In our technology-driven economy, many individuals spend a high percentage of their day staring at a PC screen, laptop, or other monitor. This can put a real strain on eyes, and potentially cause problems such as headaches and blurry vision,…
Category: Blogs
New Non-Invasive Test Offers Early Detection of Glaucoma While Reversible
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) often become dysfunctional following the onset of glaucoma before there is even any vision loss. Thus, it is important to detect the destruction of retinal ganglion cells as early as possible. In a study conducted at…
Can Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Fish Prevent Age-Related Macular Degeneration?
The December 2010 issue of Ophthalmology reports on a study of 2520 residents of Salisbury, Maryland, aged 65 to 84 years to determine the relationship between fish and shellfish consumption and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Full Story →
Stem Cells in Ophthalmology Update 3: ACT Files IND to Treat Dry AMD
Furthering its lead in stem cell research in ophthalmology, Advanced Cell Technology Inc., announced today that it had filed an Investigational New Drug (IND) application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, to initiate a Phase I/II multicenter study for…
Thanksgiving 2010: My Eyesight Returns
Since last February, I’ve had double vision. 3 surgeries later, I am just about normal, but I’ve learned alot along the way.
How Effective Are AMD Drugs in Treating Diabetic Macular Edema?
At the AAO meeting in October, researchers reported that anti-VEGF drugs such as ranibizumab (Lucentis) and pegaptanib (Macugen) also appeared to be effective in improving visual acuity in patients with diabetic macular edema in a series of randomized, controlled trials. Full…
Flexivue and AcuFocus Among New Options That May Eliminate Need for Reading Glasses
The following new technologies were reviewed at the AAO meeting in October 2010 for addressing presbyopia : an intracorneal bifocal corrective lens called Flexivue from Presbia Corp., which is inserted under the cornea; an implant called AcuFocus that that reduces the…
New Compact Digital Retinal Camera From Canon Receives Clearance from FDA
Canon announced last week that its CR-2 Digital Non-Mydriatic Retinal Camera had received 510(k) clearance from the FDA. Full Story →
New Laser System From OpticaMedica Uses Femto-Second Laser and Optical Coherence Tomography to Perform More Precise Cataract Surgery
OptiMedica Corp. last week announced the results of a clinical study of its Catalys Precision Laser System showing that, when compared to manual techniques, the Catalys Precision Laser System helped surgeons achieve significant improvement in precision during several critical steps of cataract surgery. Catalys is designed to perform four incisions: capsulotomy (a circular incision in […]
Stargardt Disease To Be Treated With Embryonic Stem Cells in Trial Initiated by Advanced Cell Technology
Earlier this week, Advanced Cell Technology’s request to begin treating patients with Stargardt disease (also known as fundus flavimaculatus) with embryonic stem cells in a clinical trial was approved by the FDA. This will be the second trial using human…
Stem Cells in Ophthalmology Update 2: ACT Gets Go-ahead to Treat Stargardt’s
As I noted in my September report on the Use of Stem Cells in Ophthalmology, it was anticipated that either the program at The London Project to Cure Blindness or Advanced Cell Technology’s program to treat Stargardt’s disease would be…
VEGF Trap-Eye Treats Macular Degeneration
VEGF Trap-Eye is a new injectable medication that blocks VEGF for the treatment of wet macular degeneration. It may be as good as Lucentis, but not given as often.
Vitamins Don’t Help Cataract
A large study published in Archives proves what we already know- that vitamins (E and C) have no effect on cataract. Full Story →
Update on Implantable CentraSight Telescope
The CentraSight telescope for advanced macular degeneration has been FDA approved. Medicare still needs to decide if insurance will cover the costs and doctors still need training.
New Surgical Technique For Conjunctivochalasis?
Dr. Choi describes a very simple method in Ophthalmology of getting good results treating conjunctivochalasis. Full Story →
Treat and Extend Regimen Saves Money and Injections for AMD
Full Story →
Ranibizumab + Laser Probably Superior to Laser or Injections Alone for Diabetic Edema?
Researchers compared injections to laser to laser+injections for diabetic maculopathy. At 24 months, the Ranibizumab group had slightly better mean vision, but in other ways, was slightly less better off than the laser+injection group. Considering that…
Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome in Women? Yep.
Full Story →
Is The New Catena Drug a Good Treatment Option for Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON)?
Full Story →
Alphagan Does Not Work At Night
Full Story →