Cataract Surgeons in Fort Lauderdale Say Aging Eyes May Impact Body's Internal Clock

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL--(Marketwire - May 24, 2012) - Several recent studies in ophthalmology and biological rhythms may have linked aging eyes with a number of health concerns ranging from memory loss, insomnia, and depression to high cholesterol, obesity, inactive lifestyle, and even heart disease. Fort Lauderdale cataract surgeons Drs. Marc Bosem and Barry Concool at the CorrectVision Laser Institute say the gradual yellowing of the eye's lens and the narrowing of the pupil over time have been found to disturb circadian rhythm, which can ultimately lead to a range of medical complications due to its effect on the body's regulatory and hormonal function. At their center for LASIK and cataract surgery in Fort Lauderdale, Drs. Bosem and Concool say they have been recommending patients undergo eye exams if they experience certain symptoms such as sleep loss to detect the possibility of cataracts.

Dr. Bosem says the body's internal clock, helping it to start up in the morning and wind down at night, is regulated by blue light through photoreceptive cells that absorb sunlight and transmit messages to a part of the brain that governs circadian rhythm and releases the hormones melatonin and cortisol for proper function. However, as eyes age, he says their ability to receive blue light is diminished and the brain receives less of the messages it needs to control the internal clock. Dr. Bosem says cataract surgery works to replace the natural lens in the eye so that blue light reception is facilitated and can encourage the brain to react quicker and even improve one's overall mood.

source: Marketwire

LASIK vs. Wavefront LASIK

SAN JOSE, CA, May 02, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Most laser eye surgeons offer several options for LASIK . Traditional LASIK has been used for nearly 30 years to correct refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. This time has provided eye surgeons with a lot of information about safety, potential complications, and good techniques, making tradition LASIK a proven effective way to provide crystal clear vision.

By contrast wavefront LASIK is a relatively new advancement. This means that this technique does not have as much historical data to back up its benefits. However, since its introduction, wavefront LASIK has shown to have remarkable benefits over traditional LASIK and is able to produce more reliable and consistent results.

The main difference between LASIK and wavefront LASIK is technology. With traditional LASIK, your eye surgeon will use either a microkeratome or femtosecond laser to create a flap in your cornea. Once the flap is created your eye surgeon will use an eximer laser to gently reshape your cornea based on calculation made prior to your surgery.

With wavefront LASIK, computer imaging is used to create a detailed map of your eye. This information is fed to the laser as it reshapes your cornea, providing even the smallest details about your aberration and eye movements. This allows your eye surgeon to provide precision correction.

source: Businessreview.com Press Release

Abbott Receives U.S. FDA Clearance to Use iFS Advanced Femtosecond Laser Technology for Arcuate Incisions in Cataract Surgery

ABBOTT PARK, Ill., April 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Abbott (NYSE: ABT) announced today U.S. Food and Drug Administration clearance to use its iFS Advanced Femtosecond Laser to create bow-shaped or curved arcuate incisions in corneal surgery, including cataract surgery.

The iFS Laser is currently used to create LASIK flaps and other corneal incisions in the eye and is the fifth generation of IntraLase technology, which has been used in more than 5 million procedures worldwide.

Nearly 3 million patients undergo cataract surgery each year in the United States. With this new clearance, the iFS Laser now gives surgeons the ability to make precise, bladeless arcuate incisions during surgery and customize the incision for each individual patient.

Factors such as placement, length, depth and radius of curvature can influence the surgeon's desired change to the cornea. These parameters can be difficult to control through traditional incisions made by hand using surgical knives. Now, using the iFS Laser, arcuate incisions can be performed with greater precision, predictability and customization than is possible with a manual technique. 

source: PR Newswire

Does Eye Dryness After LASIK Affect Vision?

Chicago, IL (Profitable.com) In LASIK trials conducted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it was found that as many as 50 percent of LASIK recipients experience an increase in eye dryness during the LASIK recovery period. In most cases, this is a temporary discomfort that can easily be controlled with the use of artificial tears. According to these FDA trials, 20 percent of patients continued to experience dry eyes after six months. In these instances, punctual plugs and medications may be required in addition to artificial tears.

However, nearly all instances of dry eyes diminish within one year of LASIK surgery. The vast majority of LASIK complications are temporary and will resolve on their own given enough time.

When you experience dry eyes after LASIK, your vision may be intermittently blurry. This is one of the advantages of artificial tear drops, as they will keep your eyes lubricated, and assist in providing clear vision.

