Review of Optometry articles from August 2007

Review of Optometry archives from August 2007

Optometrists in Puerto Rico were charged by the Federal Trade Commission for orchestrating a price-fixing conspiracy.(IN THE NEWS)(Brief article)
August 15, 2007... Optometrists in Puerto Rico--who protested vision insurance payors unless the payors raised their fees--were charged by the Federal Trade Commission for orchestrating a price-fixing conspiracy. The optometrists settled with the FTC by agreeing...

www.ODwire.org.(IN THE NEWS)(Website overview)(Brief article)
August 15, 2007... The online site www.ODwire.org is taking a poll to determine important questions its members want the American Optometric Association to answer. The poll is anonymous but does require free registration.

Optometrist and former House Speaker of the North Carolina legislature Jim Black was sentenced in federal court to more than five years in prison for accepting $25,000 to push favorable legislation for chiropractors.(IN THE NEWS)(Brief article)
August 15, 2007... Optometrist and former House Speaker of the North Carolina legislature Jim Black was sentenced in federal court to more than five years in prison for accepting $25,000 to push favorable legislation for chiropractors. He started his sentence on...

Another O.D. school is rising in Texas: a private university in San Antonio plans to open an optometry school by 2009.(News Review)(University of the Incarnate Word)
August 15, 2007... The state of Texas is big. But is it big enough to sustain two optometry schools? The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) thinks so. Located in San Antonio, UIW plans to open a new school of optometry as early as autumn 2009, with a...

AMO withdraws offer to acquire B & L.(News Review)(Advanced Medical Optics and Bausch & Lomb)
August 15, 2007... Citing inadequate time to respond to Bausch & Lomb's request for more information, Advanced Medical Optics has withdrawn its offer to acquire B & L for $75 a share. The withdrawal comes following several letters between the two companies in...

Acanthamoeba keratitis often mistaken for herpes simplex.(News Review)(Disease/Disorder overview)(Report)
August 15, 2007... If a patient whom you suspect has herpes simplex virus (HSV) doesn't respond to treatment, consider instead a diagnosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK), according to a study in the July issue of Cornea. The retrospective review, performed...

There's no turning back: O.D.s who say, "those were the good old days," are not referring to practicing in their first exam room.(Editor's Page)
August 15, 2007... This year marks Review's 30th consecutive year running its popular "Diagnostic Technology Report." Typically, this report provides a serious, sometimes over-our-heads look at highbrow, high-priced techno gizmos in the pipeline. This year's...

The tools you can't do without: pachymeters? Topographers? Retinal image analyzers? Nah. No O.D. can practice without a flashlight and, say, several hundred screwdrivers.(Chair Side)
August 15, 2007... You cannot practice optometry without the proper tools of the trade. It is that simple. When I was starting out in the late '70s, I could not afford an ophthalmoscope and retinoscope. At that time, my understanding was that these tools were...

Somewhere over the rainbow: review's education conference in Maui is a hit!
August 15, 2007... For the past three years, Review of Optometry has been making the trek across the Atlantic Ocean to the beautiful island of Bermuda for a long weekend of outstanding education and, equally important, an amazing vacation. The annual tradition...

Painful AMD treatment.(Letters to the Editor)(Letter to the editor)
August 15, 2007... I just read Dr. Mark Dunbar's excellent commentary on exudative (wet) AMD in the April issue's Comanagement Q+A ("Injecting New Life into AMD"). My AMD was discovered very early because I checked myself with an Amsler grid. I saw a retinal...

Ortho-K for Cop.(Letters to the Editor)(Letter to the editor)
August 15, 2007... The column on the potential dangers of LASIK, LASEK and PRK for a police academy candidate was very interesting ("LASIK, LASEK or PRK for Cop?" May 2007). With the possibilities of acuity loss, glare, dryness and flap displacement, none of...

ICL for Cop.(Letters to the Editor)(Letter to the editor)
August 15, 2007... In regards to Cornea + Contact Lens Q+A, "LASIK, LASEK or PRK for Cop?" in the May issue, it seems an excellent option was overlooked for this patient. Use of an implantable contact lens (ICL) would solve all of the concerns presented. It would...

O.D.s with other degrees?(Letters to the Editor)(Letter to the editor)
August 15, 2007... I enjoyed your article on optometrists with multiple degrees ("O.D.s with Multiple Degrees," June 2007), but I was looking forward to reading about those who have advanced degrees in vastly different areas, such as the humanities or social...

Ortho-K for dry eye patients.(Letters to the Editor)(Letter to the editor)
August 15, 2007... Research Review, "Dry Eye and Contact Lenses," in the May issue was complete with regard to the higher-visibility and more popular contact lens modalities. I might suggest, however, that there exists a more effective, albeit less popular,...

O.D. of the century.(Letters to the Editor)(Letter to the editor)
August 15, 2007... When Review of Optometry selected Irvin Borish as its "Optometrist of the Century," it got no criticism of, or objection to, that choice. To Dr. Borish's peers, it was a no-brainer. We have watched this enthusiastic visionary work tirelessly...

