Patient expectations after cataract surgery are continually increasing, and unaided postoperative visual acuity is an important correlate of patient satisfaction. In this July/August 2014 Ocular Surgery News Europe Edition, Nino Hirnschall, MD, PhD, re…
Author: Healio ophthalmology
Distance corrected near VA gains with aspheric monofocal IOL linked to HOAs
Improved distance corrected near visual acuity was associated with higher-order aberrations in eyes implanted with an aspheric monofocal IOL, according to a study.The prospective study included 37 eyes of 36 patients who underwent phacoemulsification and implantation of a one-piece Tecnis ZCB00 IOL (Abbott Medical Optics) with negative spherical aberration of –0.27 µm for a 6-mm optical zone.
Second Dry Eye WorkShop to come in fall
A second Dry Eye WorkShop is expected to take place this fall, and the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society is now accepting applications for participants. Originally launched 10 years ago, the second Dry Eye WorkShop (DEWS II) will update the definiti…
Black-box warnings, market withdrawals increased after PDUFA enactment
Over one-quarter of new drugs approved after the enactment of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act were subsequently withdrawn from the market or issued black-box safety warnings, according to a recent study.The authors wrote that the Prescription Drug U…
Aspheric toric IOL improves VA despite significant postop rotation
An aspheric toric IOL and aspheric non-toric IOL combined with an opposite clear corneal incision reduced cylinder in eyes with low to moderate corneal astigmatism, according to study results.The prospective, randomized study included 39 eyes of 39 pat…
Experts: Big data need big direction
Researchers at Duke University and Duke Clinical Research Institute conclude that patient-reported data can enhance comparative effective research and provide better outcomes for patients if the data are aggregated and available. In a paper published i…
Top 5 ophthalmology videos of July
In July, glaucoma and cataract surgery updates were the most frequently viewed Ocular Surgery News videos published on Healio.com.Both of the procedures continue to evolve with the introduction of new technologies and techniques. From femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery to individualized approaches, such as the “jump and pump” technique, videos from Kiawah Eye 2014 offered a glimpse into clinically relevant topics of interest to ophthalmologists.
Industry-funded, phase 2 trials frequently unpublished after completion
Years after completion, a significant number of clinical trials — particularly industry-funded, phase 2 studies — go unreported to the public, according to recent results. Researchers at the Boston University School of Public Health Pharmaceuticals evaluated 400 randomly selected studies registered at ClinicalTrials.gov that had been listed as completed for at least 4 years. Of the 400, 29.5% were still unpublished within 4 years of completion. Industry-backed research was significantly less likely to be published (HR=0.49; 95% CI, 0.36-0.66), and fewer than half of phase 2 studies were published. The (Read more...)
BLOG: To collaborate or not: This is the question
The proverb, “Two heads are better than one,” was attributed to John Heywood, an Englishman, when it was first recorded in the 1500s, but the origin of the phrase may well date back to a time before 1500. No doubt, many of us have heard it used in a variety of contexts and environments in today’s world.This quote implies that two people who work together may be able to accomplish more. However, at times in our personal and professional lives, we don’t always remember to use collaboration effectively. Perhaps this (Read more...)
Iridex Q2 revenue up 15% from 2013
Iridex reported revenues were $10.6 million in the second quarter of 2014, up 15% from $9.2 million in the second quarter of last year, according to a company press release.The revenues for the first 6 months of 2014 were $20.9 million, up from 15% fro…
The scoring system seen through an administrator’s eyes
Whether we are administrators or doctors, none of us especially likes judgment or “scorecards.” Yet we know that such a scorecard can be a wonderful stimulus for a frank discussion about the strengths and weaknesses of your administrator. Without a tool like this, it is easy to avoid providing or receiving necessary and important feedback. If you are a surgeon reading this column, share it with your administrator and have a balanced discussion of opportunities for improvement.
STAAR Surgical reports 10% increase in Q2 revenue
STAAR Surgical reported a 10% increase in revenue for the second quarter of 2014, from $18.2 million to $20 million, according to a company press release.Revenues grew 11% on a constant currency basis during the second quarter of 2014 compared with the…
Iluvien receives marketing approval in Denmark for chronic DME
The Danish Health and Medicines Authority has granted marketing approval of Iluvien for the treatment of vision impairment associated with chronic diabetic macular edema, according to an Alimera press release.Denmark is the second country to grant national marketing authorization for Iluvien (190 mcg intravitreal implant in applicator, Alimera). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is currently reviewing the company’s new drug application.
Senate subcommittee examines new pricing policies for contact lenses
The Senate Subcommittee on Antitrust Competition Policy and Consumer Rights held a hearing July 30 to explore contact lens pricing strategies initiated recently by contact lens manufacturers that would affect retail price competition, Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) said as she presided over the proceedings.“This is intended as an exploratory hearing to give the subcommittee and regulators a better understanding of the reasons for the minimum pricing arrangements in this particular market,” Sen. Michael S. Lee (R-Utah) said at the hearing. “Price matters in this market. I’ve heard that as prices (Read more...)
Allergan files lawsuit against Valeant, Pershing Square for federal securities violations
Allergan has filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court against Valeant Pharmaceuticals, Pershing Square Capital Management, and its principal, William A. Ackman, citing violations to federal securities laws prohibiting insider trading, engagement in fraudulent practices and failure to disclose legally required information.The complaint alleges that between February and April 2014, Pershing Square purchased Allergan stock and securities valued at more than $3.2 billion from unknowing Allergan stockholders, with full understanding of Valeant’s non-public takeover intensions.
ICD-10 implementation date set for Oct. 1, 2015
After a long wait, CMS has confirmed Oct. 1, 2015 as the implementation date for the use of ICD-10 codes. Controversy has surrounded the new coding system for its higher level of detail and the delay in setting a date for its implementation.
Kala initiates phase 2 trials for RVO, DME treatment
Kala Pharmaceuticals announced the initiation of a phase 2 clinical trial of KP-121, its loteprednol etabonate mucus penetrating particle platform, in patients with retinal vein occlusion and diabetic macular edema.The company is also launching a phase…
BLOG: Managing associate optometrists in your practice, part 4
As with eye surgeons, not all optometrists are created equally. It’s a broad but true generalization that younger ODs are better trained and equipped to step into a busy ophthalmic practice. Sparky doctors, both in intelligence and energy, can see more patients than dull docs.Recruiting a high-quality optometrist is generally much easier than finding a top-flight ophthalmologist. It pays to aim for a higher-quality doctor; small increments in compensation can yield large benefits in productivity and ease of management. Here’s a sample ad with all the right buzz words
FDA allows open access to adverse drug reaction database
The FDA announced it is making access to its adverse drug reaction reports easier to obtain, with open access to the public. In a press release, Taha Kass-Hout, MD, MS, chief health informatics officer at FDA, said that the information previously diffi…
Hyperopic LASIK with low-energy femtosecond laser yields few complications
A low-energy femtosecond laser enabled predictable flap creation and a low retreatment rate for hyperopic LASIK with non-custom ablation, according to a study.The prospective case series study included 800 eyes of 413 patients who underwent hyperopic L…