Johns Hopkins APL Licenses Eye Drops That Reduce Laser-Surgery ‘Haze’

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) of Laurel, Md., has licensed a nationally and internationally patented formula for eye drops that could speed healing and prevent cloudiness after laser vision-correction surgery.

The exclusive licensing agreement allows Illinois-based AdPharma, Inc. to develop, seek regulatory approval for and market the drops, invented by APL researcher David Silver with collaborators Adrienne Csutak, András Berta and József Tőzsér of the University Medical School of Debrecen, Hungary.

Studies have shown that nearly one in 10 laser-surgery patients develops hazy vision several months after the operation. In some cases the effects can last a year or longer. The APL-developed drops would prevent this “haze” from forming in the cornea.

source: Johns Hopkins University

InView Vision Laser Surgery Center Continues Revolutionizing Eye Health with the Optomap(R)

InView, The Leader in Vision Correction now offers the optomap(R) Retinal Examination as a standard testing procedure to all patients who visit the practice for a pre-LASIK vision correction surgery evaluation. The optomap(R) is a comprehensive retinal examination that allows the doctors at InView the ability to get a comprehensive view of the eye prior to laser surgery. InView is the only Atlanta LASIK center to offer the revolutionary technology of the optomap(R). The optomap(R) retinal image provides a much larger view (200 degrees) of the back of the eye -- the retina -- than conventional eye exam equipment.

source: PR Inside

LASIK failure toll can be high

Sabine Vollmer

RALEIGH, N.C. - Patients who undergo vision-correcting laser eye surgery sign a release form with an extensive list of risks, but some researchers and former patients say a potential complication is not mentioned: depression that can lead to suicide.

In response to patient complaints, the Food and Drug Administration plans to convene a large, national study to examine the relationship of LASIK complications and quality of life, including psychological problems such as depression.

Chicago Tribune

SynergEyes, Inc. Launches New Post-Surgical Hybrid Contact Lens

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- SynergEyes, Inc.,
of Carlsbad, CA, recently launched a revolutionary hybrid
contact lens designed for people who need further vision
correction after undergoing refractive vision surgery.
SynergEyes(R) PS (post-surgical) is also designed for
people who have experienced some type of corneal
trauma or suffer from certain degenerative vision
conditions.

SynergEyes(R) PS hybrid contact lenses combine two
materials -- a rigid gas permeable center with a soft
lens outer skirt. The "hybrid" design bonds a "hard"
and "soft" contact lens together resulting in a one-of-
a-kind vision correction option that provides crisp, clear
vision for surgically altered corneas in a comfortable,
healthy contact lens.

source: PR Newswire

It's all in eye of beholder

Juan C. Rodriguez
South Florida Sun-Sentinel

JUPITER - Mark Hendrickson isn't the first pitcher to undergo LASIK eye surgery, but he might be the first that did it to improve his hitting.

After going 1 for 46 with 24 strikeouts since a mid-2006 trade to the Los Angeles Dodgers, Hendrickson determined he should do better. His vision was a problem.

"My hitting is what pushed me to really do it," said Hendrickson, who the Marlins signed last month to join the rotation. "I wasn't producing the way I wanted to. I expect more of myself at the plate so it got to the point where I said it's time to do it and I did it. I'm seeing everything great. I've only had it for a month, but I'm real happy with it."

complete article at Sun-Sentinel.com

Laser Eye Surgery Prices Plummet In UK

Prices for laser eye surgery treatment in the UK have fallen by up to 80% for correction of short sight. However, tremendous variation between clinics means a difference in price of up to £4,000 for the same glasses prescription.

London, UK (PRWEB) February 20, 2008 -- Recent pricing changes for laser eye surgery across the UK mean people can pay nearly £4,000 more to get rid of their glasses at one clinic compared to another. This means confusion for the 10 million UK adults who suffer from short-sight and who now wonder how price relates to quality of care and results.

For a mild short-sighted prescription, the prices per eye for laser eye surgery range from £295 up to £2,250 using similar technology, surgical training and treatment types.

sourec: PR Web

Troops with contact lenses may get free laser surgery (UK)

David Rose and Michael Evans

Combat troops who wear contact lenses and struggle to cope in the dusty conditions of Iraq and Afghanistan may be offered free laser eye surgery, The Times has been told.

Lieutenant-General Louis Lillywhite, the Surgeon-General, said that he had ordered an internal review because of the pressure he was under to find a solution for troops complaining of eyesight difficulties.

Soldiers have contracted corneal ulcers and other infections after wearing contact lenses for days at a time. Wearing glasses is often considered impractical in the heat of combat. General Lillywhite said that providing laser surgery for combat troops who would normally have to wear corrective lenses was being considered.

source: Times Online

3i eyes growth following deal for Ultralase

LASER eye surgery company Ultralase has been bought for £174.5m by private equity company 3i which plans to expand the group throughout the UK.

Leeds-based Ultralase has treated thousands of patients including Olympic medallists Sir Steve Redgrave, Jonathan Edwards and Sharron Davies as well as Dragons' Den star Duncan Ballantyne.