Dry, irritated, scratchy eyes are actually a common reason people seek LASIK treatment. People who suffer from chronic dry eyes may not be able to comfortably wear contact lenses, making LASIK an ideal alternative. If your dry eyes are severe, your doctor may suggest that you are not an ideal candidate for LASIK, since this procedure has the potential to aggravate dry eye syndrome for a short period of time. However, many patients have found the temporary discomfort well worth the final results. This is a decision best made between you and your ophthalmologist.

source: Profitable.com

Is Bladeless LASIK the "Gold Standard"?

CHICAGO, IL, January 01, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Calling anything the "gold standard" is subjective. Most eye doctors offer their patients a choice when it comes to LASIK because they understand that the needs of each patient are unique. In studies, it has been found that the results offered by both types of LASIK are identical, making the primary difference an increased number of people who can receive LASIK due to all laser technology.

Understanding Traditional vs. Bladeless LASIK
No matter what type of LASIK you have, a flap will need to be made in your cornea allowing your eye doctor to reshape your eye. With traditional LASIK, this is done with a precision surgical instrument called a microkeratome. For bladeless, or all laser LASIK, this is done with a laser. Some doctors take offense to the term "bladeless" as it can imply that there is no need for creating an incision, and that traditional LASIK is somehow a frightening procedure. In truth, both of these procedures require an incision, and both of them are safe, effective, and painless.

This is not to say there aren't any differences between all-laser and traditional LASIK. Lasers are extremely precise, which means people with thinner corneas who are not candidates for traditional LASIK can often have a bladeless LASIK procedure. Due to the precision of the laser, the creation of the flap may also be more even. While there is still no empirical data to support the claim that a bladeless LASIK flap reduces risks for complications, many doctors recommend it due to anecdotal evidence.

source: 24-7 press release

Avedro Announces CE Approval for Lasik Xtra(TM)

WALTHAM, Mass., Jan 04, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Avedro, Inc. announced today that the Company's proprietary Lasik Xtra procedure has received CE Approval. Lasik Xtra is a two minute procedure used in conjunction with standard Lasik to restore the biomechanical integrity and strength to the cornea after a Lasik procedure. Lasik Xtra has been successfully used in thousands of Lasik surgeries outside the US.

"Cross-linking within a LASIK procedure using Lasik Xtra is simple, fast and safe," said A. John Kanellopoulos, MD, a leading refractive surgeon and member of Avedro's Medical Advisory Board. "In studies we'll be reporting at ASCRS in April we've found that after almost two years of follow-up, hyperopes appear to have a completely different clinical course if we employ prophylactic cross-linking in their LASIK procedures. Hyperopic LASIK typically regresses more than myopic LASIK."

Lasik Xtra combines VibeX(TM) (riboflavin ophthalmic solution) with its KXL(TM) System (UVA irradiation) to achieve accelerated corneal cross-linking during a Lasik procedure. "Avedro has the only cross-linking products specifically CE approved for performing Lasik Xtra and we are pleased to offer those products to a growing number of ophthalmologists and their Lasik patients outside the US," said David Muller, CEO of Avedro.

source: Avedro

More Options Available for Those Looking to Have LASIK in 2012

Those looking to have their vision surgically corrected often assume that means they will undergo LASIK surgery. However, thanks to new technology and procedures, there are now multiple options available to surgically correct one’s vision. Those looking to rid themselves of glasses or contact lenses may be confused as to which option, if any, is best for them. Hoopes Vision, a practice offering LASIK in Salt Lake City, Utah as well as other forms of vision correction surgery, is reminding those looking into LASIK surgery to explore all options before committing to have their vision surgically altered.

It is important to visit a facility with surgeons who are experienced and comfortable with a wide range of surgical vision correction options when investigating vision correction surgery. According to Phillip C. Hoopes, MD, chief surgeon at Hoopes Vision and the most experienced LASIK surgeon in Utah, “When determining which form of vision correction surgery is best for an individual, the surgeon must consider the age and health of the patient, degree of refractive prescription to be treated, the patient’s individual vision requirements, and the anatomy of the patient’s eye. Laser vision correction is a popular choice, but some people will be better off with a lens implant. In some cases no current form of vision correction surgery is appropriate.”

source: PR Web

Raleigh LASIK Eye Surgeon to Present in Abu Dhabi

Raleigh, NC (PRWEB) December 28, 2011

Leading Raleigh area LASIK surgeon Dr. Dean Dornic, medical director of the Laser Eye Center of Carolina has been invited to present at the World Ophthalmology Congress in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The World Ophthalmology Congress is the longest running international medical meeting and is sponsored by the International Council of Ophthalmology. The meeting takes place in various cities worldwide on a yearly basis. This year's meeting is being hosted by the Middle East African Council of Ophthalmology and takes place February 16-20, 2012 in Abu Dhabi.

