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.

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).

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Researchers at the University of Montreal and St. Justine Hospital have identified a new receptor called GPR91 that can cure a number of eye diseases in diabetics, premature babies and the elderly by activating growth of blood vessels. The study is the first of its kind to show how ganglion cells that need oxygen to nourish produce blood vessels to feed themselves. Doctors have expressed their concern about the uncontrolled growth of blood vessels that can eventually cut the retina off the back of the eye causing vision loss. They are, now, working on various aspects of the study such as the receptor’s ability to drive the formation of blood networks and blocking GPR91 to stop tumor growth.

Indian scientists, in a recently conducted research, have found that the turmeric spice (obtained from the rhizome of the Curcuma longa plant) can prove beneficial in the blockage of a biological pathway which leads to the progression of diabetic retinopathy, a complication that can cause blindness, if not treated at the right stage. A study showing that the incidence of diabetic retinopathy was much lower in Indians as compared to Europeans made the researchers curious about the ingredients of Indian diet that were helpful in preventing the disease. Curcumin’s anti-angiogenic effects against cancer, the scientists guessed, may also curb the growth of new blood vessels in the retina.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has given the pre-market approval to Advanced Medical Optics, Inc.’s Healon D®. To be used as a surgical aid in procedures such as corneal transplant, cataract extraction, glaucoma filtration and implantation of intraocular lens (IOL), the ophthalmic visco-surgical device (OVD) offers incomparable clarity in the field of surgery and protects corneal cells well. Its molecular weight being low, Healon D® stays in place for the entire process of surgery. It ensures safer environment for doctors and patients as it is latex free.