro-readings of the eye and identifies the shape of the cornea, its curvature, how light passes through the eye and pupil diameter under different lighting conditions. The “blueprint” of each patient’s eye measures and maps irregularities that may affect vision, which helps to create a personalized LASIK treatment plan, the release said.
Author: Healio ophthalmology
VIDEO: Beginner tips for wavefront guided aberrometry
At the Kiawah Eye 2015 meeting, John A. Hovanesian, MD, FACS, gives tips on how intraoperative abberometry is a valuable tool in improving patient outcomes.
VIDEO: Speaker presents study results on neurodevelopment of RP infants treated with anti-VEGFs
VIENNA — At the American Society of Retina Specialists meeting, Wei-Chi Wu, MD, PhD, addresses potential interference of anti-VEGFs with the neurodevelopment of preterm infants. According to the results of a study he presented at the meeting, concerns are still legitimate.
VIDEO: Ophthalmologist gives recap on the ROP session from ASRS 2015
VIENNA — At the American Society of Retina Specialists meeting, Antonio Capone Jr., MD, highlights several topics from the session on retinopathy of prematurity.
Home monitoring program for high-risk AMD candidates may have public health impact
VIENNA — Broader implementation of a home monitoring program for detecting early AMD in patients at high risk for developing the disease may potentially impact public health in the U.S., according to an analysis presented here. OSN Retina/Vitreous Board Member Carl D. Regillo, MD, discussed the potential public health impact of the Foresee Home AMD monitoring program, which uses preferential hyperacuity perimetry to help diagnose choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in its earliest stages.
Study investigates long-term removal rate of hydrogel after scleral buckling
VIENNA — The percentage of hydrogel implants that will develop symptomatic swelling may in the long term be higher than reported in literature, according to a large retrospective study carried out in a hospital center in the Netherlands. MIRAgel (hydrogel, MIRA) was used for scleral buckling surgery as an alternative to silicone approximately for a decade from the mid-1980s. The softness of the material seemed to have advantages over silicone, but after a few years hydrogel underwent degeneration and progressive swelling occurred, causing symptoms from about 5 years after implantation.
Oertli obtains CE mark for OS4 surgical platform
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.
VIDEO: Retina specialist collaborates with Bausch + Lomb, Valeant to develop new technology for vitrectomy
VIENNA — At the American Society of Retina Specialists meeting, Paulo Stanga, MD, talks about working together with Bausch + Lomb and Valeant on developing a new technology for vitrectomy surgery.
Intraoperative OCT enhances surgical decision-making
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.
Second Sight expands Argus II retinal prosthesis system availability in Europe
The availability of the Argus II retinal prosthesis system has been expanded in Europe, with first commercial implantations being done in Austria, Turkey and Spain, according to a release from Second Sight Medical Products. OSN Europe Edition Board Mem…
AKB-9778 with Lucentis improves central subfield thickness in DME
Patients with diabetic macular edema treated with a combination of AKB-9778 and Lucentis showed a significant reduction in central subfield thickness compared with patients treated with Lucentis alone, according to the Time-2 study results announced in…
VIDEO: Photosimulation technique may be a treatment option for patients with chronic retinal detatchment
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.
Senators question CMS’ tactic of enforcing policies as if they were law
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
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.
PAT survey shows steady increase in use of anti-VEGFs, healthy drive toward practice expansion
VIENNA The 2015 ASRS Preferences and Trends survey shows a steady increase in the use of anti-VEGFs, earlier switch of treatment for nonresponders and a growing consensus on treat-and-extend as best regimen when treating age-related macular degenerati…
Benefit-risk analysis supports as-needed anti-VEGF therapy vs. laser in treatment of DME
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.
VIDEO: Surgeon performs first Argus II retinal implant procedure in Austria
VIENNA — At the American Society of Retina Specialists meeting, Susanne Binder, MD, discusses her experience with the Argus II retinal implant from Second Sight. Although the procedure has been completed over 130 times worldwide, this was the first for Austria.
VIDEO: Antibiotics may increase antimicrobial resistance rates
VIENNA — At the American Society of Retina Specialists meeting, Howard F. Fine, MD, discusses antimicrobial resistance rates in patients who have had repeated courses of antibiotics around the time of a intravitreal injection.
Woman experiences decreased vision with normal fundus exam
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...)
Virtual reality test may evaluate postural control in glaucoma population
An evaluation model based on the assessment of postural reactivity using dynamic visual stimuli in a virtual reality environment may help evaluate balance control and associated risk of falling in patients with glaucoma, according to a study.Patients w…