Dr. Dornic will be presenting his findings on the ability to prevent LASIK complications by using customized laser flaps. Dornic's clinic recently purchased a new model IntraLase laser that allows for the production of complex beveled flap edges. “These beveled edges cause the flap to fit more snugly making the flap more resistant to dislocation and trauma,” said Dornic. Dornic's center is currently the only facility in North Carolina to have the iFS model of IntraLase laser that can create the type of LASIK flaps described in his paper.

source: PR Web

OptiMedica Receives FDA Market Clearance of the Catalys™ Precision Laser System

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — December 22, 2011— Global ophthalmic company OptiMedica Corp. has announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) market clearance of its Catalys Precision Laser System, a next generation laser cataract surgery system that brings unequaled precision and accuracy and a markedly streamlined workflow to the laser cataract procedure. Catalys combines a femtosecond laser, integrated Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) imaging and OptiMedica’s breakthrough pattern scanning technology in an ergonomic, easy-to-use system that allows cataract surgeons to perform image-guided pre-operative laser lens conditioning. The system is FDA cleared for capsulotomy (a circular incision in the lens capsule) and/or lens fragmentation (segmenting and softening of the lens to prepare for removal).

“The FDA market clearance of Catalys is an exciting development in the emerging field of laser cataract surgery and a key milestone in the history of OptiMedica,” said Mark J. Forchette, OptiMedica president and chief executive officer. “OptiMedica has been committed to defining and delivering the standard for precision and accuracy in laser cataract surgery since the day our company was founded. We are proud to introduce the industry’s most sophisticated laser cataract surgery system to U.S. patients and physicians. I want to commend our team on this important achievement.”

Catalys is the product of an extensive effort by OptiMedica to deliver the precision and safety benefits of femtosecond laser to cataract surgery, a widely performed procedure estimated at 19 million cases worldwide per year.

source: OptiMedica

LASIK with optimized aspheric profiles may correct high myopia

LASIK performed with a new-generation excimer laser and optimized aberration-free ablation profiles succeeded in treating high myopia, a study found.

"These results contrast with several previous studies reporting the very low predictability of LASIK procedure in high refractive errors," the study authors said. "The refractive outcomes that we have obtained today treating high levels of myopia are similar to those reported for low to moderate myopia in the last decade, and possibly these outcomes will become even better in the future with the upcoming advances in excimer laser technology."

complete story: OSN Supersite

Baltimore Eye Surgeon Discusses Revival in Popularity of PRK Surgery

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) shows in its latest report that eye doctors performed 800,000 refractive surgical procedures in 2010. The AAO also indicates that more than 3.6 million people age 40 and older are visually impaired, or have 20/40 or worse vision in the better eye even with eyeglasses. At his Baltimore LASIK surgery and eye care practice, Dr. Jay C. Grochmal says many of his patients are choosing PRK surgery as an alternative to LASIK to correct their poor vision. He also says the procedure is rapidly growing in popularity again as patients are beginning to see the benefits it can offer for those who are not candidates for LASIK.

While LASIK surgery accrues more popular attention because of its well-known success and prevalence, Dr. Grochmal says PRK is extremely successful and can oftentimes be the best option for patients who meet certain criteria. Unlike LASIK, where a flap is created to perform the surgery, the surgeon removes the epithelial layer of the cornea and then reshapes the cornea using an excimer laser. Because the procedure does not involve flap creation on the eye, he says patients with thin corneas can often achieve the most effective results through a PRK procedure. Dr. Grochmal says the procedure can also work effectively for patients seeking enhancement of a previous LASIK procedure.

Dr. Grochmal says PRK can also be used for treatment of epithelial distrophy, or issues with the epithelium of the cornea. He adds that PRK's other benefits include removal of scars on the cornea, strengthening the cornea through cross-linking, and reduced formation of scar tissue.

source: PR Web

Bausch + Lomb and Technolas™ Perfect Vision Announce CE Mark Approval for VICTUS™ Femtosecond Laser Platform

Bausch + Lomb, the global leader in eye health, and Technolas™ Perfect Vision GmbH (TPV), a leading ophthalmology laser company, announced the commercial availability of the VICTUS™ Femtosecond Laser Platform in the European Union (EU). After securing CE mark approval, the VICTUS platform is approved for LASIK flap, astigmatic keratotomy, INTRACOR, capsulotomy and lens fragmentation.

