All GLG News Analyses Filed Under: Ophthalmology

Laser Refractive Surgery is Here to Stay

May 14, 2008

Analysis by: GLG Expert Contributor

Analysis of:LASIK Worries? Some May See Better with Alternatives | www.washingtonpost.com

Although the lask procedure as the primary method of keratorefractive surery has been under scrutiny recently it remains the mainstay of refractive surgery.  With a 95% approval it is difficult to critisize its effectiveness. However the 5% patient complaints must be addressed.  The risk of creating an unstable cornea by excessive thinning is minimized by careful pre-operative selection.  Surface ablation (PRK) is becoming more utilized and for higher powers phakic IOLs are becoming a popular method.  In cases of presbyopic hyperopia clear lens extraction and the implantation of an accommodating IOL is favored. Refractive surgery is entering a new phase where corneal surgery and intraocular lens procedures will be significantly incorporated into refractive surgery  management.

LASIK IS AN EXCELLENT PROCEDURE FOR THE APPROPRIATE CANDIDATES

May 7, 2008

Analysis by: GLG Expert Contributor

Analysis of:LASIK Worries? Some May See Better with Alternatives | www.washingtonpost.com

The FDA report and scrutiny of LASIK complaints reveals what consientious LASIK surgeons have known for years:  Not everyone who walks through your doors is a good lasik candidate and you should not laser everyone.  About 1 out of 4 patients that consider lasik are actually good candidates for the procedure.  Surface ablation, or lens implants are of course other procedures that can be a better option for a subset of patients.  Surgeons that use conservative criteria and appropriate counseling and consent are rarely surprised by very unhappy patients or bad results.  THose that laser all comers and reap the economic gain from 'a less stringent weeding out of patients' will invitably produce sub-optimal results, more unhappy patients, and maybe even develop a serious problem such as ectasia or extreme dry eye.

Gary BarkerPartner/OwnerEYE ASSOCIATES OF WINTER PARK

Is LASIK the issue or is choosing the right refractive surgery for the right patient the real issue?

May 7, 2008

Analysis of:LASIK Worries? Some May See Better with Alternatives | www.washingtonpost.com

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 the true issue?

Mark PackerClinical Associate Professor of OphthalmologyOREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY - CC

Doubts About LASIK

May 6, 2008

Analysis of:LASIK Worries? Some May See Better with Alternatives | www.washingtonpost.com

The media reporting on the FDA hearings on LASIK has generally highlighted unhappy patients' stories and the comments of FDA officials and panel members.  However, The Washington Post's Lauran Neergard has written an insightful article that foresees an important future trend in refractive surgery.  She correctly notes that the key to a successful outcome is finding a surgeon who does not have a "favorite" procedure and instead is "qualified to evaluate patients for all of the options."   Equating refractive surgery with LASIK (or laser vision correction in general) unfairly limits a field which includes Refractive Lens Exchange and Phakic Refractive Lenses as well as inicisional techniques, corneal implants and other investigational modalities.  Given the increased doubt engendered by media attention to LASIK, patients who nevertheless seek freedom from glasses will turn to trusted surgeons who perform a range of procedures and can tailor the surgery to fit the patient's desires.  

Cooper Vision needs Avaira to be successful to maintain it's status in the Contact Lens Industry

April 18, 2008

Analysis by: GLG Expert Contributor

Analysis of:CooperVision Introduces Avaira™ Two-Week Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lenses | www.coopervision.com

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 lenses (both of which are 2 week lenses). Ciba's O2 Optix lenses have some issues with ridigty, initial corneal discomfort and lid allgeries. Cooper needs to be successful with it's Avaira lens to keep pace with the Contact lens market.  If it is all that Coopers says it is- a low modulus lens with good wettability, initial comfort, moist, and doesn't attract deposits- it will create a fantastic alternative to  J&J 's lenses.  This is especially true because Cooper historically offers better pricing than J&J. I look forward to the day when I reach for a Cooper lense as my first lens of choice- a healthy, good lens at a good price.

Mark TapsakAssistant ProfessorBLOOMSBURG UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

CooperVision enters US market with Avaira™ two-week silicone hydrogel contact lenses

April 16, 2008

Analysis of:CooperVision Introduces Avaira™ Two-Week Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lenses | www.coopervision.com

I’m not so sure that this is a leap forward for CooperVision.  After long delays for the release of the Biofinity lens, a two-week version has just been released.  The material properties are reportedly “nice”, but certainly scaled back from what was reportedly achieved with Comfilcon A.      

Gary BarkerPartner/OwnerEYE ASSOCIATES OF WINTER PARK

Injectable glaucoma drug vs. patient compliance

April 15, 2008

Analysis of:Injectable glaucoma drug shown to reduce IOP in clinical study | www.osnsupersite.com

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 study.

Ex-PRESS Shunt (Optonol) making Strides for Surgical Managment of Glaucoma

April 14, 2008

Analysis by: GLG Expert Contributor

Analysis of:New model of mini glaucoma shung significantly lowers IOP | www.osnsupersite.com

A new model of the increasing popular Ex-Press Shunt is quite effective in an early study.  Its is quite safe and effective; and simpler substitute for trabeculectomy.  It could be the first line  in the surgical management of glaucoma.

Alcon (ACL) reports Promising Results for Unique Glaucoma Medication.

April 14, 2008

Analysis by: GLG Expert Contributor

Analysis of:Injectable glaucoma drug shown to reduce IOP in clinical study | www.osnsupersite.com

Alcon (ACL) reported positive interim results for their injectable medication for glaucoma.  A single injection of anecortave acetate  resulted in control of IOP at the three month follow up.  This could be a promising medication for IOP control in glaucoma.

Steve RubinsteinOptometristSound Shore Vision Care

Good for Alcon, little effect on the patient, slight decrease in competition.

April 8, 2008

Analysis of:Novartis and Nestlé in a Deal for Alcon | select.nytimes.com

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!

Previous Page : 12345678910Next51 to 60 of 304