The company currently operates 17 eye laser clinics in the UK including one on Albion Street in Leeds.

Yorkshire Post

Zecotek Announces New Surgical Laser

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Feb. 14, 2008) - Zecotek Photonics Inc. today announced the introduction of its SL 1.4 Fiber Coupled Laser, designed specifically for surgical applications in the ophthalmic market where it can be used for a variety of coagulatory procedures.

"We are very pleased to be introducing this new laser," said Dr. A.F. Zerrouk, Chairman, President, and CEO of Zecotek. "The SL 1.4 Fiber Coupled Laser has been specifically designed to meet a need in a medical market segment with large growth potential. The laser will form the major component in ophthalmic laser systems. We see this as another excellent example of Zecotek's strength in the innovation and commercialization of leading edge photonic technologies."

Zecotek

LASIK MD is named one of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies

MONTREAL, Feb. 12 /CNW Telbec/ - LASIK MD, Canada's leading provider of
laser vision correction, is proud to announce that it is a winner of Canada's
50 Best Managed Companies for 2007. This prestigious award is part of a
national competition sponsored by Deloitte, CIBC Commercial Banking, National
Post and Queen's School of Business.

"We are honoured to be recognized as one of Canada's 50 Best Managed
Companies," said Dr. Mark Cohen, President and Co-Founder. "This award is a
testament of our dedication to excellence, state-of-the-art technology, and
affordable pricing making laser vision correction available to all."

CNW Group
 

Lasik prices expected to fall further when private sector publishes bill sizes (Singapore)

SINGAPORE: Inflation and healthcare costs may be on the rise but the cost of Lasik surgeries has bucked the trend.

Eye doctors expect rates to fall further when the private sector joins the public sector in its current practice of publishing the size of their medical bills.

Singapore has one of the highest rates of myopia in the world, so there is a ready pool of people eager to do away with glasses and contact lenses through Lasik surgery.

Channel NewsAsia

Costs Go Down, Confidence Goes Up as Consumers Take Advantage of Easy, Safe and Affordable LASIK Surgery

LAKE WORTH, FL--(Marketwire - February 8, 2008) - Since LASIK surgery emerged as a viable option to correct vision problems, practitioners estimate that only ten percent of America's eligible population has had the procedure. That's a substantial number, but it still begs the question: What is the other 90 percent waiting for? If recent trends are an indicator, they're not waiting for much anymore.

LASIK surgeons report that a growing number of consumers who say they put off the appointment for many years while continuing to wear glasses and contacts are now coming in for LASIK. Why are they taking the step? Surgeons say the most prominent reasons are increased confidence and improved affordability.

Marketwire

San Diego Refractive Surgeon First to Provide iLASIK

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Approved for use on consumers almost a decade ago, more than 11 million LASIK procedures have been performed to-date, making it the most-common elective surgical procedure in the U.S. Today, laser vision correction is more safe and effective than ever before with the introduction of the iLASIK procedure. The iLASIK procedure is the innovative combination of two customizable technologies, IntraLase with the Advanced CustomVue treatment.

Dr. Sandy T. Feldman, an FDA clinical investigator and world renowned corneal expert and refractive surgeon, is one of the first in San Diego to perform the iLASIK procedure. “This is a very exciting combination of technologies,” said Dr. Feldman. “Now almost everyone has an opportunity to be a candidate for 20/20 or better vision. There has never been a better time to have LASIK surgery.”

Business Wire

FDA to study possible link between depression and failed Lasik

Sabine Vollmer, Staff Writer

Patients who undergo vision-correcting laser eye surgery sign a release form with an extensive list of risks, but some researchers and former patients say a potential complication is not mentioned: depression that can lead to suicide.

In response to patient complaints, the Food and Drug Administration plans to convene a large, national study to examine the relationship of lasik complications and quality of life, including psychological problems such as depression.

Malvina Eydelman, an ophthalmologist with the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health, wrote in an e-mail message that the scant clinical data available "failed to suggest significant problems following lasik surgery," but she said the FDA wants a broad and systematic review.

Read complete article at newsoberver.com

The iLASIK(TM) Procedure Debuts with Leading Technologies Creating the First 100 Percent Tailor-Made Vision Correction Procedure

SANTA ANA, Calif., Jan. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- When it comes to achieving 20/20 vision, no two eyes are alike -- and, as such neither should be your vision correction. Launching nationwide, the iLASIK(TM) procedure is the very first vision correction procedure designed to be 100 percent custom- fit from beginning to end. The iLASIK(TM) procedure addresses the uniqueness of your two eyes -- from the individual curvature of your corneas, to the microscopic nuances of your eye's anatomy -- designed to deliver the exact correction you need to achieve 20/20 or better vision.

"The iLASIK(TM) procedure has been a decade in the making, with each new advancement furthering the next," said Dr. Kerry Solomon, professor of ophthalmology at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and an iLASIK(TM) patient. "With this unveiling, we've reached the final frontier. Quite honestly, there is nothing better on the horizon. "The iLASIK(TM) procedure eliminates confusion for patients seeking the very best in laser vision correction surgery."

source