"This is a significant milestone for Bausch + Lomb that will deliver breakthrough capabilities to our eye care professionals and the patients they serve," said Brent Saunders, chief executive officer of Bausch + Lomb.

The VICTUS platform is uniquely designed to support cataract, refractive and therapeutic procedures all on a single platform. The femtosecond laser technology enables greater precision in both cataract and refractive procedures compared to manual techniques, giving ophthalmologists more control and potentially enhancing the patient experience.

"This CE mark approval represents a major step for femtosecond laser technology by elevating the role that laser technology can play in refractive and cataract procedures," said Robert E. Grant, EVP and president and CEO, Global Surgical Business, for Bausch + Lomb. "I am excited that we will begin shipping product by the end of the year."

source: PR Newswire

Avedro Announces Its Second FDA Orphan Drug Designation for Corneal Cross-linking

WALTHAM, Mass., Dec 07, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Avedro, Inc. announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted orphan drug designation to the Company's VibeX (riboflavin ophthalmic solution) for use with its KXL System (UVA irradiation) for Corneal Cross-linking to treat corneal ectasia following refractive surgery, such as Lasik and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). Corneal ectasia is a rare outcome of refractive surgery but is a progressive condition that is difficult to manage. This is the company's second orphan drug designation for VibeX.

"Avedro has yet again hit a major milestone in its efforts to make this clinically important treatment available to US patients," said Dr. Peter Hersh, a leading refractive surgeon and Medical Monitor for Avedro's clinical trials. "US ophthalmologists will be encouraged by this progress, as today they lack any approved therapeutic treatment to halt the progression of ectasia following refractive surgery."

source: Avedro

Fort Lauderdale Laser Eye Surgeon Says LASIK Procedure More Affordable Than Some May Think

The most recent study from the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) reports that Americans spend over $15 billion each year on eyewear to improve refractive errors. In comparison, approximately 800,000 vision correction procedures were performed in 2010, according to the AAO report. At CorrectVision Laser Institute, a center for LASIK surgery in Ft. Lauderdale, Dr. Marc Bosem says many patients are starting to take advantage of the payment options that can make laser vision correction procedures like LASIK more affordable. Dr. Bosem reassures patients that although a certain mentality exists that LASIK will cost more than continuing with glasses or contact lenses, vision correction can save money long term through options such as a Flex Spending Account (FSA).

An FSA, also known as a Medical Spending Account or flex plan, is an employer-sponsored benefit allowing patients to pay for eligible medical expenses tax-free. Dr. Bosem says patients who expect to incur medical expenses not reimbursed by regular health insurance plans should consider taking advantage of their employer’s FSA benefit, if one is offered. He also adds that an FSA can be an efficient way to decrease taxable income and make beneficial procedures such as LASIK more affordable. Contributions to the FSA are deducted from income at designated, equal amounts each pay period and placed into a special account before Federal, State, or Social Security taxes are calculated. Dr. Bosem says on January 1 of each year, the allocated funds are made available for use towards medical expenses not covered by insurance. He says this type of account offers significant advantages to patients worried about paying for LASIK. “A single individual earning $40,000 annually that utilizes flex spending to pay $4500 for LASIK will save approximately $1,469.25, which is 33%.

source: PR Web

Visian® Toric ICL™ Approved to Market in Japan

MONROVIA, Calif., Nov. 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- STAAR Surgical Company (Nasdaq: STAA), the leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of minimally invasive refractive lenses, today announced that its Visian Toric Implantable Collamer® Lens has been approved by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. With this approval, the Company is able to expand its product offerings to include the Toric ICL in Japan, potentially one of its most significant markets. The Visian ICL became the first phakic lens to gain approval in Japan during 2010.

"This is a very important milestone for STAAR and we have been working very closely with the Japanese regulators to win approval for our Toric ICL," said Don Todd, President of the Asia Pacific Region. "With the high rates of myopia and astigmatism in Japan, this approval opens up a significant market opportunity for the company. Clinical studies have demonstrated that the Toric ICL can provide a superior solution for patients with myopia and astigmatism. Astigmatism is blurred vision which is created when the eye is unable to properly focus due to its irregular shape. An often used analogy is that where the eye is typically shaped like a basketball, in those with astigmatism, the eye is shaped more like a football. Since our distribution in Japan is direct, our gross margin for the Toric ICL will be very high making this a very attractive market for STAAR. We expect to begin shipping immediately."

