Vol. VII, No. 23
June 4, 2008
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CONTENTS
New Journal Studies
Academy News
Industry News
NEW JOURNAL STUDIES
Smoking, education and demographics play a role in IOP control during glaucoma treatment
This analysis of the Collaborative Initial Glaucoma Treatment Study found that even under prolonged treatment, patient's smoking status, education, and center of origin impact mean IOP level. Perhaps the most intriguing association was between smoking and the surgery group. Although both smokers and nonsmokers treated surgically had lower IOP over time than patients treated medically, smokers treated surgically had much higher mean IOP over time than nonsmokers treated surgically. However, smoking had no effect on the mean IOPs of medically treated patients. Ophthalmology, June 2008
Long-term IOP fluctuation appears unrelated to the risk of converting from ocular hypertension to glaucoma
Researchers observed 252 eyes of 126 patients with untreated ocular hypertension. Forty eyes of 31 patients developed glaucoma during the follow-up period, with a 25.4 ± 4.2 mmHg mean IOP during follow-up in the eyes that progressed to glaucoma, and 24.1 ± 3.5 mmHg for the eyes that did not. Corresponding values for IOP fluctuation were 3.16 ± 1.35 mmHg and 2.77 ± 1.11 mmHg, respectively. In both the univariable and multivariable analysis, IOP fluctuation was not a risk factor for developing glaucoma. Ophthalmology, June 2008
Azithromycin 1% ophthalmic solution may be a viable treatment option for children and adults with bacterial conjunctivitis
This randomized, vehicle-controlled trial compared the clinical and bacterial resolution rates in 316 participants treated for five days with either 0.1% tobramycin drops (four times daily) or 1% azithromycin in DuraSite (two drops on days one and two, one drop on days three through five). Higher bacterial eradication rates were observed with azithromycin than vehicle for gram-negative (91.4% vs 78.6%) and gram-positive (89.4% vs 60.6%) bacteria, indicating a broad spectrum of microbial activity. American Journal of Ophthalmology, June 2008
Patients must be better educated about AREDS recommendations
Researchers surveyed 332 patients receiving care for AMD at the Wilmer Eye Institute and found that more than one-third of those deemed candidates for AREDS-type supplements were not using them or were using an incorrect dose. Nearly one-fifth of participants who were using high-dose supplements did not have a level of AMD anticipated to benefit from usage. Ophthalmology, June 2008
Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty appears to reduce corneal refractive power
Researchers retrospectively analyzed four patients after posterior lamellar corneal transplantation with cataract extraction and IOL implantation. All eyes had a hyperopic refractive error after surgery. Average preoperative keratometry was 43.4 D; after surgery, it was 42.8 D. However, when the postsurgical corneal power was calculated using the Gaussian optics method, the average value was 40.8 D. American Journal of Ophthalmology, June 2008
Visible strabismus negatively impacts patients’ ability to find a partner
Researchers interviewed Swiss dating agents using a validated questionnaire. Of the 40 dating agents, 92.5 percent judged that strabismic subjects have more difficulty finding a partner. Such difficulty was perceived as being greater in exotropic than in esotropic persons. Among the seven facial disfigurements considered, strabismus was believed to have the third largest negative impact on finding a partner, after strong acne and a visible missing tooth. "Because surgery in adults reduces not only physical but also psychosocial difficulties, it cannot be considered a cosmetic procedure," wrote the authors. British Journal of Ophthalmology, June 2008
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ACADEMY NEWS
Now online: programs for the 2008 Joint Meeting and six Subspecialty Day meetings
Both Joint Meeting and Subspecialty Day meetings can be searched by author, topic, special interest, and more. Registration opens June 25 to Academy and AAOE members.
Now online: AAOE Program of the 2008 Joint Meeting
The AAOE program includes 75 instruction courses, including 50 new courses. Registration to the Joint Meeting is free for AAOE Members and includes complimentary admittance to 11 hours of pre-selected free programs. (Deadline to join/renew is August 15th). Annual meeting registration opens on June 25 for AAOE and Academy members.
Last chance to register for the Final MOC Exam Review Course – 2008 is the last year the course will be held
Study for the September 2008 DOCK examination with the only review course based on the POC – the same content the American Board of Ophthalmology uses to develop the exam questions. You will receive an in-depth and interactive review of the most clinically relevant information. The course takes place July 25-27 in Rosemont, Illinois. Register online until July 9 at www.aao.org/review_course.
Create a custom learning plan through the Ophthalmic News & Education (O.N.E.) Network
Online learning plans provide Academy members a unique way to enhance knowledge, maintain skills and ensure lifelong learning. Complete online self assessments to identify learning plan topics and then create a custom learning plan containing Academy resources or educational content. This member benefit is available only on O.N.E.
Develop a more efficient medical practice with Practice Forms Master
Compiled by AAOE, this desk-reference binder with CD-ROM contains a library of more than 320 professionally created forms which can be used as is or tailored for your office. It also includes sample suberbill/fee ticket forms and more than 60 Spanish language forms. Design and customize new forms covering a wide variety of topics, including: ASC procedures, audits and compliance, business operations and financial management guidelines and more. Cost is $285 for members.
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Bimatoprost/Timolol fixed combination therapy out-performs Latanoprost/Timolol combination
A study presented at the European Glaucoma Society shows that patients can achieve significantly greater IOP-lowering effect after 12 weeks' treatment with a fixed combination of bimatoprost and timolol (Ganfort, Allergan), compared to Latanoprost/Timolol combination (Xalacom, Pfizer).
Santen, MacuSight announce collaboration and license agreement for Sirolimus
The two companies have entered into a research and development collaboration and license agreement for the Japanese and Asian development and commercialization of sirolimus for the treatment of ocular diseases and conditions, including wet AMD and diabetic macular edema.
Study: one in 20 patients want to kill their doctor
A study presented at the American Pain Society meeting has found that one in 20 patients have had the urge to kill their doctor. The survey questioned 800 Americans who were in pain, undergoing physical rehabilitation or seeking legal compensation for disability to find out their attitude towards their GP. Even in the control group who were not being treated for any pain, 2 percent said they had previously had the urge to kill their doctor.
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