Vol. VII, No. 25
June 18, 2008
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CONTENTS
New Journal Studies
Academy News
What's New on the Web
Industry News
NEW JOURNAL STUDIES
Younger age at cataract diagnosis linked to glaucoma after congenital cataract surgery
This was the only factor independently associated with glaucoma development in this noncomparative interventional cohort study of 275 eyes of 165 children followed for at least six years after surgery. Annual postop glaucoma incidence was 5.25 per 100 cataract procedures. Median time after surgery until open-angle glaucoma development was lower than previously reported at 16 months and ranged from 0.39 months to 6.73 years. Ophthalmology, June 2008
Drusen regression precedes same-site geographic atrophy in eyes with AMD
This retrospective review analyzed stereoscopic fundus photographs taken in two-year intervals of the 95 eyes of 77 subjects in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) that developed geographic atrophy (GA) at least four years after enrollment. All 4757 subjects had some AMD at baseline. Progression to GA was characterized by large drusen and hyperpigmentation in 96 percent of eyes, followed by drusen regression, hypopigmentation in 82 percent, and refractile deposits in 23 percent. Ophthalmology, June 2008
Most optic neuritis patients experience good long-term visual outcomes
This 15-year follow-up study on the Optic Neuritis Treatment Trial reports that 72 percent of eyes treated for optic neuritis had visual acuity of at least 20/20 and 66 percent had at least 20/20 in both eyes. Visual function was slightly worse among patients with multiple sclerosis. Visual changes were minimal to nonexistent in most patients between the 10- and 15-year follow-up exams. There was no difference in vision between patients randomly assigned to one of two corticosteroid regimens or a placebo group upon study enrollment. Ophthalmology, June 2008
Topical Avastin decreases corneal neovascularization but causes adverse effects
This prospective nonrandomized case series enrolled 10 eyes of seven patients with corneal neovascularization nonresponsive to various treatments. They received 1.25 percent topical Avastin twice daily. Decreased corneal neovascularization occurred in seven eyes largely within one month. Epitheliopathy was seen in six eyes, of which one experienced corneal thinning, generally during the second month of treatment. Ophthalmology, June 2008
Study suggests physician emphasis on negative outcomes decreases patient quality of life
A time trade-off utility test was administered to 247 vitreoretinal patients to assess their baseline quality of life or utility and any change if the interviewer emphasized either possible negatives outcomes of their current ocular problem or possible positive outcomes. Mean baseline utility was 0.87. It significantly decreased to 0.80 with the bad news scenario but did not significantly change for the good news one. British Journal of Ophthalmology, June 2008
Low cataract risk seen with Visian Implantable Collamer Lens
This FDA clinical trial followed for an average of 4.7 years 526 eyes that underwent ICL implantation. Fifty-eight percent of subcapsular opacities occurred within one year, 68 percent within two years, and 74 percent within three years. The cumulative probability estimate for clinically significant cataract over seven or more years was 2 percent, with a 1.3 percent rate observed. Preoperative myopia greater than 12 D and age older than 40 each significantly increased cataract development risk. Journal of Refractive Surgery, June 2008
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ACADEMY NEWS
Academy to exhibit at the World Ophthalmology Congress in Hong Kong
Stop by the Academy’s booth (N13/N14) to visit with Academy staff, renew your membership, review products and get a demonstration of O.N.E.
Academy picks new slate of ophthalmologists for leadership training
Twenty Eye M.D.s have been chosen from a large field of candidates to participate in the eleventh class of the Academy's Leadership Development Program (LDP). The purpose of the LDP is to provide orientation and skill development to future leaders of state, subspecialty and specialized interest ophthalmology societies. The first program session for the Class of 2009 (LDP XI) will be held during the 2008 Joint Meeting in Atlanta.
Why do thousands of ophthalmologists subscribe to Focal Points each year?
Written and reviewed by leading experts, Focal Points provides practical solutions on clinical issues that ophthalmologists face every day. Keep up-to-date with the latest issues or purchase back issues to supplement your review for the DOCK examination. Available in print and online formats.
Free self-assessment tests available on the Ophthalmic News & Education (O.N.E.) Network
O.N.E self-assessment tests provide instant online scoring and a confidential report detailing how your performance compares to that of your peers. It also provides links to suggested remediation materials that can be added to your Learning Plan, which is also available on O.N.E.
Cross-country bike ride for EyeCare America reaches its midpoint
The four cyclists who left San Francisco on May 7 to raise awareness and support for EyeCare America have now reached Kansas. You can learn more about EyeRide for Sight, track the cyclists progress and make a tax-deductible donation on the EyeCare America Web site. All contributions support EyeCare America’s free medical and surgical eye care services for people in need within the United States.
Have any patient eye injury stories?
On July 1, the Academy will launch the second phase of its EyeSmart campaign by drawing attention to the problem of eye injuries. The Academy’s media relations department is currently seeking patient stories about eye injuries for the EyeSmart campaign. Patients willing to talk about their experiences with eye injuries, particularly those that occurred around the home, will help reporters interested in talking to someone who has experienced an injury firsthand. If you have patients who want to talk about their experiences, please contact the Academy’s media relation’s department.
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WHAT'S NEW ON THE WEB
June issue of EyeNet Magazine is now live
This month’s feature discusses new advances in optical coherence tomography and autofluorescence imaging.
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INDUSTRY NEWS
FDA approves injectable triamcinolone acetonide for ophthalmic use
Allergan announced in a press release this week that the FDA approved Trivaris (triamcinolone acetonide injectable suspension) 80 mg/mL, a synthetic glucocorticoid corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory action. The ophthalmic indications include: sympathetic ophthalmia, temporal arteritis, uveitis, and ocular inflammatory conditions unresponsive to topical corticosteroids.
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