According to Market Scope, 2010 Comprehensive Report on The Global Refractive Surgery Market, Japan is the third largest market in the world with 375,000 procedures performed in 2010.

source: PR Newswire

Doctor Develops Laser Eye Surgery Technique that can Change Eye Color

Dr. Gregg Homer and his firm, Stroma Medical of Southern California are pioneering a new laser treatment that can permanently turn brown eyes into blue eyes without impacting the patients vision.

While still in the research stages, Dr. Homer has developed a technique using computer guided laser to remove the brown pigment called melanin from irises. This in turn will reveal the blue pigment beneath. The laser process takes about 20 seconds to complete and will result in a permanent change in the patients eye color.

The treatment is expected cost in the neighborhood of $5000 and should be availablein the United States within three years.

The American Refractive Surgery Council Discusses How Advances in LASIK Open Door for Those Once Ineligible

DALLAS, TX--(Marketwire - Oct 28, 2011) - LASIK was once off-limits to people with thin corneas, dry eye and prescriptions in higher ranges. But thanks to advances in technology and technique, many of those once ineligible for LASIK may now benefit from the popular vision correction procedure.

"Improved tools, such as new, more precise lasers and more advanced techniques, mean that we now have better outcomes than ever before and can perform LASIK on many people who once were not candidates," says Dr. Eric D. Donnenfeld, M.D., F.A.C.S. and member of the American Refractive Surgery Council. "While there are still people whose medical conditions and vision issues make them poor candidates for LASIK, that population is shrinking due to improved technologies and therapies.

"If you have been considering LASIK -- or if you have been disqualified in the past -- it's worthwhile to consult with your surgeon to see if you are among the growing group who might benefit," Dr. Donnenfeld said.

source: Market Wire

ORange Wavefront Aberrometer Proves Successful in Determining Refraction in Cataract Patients Who Previously Had LASIK Surgery

ALISO VIEJO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--WaveTec Vision, the leader in wavefront-guided custom cataract™ surgery, announced today that its ORange® intraoperative wavefront aberrometer has been shown to be more predictable in determining refraction in the post-refractive eye, than any other post-LASIK formula currently available.

“Following LASIK, patients expect a lifetime of quality uncorrected vision. Unfortunately, these same patients are the most difficult to predict the optimal IOL power when they develop cataracts”

Wavefront custom cataract aberrometry with ORange is a breakthrough in modern cataract surgery. The technology has been clinically proven to increase accuracy and improve refractive outcomes: 73 percent of procedures are within 0.5D of intended target, versus 58 percent with traditional cataract surgery using standard method biometry.

A patented diagnostic breakthrough, ORange allows cataract surgeons – for the first time – to measure refraction during surgery, so they can precisely predict and customize how their patients will see following the procedure.

source: Business Wire

Technolas Perfect Vision Receives FDA Approval of Latest Technology for Custom LASIK

MUNICH, GERMANY--(Marketwire - March 14, 2011) - Technolas Perfect Vision GmbH (TPV), a cataract and refractive laser company at the forefront of providing advanced eye laser treatments, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the ZYOPTIX® Advanced Nomogram. The Advanced Nomogram is the latest, state-of-the-art methodology for use in custom LASIK eye surgery procedures when treating nearsightedness and astigmatism. This confirms that "there is convincing evidence that LASIK myopia corrections are more accurate with the Advanced Nomogram than without it."

Using the Advanced Nomogram when performing custom LASIK with the TECHNOLAS 217z100 laser, significantly improves the predictability of the results, as well as reducing the possibility of requiring a second enhancement procedure. Technolas Perfect Vision is the ONLY company in the US able to offer this latest, approved technology for LASIK on their laser platform.

The Advanced Nomogram was developed in collaboration with the Center for Visual Science, at the University of Rochester Flaum Eye Institute.

source: Technolas Perfect Vision

BIOLASE Issued New Patent Supporting Use of Laser Technologies for Treating Eye Conditions

BIOLASE Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: BLTI), the World's leading dental laser manufacturer and distributor, today announced that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued BIOLASE a new patent covering the use of its laser technologies for treating various conditions of the eye, including presbyopia. The patent is related to applying dyes and colored lighting to make structures in the eye more visible for various eye procedures performed with the Company's patented laser technologies. In addition, certain colorings allow for greater absorption of energy making it easier to cut at lower energy settings.

The patent is number 7,891,363 and is titled "Methods for Treating Eye Conditions." It supports previously issued patents and covers methods for treating eye disorders, such as presbyopia, the age-related loss of near vision that comes to everyone in mid-life. Presbyopia generally signifies a universal decrease in the amplitude of accommodation in the eye and currently affects over 100 million people in the U.S. and more than 2 billion people worldwide.

source: Biolase