GLG News by Optometrists (US)

Can Cooper take over the 2 week spherical contact lens market? Can it make a dent in the market share of the industry leader in the silicone hydrogel field? Initial results look good. A definite maybe!

I welcome the FDA investigation of LASIK, as thousands of patients are undergoing the elective cosmetic procedure, with some achieving less than optimum results.  Will the study show that LASIK is not safe, or will it show that LASIK is not the real issue, rather that patient selection is...

Silicone Hydrgol lenses are the latest technology in the contact lens industry.  Nearly 100% of of my new fits are silicone hydrogel lenses, and the 2 week modality is the most popular wearing schedule. Currenly J&J has the lion's share of the market with their Acuvue Advance and Oasys contact...

Any new efficacious glaucoma treatment is welcome and needed, but patient compliance remains a factor.  A single injection treatment that provides IOP reduction for 3 months would greatly improve success in IOP control.  I would, however, like to see a lower target pressure set for the...

The purchase of a controlling interest in Alcon by Novartis is a brilliant move by Novartis.  To bring the leading contact lens disinfectant together with Ciba's contact lenses is a wonderful marketing opportunity for Ciba.

Alcon becomes part of a larger group that is very interested in profiting from eye care. The patient will probably not see any changes in labeling or distribution for a few years. The companies interlock well, but do not have a lot of overlap.....except for sales reps!

Contacts can successfully be worn with pediatric patinets as early as 10 years of age.  With that being said, patient selection is crucial.  You may encounter 10 year old patients that are as responsible as 7 year olds and vice versa.

Biovitrum may have discovered a new adjunct to our existing prostaglandin analogs.  Currently, the prostaglandins generally lower patients pressures by 30-40% therefore making them first line therapy.  If this new 5-HT2A drug can lower pressure an additional 10%, this drug would find a home...

A recent study showed that children aged 8-12 were just as successful as teenagers aged 13-17 in the areas of physiological adjustment and contact lens care.  I find this is true in my practice as well.  Not only can prescribing to this younger demographic change a child's life, it can...

The recent purchase by Bausch & Lomb of Eyeonics shows a good move to capture the growing presbyopic correction market. The company has also sent Ronald L. Zarrella to become chairman emeritus. One of the best moves I have heard since the whole Renu problem.