Which penetrating keratoplasty technique is considered optimal in patients with keratoconus? This new study compares FLEK and a mechanical PKP procedure. The British Journal of Ophthalmology
Author: Medscape
Celiac Disease a Risk Factor for Diabetic Retinopathy
Longstanding celiac disease is associated with an increased risk of diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 1 diabetes, a new study finds. Reuters Health Information
Ocriplasmin: A Promising Option for Vitreomacular Adhesions
Dr. Julia Haller from Wills Eye Institute comments on ocriplasmin’s potential to become the first pharmacologic option to treat symptomatic vitreomacular adhesions, and how it could affect practice. Medscape Ophthalmology
Medicare Sequestration Will Cost Clinicians $4.9 Billion
The 2% cut also will hit hospitals to the tune of $5.6 billion next year and reduce spending for the National Institutes of Health by $2.5 billion, which the Obama administration says will hurt research. Medscape Medical News
Are the New Sjögren Syndrome Criteria Necessary?
Do the new classification criteria for Sjögren syndrome offer a clear advantage over existing recommendations? Medscape Rheumatology
Making Soft Contact Lens Use Safer
Most of the risk factors for keratitis are easily modifiable. Medscape Ophthalmology
Are Branded and Generic Drugs Really the Same?
A survey of over 1400 Medscape physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants describes prescribers’ experiences with use of generic agents. Medscape Pharmacists
Ocriplasmin: A Promising Option for Vitreomacular Adhesions
Recommended Vaccines for All Healthcare Personnel
Everyone who ‘shares air’ with patients needs these vaccines. CDC Expert Commentary
‘Real World’ Trial of Ranibizumab Raises No Safety Signals
A large trial confirms the efficacy and safety of ranibizumab for wet age-related macular degeneration in the clinical practice setting. Medscape Medical News
Corneal Surface Changes After Q-Value Guided LASIK and LASEK
How do visual acuity, corneal high-order aberrations, and changes in the anterior corneal surface compare between Q-value guided LASIK and LASEK? This new study looks at the two procedures. BMC Ophthalmology
Automatic 2% Medicare Cut Will Cost 767,000 Jobs, Study Says
Most of the lost jobs are outside healthcare. Organized medicine is urging Congress to spare physicians the consequences of ‘sequestration,’ scheduled for next year. Medscape Medical News
12th EURETINA Congress
Read clinically focused news coverage of key developments from EURETINA 2012. Medscape Ophthalmology
Effects of Caffeinated Coffee Consumption on Glaucoma
Does caffeine consumption cause intraocular pressure to rise and, if so, what is the risk for patients with or at risk for glaucoma? Eye
20/20–Alcohol and Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Is there an association between moderate alcohol use and age-related macular degeneration? American Journal of Epidemiology
Corneal Flap Successfully Bound by Biological Adhesive
A biologic tissue adhesive protocol using fibrinogen, riboflavin, and ultraviolet light successfully bound corneal tissue of sharks and rabbits and may be useful for LASIK eye surgery. Medscape Medical News
Prompt Bevacizumab Helps Curb Macular Edema
Intraocular injections of bevacizumab (Avastin) are helpful in macular edema (ME) due to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), as long as they’re given promptly. Reuters Health Information
Corneal Collagen Crosslinking Works
When will this apparently safe and effective technique be approved in the United States? Medscape Ophthalmology
Cataract Risk for Kids on Kalydeco for Cystic Fibrosis
Children taking Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc’s cystic fibrosis pill Kalydeco (ivacaftor) may be at risk of getting cataracts, based on a study in juvenile rats. Reuters Health Information
Dry Eye Risk Similar After Laser Vision Surgeries
Two laser surgeries used to correct blurry vision have a similar chance of causing dry eyes, at least temporarily, a new study finds. Reuters Health Information