Optometry Product Guide

Lens implant may become a good alternative treatment for myopia

Jim Marino — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 07:47:33 +0000

An intraocular lens can correct myopia within 0.5 D of the target in 79% of eyes and caused no vision-threatening complications. This was reported by Japanese investigators from the University of Kitasato in the July issue of Archives of Ophthalmology. “Our long-term results indicate that [implantable collamer lens (ICL)] implantation is safe and effective and provides predictable and stable refractive results in the correction of moderate to high myopia throughout a four-year observation,” the authors said. These findings suggest that ICL implantation may be a good alternative for the treatment of moderate to high myopia.

Corneal reshaping process showing positive results: study

Jim Marino — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 03:45:26 +0000

Researchers at EyeVis Eye and Vision Research Institute have reported positive results from the first year clinical trial. The trial is testing whether specialized contact lenses in the non-surgical overnight corneal reshaping process can slow or halt the progression of near sightedness in children. The specially designed contact lenses, when worn overnight in sleep, can change the shape of the cornea. The induced flatter curvature of the cornea results in clear vision, reducing or eliminating the dependence on contact lenses or glasses during waking hours.

FDA approves glaucoma progression software

Jim Marino — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:33:47 +0000

EyeIC announced that the FDA has approved its MatchedFlicker software that monitors the advent and progression of glaucoma through retinal photography. The technology enables eye-care professionals to compare two retinal images taken from the same patient at different visits—from nearly any source—and see change as motion. Users can mark the changes on the software and on the images. The software also translates markings made on any image in one project to the appropriate location on all other images in the same project. All images and annotations are saved in an electronic format and can be printed.

FDA Approves Alcon’s AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® +3.0 D Intraocular Lens

Jim Marino — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 12:35:09 +0000

Alcon, Inc. has announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved its +3.0 diopter add power AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® IOL. This new lens, which was introduced in many major markets outside the United States in early 2008, is now approved in the U.S. for cataract surgery in patients with presbyopia. This lens is another technology advancement for the AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® platform, which has been the number one choice of surgeons to correct presbyopia in cataract patients since it was introduced in 2005.

Preliminary analysis of Xibrom QD announced to be satisfying

Jim Marino — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:11:57 +0000

ISTA Pharmaceuticals Inc. has announced the preliminary analysis of a late-stage trial in Xibrom QD. Xibrom is a topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compound for the treatment of ocular inflammation and pain following cataract surgery. The result shows to have achieved statistical significance in meeting the primary efficacy endpoint of absence of ocular inflammation 15 days following surgery. The company recently completed Phase III clinical program of Xibrom QD. The program enrolled 282 patients who underwent cataract surgery in two U.S. multi-center, parallel-group, vehicle-controlled studies to evaluate Xibrom 0.09% dosed once daily to vehicle (placebo).

New Technique Captures High-res Images Of Full Retina, Allows Monitoring Of Eye Diseases Over Time

Jim Marino — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 07:18:40 +0000

ARVO Researchers used a new imaging technique to take high quality color photographs of the clinical stages of ocular inflammation in mice, and the technology could help in the monitoring and treatment of diseases of the eye that may cause blindness. It featured the use of Topical Endoscopic Fundal Imaging (TEFI), a technique that uses an endoscope with parallel illumination and observation channels connected to a digital camera. The study was published in the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology journal Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science.

FDA permits Swiss attempt to study benefits of CXL

Jim Marino — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 09:48:47 +0000

In a first research of its kind, the Swiss-based Peschke Meditrade GmbH has initiated a investigation to study the benefits of corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) in subjects with progressive keratoconus and corneal ectasia after prior refractive surgery. Presently keratoconus is treated through eyeglasses, hard contact lenses, and a newer treatment, INTACS plastic rings inserted into the mid layer of the cornea to flatten it, changing the shape and location of the cone. In 15-20% of the cases, cornea transplant surgery is necessary.

Unilens Vision unveils New C-VUE(R) Advanced(TM) Custom Toric Lens

Jim Marino — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:14:23 +0000

Unilens Vision Inc. has announced the launch of the all new C-VUE(R) Advanced(TM) Custom Toric. The product will be sold directly to independent eye care professionals and features a revolutionary trial program, an advanced hydration material and exceptional deliverability. The C-VUE Advanced Custom Toric is available in new convenient blister packaging with hioxifilcon D. The new product offering and hassle free trial/no returns necessary program will provide independent practitioners with an additional specialty C-VUE contact lens option. This contributes to patient retention and practice profitability.

FDA: Retisert Can Cause Cataracts

Jim Marino — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 07:55:09 +0000

The U.S. food and Drug Administration has approved safety labeling revisions for Bausch & Lomb, Inc.’s Retisert (a fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant). The new labeling includes warnings based on the now available 3-year clinical reports. Use of the product can cause cataracts which require surgical removal in all phakic eyes within an average 3-year period. About 77% of patients will need drugs to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) within this period, and around 37% of patients may require filtering procedures for controlling elevated IOP.

Doctors find a more effective treatment for convergence insufficiency

Jim Marino — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 09:43:56 +0000

Findings from a study conducted by optometrists from the Nova Southeastern University have concluded that a combination of in-office therapy and at-home treatment can be the most effective solution to treat a common childhood eye problem, convergence insufficiency. Children in this condition can not point their eyes together accurately. This causes eye strain. Patients see double. Traditional treatment of this condition has been home-based only. This study emphasizes that if a trained therapist provides office-based treatment along with at-home therapy, results will be better.