ThromboGenics NV has confirmed January 14 for the U.S. launch of ocriplasmin intravitreal injection
(Jetrea) for the treatment of VMA.
Author: ModernMedecine
FDA approves tonometer
The Oculus Corvis ST, a non-contact tonometer and optical pachymeter, has received the approval of the
FDA.
Irreversibility a drawback for presbyopic corneal laser procedures
A lack of evidence demonstrating reversibility of cornea-based laser procedures for presbyopia is an
issue of concern for the use of these techniques.
Malcolm A. McCannel, MD, dies at 96
Malcolm A. McCannel, MD, the pioneering ophthalmic surgeon who developed practice management
techniques as well as the McCannel suture, died Dec. 30, 2012 in Indianapolis.
UK backs ranibizumab (Lucentis) for new use after Novartis cuts price
LONDON (Reuters) – Britain’s healthcare cost watchdog has given its backing to ranibizumab (Lucentis)
to treat diabetic macular edema after Swiss drugmaker Novartis offered it at a discount to the National Health
Service.
Software-generated, surgeon-controlled procedure plans
The LensAR Laser System software creates a procedure plan, using patient-specific
parameters.
Antioxidant oral supplement might help in macular degeneration
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – An antioxidant oral supplement (Ocuvite, Bausch and Lomb), in particular
its lutein component, may provide benefits in patients with early age-related macular degeneration (AMD), according
to new findings from a seco…
MIGS + medication provides IOP-lowering benefit
Eyes with open-angle glaucoma uncontrolled with two medications underwent implantation of two
trabecular micro-bypass stents; with a once-daily prostaglandin analogue, mean IOP was maintained at 14 mm
Hg.
Sucampo gets sNDA for glaucoma product
Unoprostone isopropyl ophthalmic solution (Rescula, Sucampo) has received a supplemental NDA from the
FDA for lowering IOP in open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.
U.S. visual impairment prevalence increases
Nonrefractive visual impairment in the United States has been found to have increased significantly in
recent years, possibly related to an increase in prevalence of diabetes.
Fatty acid supplements in infant formula improve vision
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – Supplementation of infant formula with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty
acids (LCPUFA) is associated with improved visual acuity up to 12 months of age, researchers say.
Topical voriconazole useful in refractory fungal keratitis
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – Topical voriconazole appears to be a useful adjunct to natamycin in
refractory fungal keratitis, according to research conducted at the Cornea Clinic of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Center for
Ophthalmic Sciences in South India.
Larger graft available for damaged ocular surfaces
The AmnioGraft AG-5050 (Bio-Tissue Inc.) is now available in a larger 5.0 by 5.0 cm size to provide
greater coverage in the treatment of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis.
Small risk of AMD with regular aspirin use: study
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – Taking aspirin regularly for at least a decade was associated with a small
but statistically significant increased risk of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the
long-running population-based Beave…
Vision insurance tied to better eye health
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – Older adults’ eyesight may suffer irreversibly if they don’t have vision
insurance, suggests a new study that argues eye health should be a mandatory part of regular health insurance
policies.
Laser system delivers multi-spot scanning
The TxCell Scanning Laser Delivery System (Iridex Corporation), which allows physicians to deliver
laser power in a multi-spot scanning mode, has received FDA 510(k) and CE clearance.
Low-cost lens works well after cataract surgery
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – After surgery for age-related cataracts, patients benefit to a similar
extent from either the AcrySof SA60AT intraocular lens (IOL) from a leading manufacture (Alcon), or the less
expensive Tecsoft Flex lens, a new s…
Study explores methicillin-resistant Staph colonization
In 99 patients seeking refractive surgery and considered at high risk for colonization with
methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus spp, results of nasal and/or ocular cultures were positive in seven
patients.
Implant not recommended in UK, but to be launched in European market
The fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant (Iluvien, Alimera) has not met the UK’s
cost-effectiveness thresholds for treating DME. Alimera has, however, signed an agreement with Quintiles for the
implant’s European launch.
Glaucoma monitoring lags in Hispanics
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – In a new study of U.S. adults with open-angle glaucoma, Hispanics were the
least likely to get routine follow-up testing.