Contact lens pioneers: key developments in contact lens materials and design, 1975-2000.
August 15, 2007... [THE QUEST FOR OXYGEN] By 1970, contact lens wear had become more practical and more comfortable than in previous decades, and as many as 2 million people worldwide were successfully wearing contact lenses. (1) For the next decade,...

Survey says: patient care determines technology purchases; O.D.s also buy new equipment to increase revenue and to improve efficiency.(30th Annual Diagnostic Technology Report)(Report)
August 15, 2007... You've done your homework, read the studies, and now it's time to invest thousands of dollars into a new piece of technology for your practice. Whether you decide to invest in a new fundus camera, a pachymeter, or the latest practice management...

The battle of resistance.(microbial drug resistance)(Report)
August 15, 2007... Selman Waksman, a Ukrainian-American biochemist and microbiologist, was the first person to actually use the term "antibiotic" in the late 1940s. He is also credited for discovering the first cure for tuberculosis--streptomycin, which he...

Remember when ... the evolution of diagnostic technology: for our 30th Annual Diagnostic Technology Report, some of optometry's most respected veteran optometrists take a look back at how diagnostic testing has evolved.(30th Annual Diagnostic Technology Report)
August 15, 2007... Remember the days before the autorefractor, when optometrists had to project cartoons on a screen in order to achieve accommodative relaxation? How about the era when visual fields were performed on a tangent screen? And, does anyone remember...

Is it dry eye or allergy? Whether your patient describes the burnies, the itchies, or the itchy-burnies, here is how to make the differential diagnosis.(Disease/Disorder overview)(Clinical report)
August 15, 2007... Differentiating between dry eye and allergic conjunctivitis can be a complicated and frustrating task for many clinicians. Signs and symptoms of both dry eye and allergic conjunctivitis can be subjective and vague, and may appear to overlap....

Eyes left high and dry: the proper measurement of tear film break-up may help optometrists more effectively combat dry eye.(Disease/Disorder overview)(Clinical report)
August 15, 2007... Dry eye is characterized by insufficiencies or instabilities in the tear film that can alter natural tear film break-up, resulting in unsatisfactory ocular surface protection. Depending on the population studied, estimates of the prevalence of...

Current concepts in the management of dry eye and ocular surface disease.(Disease/Disorder overview)(Clinical report)
August 15, 2007... This article includes highlights from Dr. Springs' live presentation at a May dinner meeting in Chicago. Dry eye is among the most common reasons for disease-related ophthalmic visits. It is difficult to understand and treat and is often a...

AMD gets a new image: early detection of exudative (wet) age-related macular degeneration is now possible with revolutionary retinal technology.(30th Annual Diagnostic Technology Report)(age-related macular degeneration)(Disease/Disorder overview)
August 15, 2007... In the United States, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the elderly population. (1) AMD causes visual impairment in an estimated 1.7 million Americans over the age of 65. (1) [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

Diabetes test to get a new name: 'average blood glucose' will soon replace Hb[A.sub.1c] as the standard for evaluating blood sugar in people with diabetes.(Comanagement Q+A)
August 15, 2007... Q I have a diabetic patient whom I don't think is under good glycemic control. Should I bypass his family practitioner and send him to an endocrinologist? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A "Diabetes represents a wonderful opportunity for...

Is this patient street legal? This patient presented with esotropia in her left eye and needed to pass a vision test before getting her driver's license.(Retina Quiz)(Case study)(Clinical report)
August 15, 2007... A 39-year-old Hispanic female presented for an eye exam before applying for a driver's license. The patient did not think she would pass the required vision test for the license, and decided to have her eyes checked first. [ILLUSTRATION...

Therapy or theatrics? The popularity of homeopathic remedies is on the rise, but are these treatments effective?(Therapeutic Review)(Report)
August 15, 2007... Homeopathy, or homeopathic medicine, has been a recognized specialty for more than 200 years, long before optometry was conceived as an independent profession. Some have (incorrectly) used the term to describe the use of nutritional...

Get a clearer picture: confocal microscopes provide better corneal imagery than traditional slit lamps and wide-field microscopes.(Research Review)
August 15, 2007... For nearly two decades, optometrists and ophthalmologists have diagnosed numerous ocular conditions using an imaging technique that has been available to medical practitioners for almost 50 years: confocal microscopy. (1) [ILLUSTRATION...

Shutter Glass technology.(Diagnostic Technology)(Brief article)
August 15, 2007... Software version 4.0 of Smart System 2020 and PC-Plus Visual Acuity, by M & S Technologies, includes the new Shutter Glass system and flat-screen LCD monitor. This technology aids in the diagnosis of intermittent exotropia. The new...

Specular microscope.(Diagnostic Technology)(EM-3000)(Brief article)
August 15, 2007... The EM-3000, by Tomey, is a specular microscope with a user-friendly color touch screen. The microscope measures the thickness of the cornea and records images of the endothelium. Also, it uses seven fixation targets for peripheral photography....

Children's occluder/fixation sticks.(Diagnostic Technology)(Brief article)
August 15, 2007... Two new fixation sticks, by Gulden Ophthalmics, use colorful designs to aid in children's eye exams. Model 15203 features a butterfly, and model 15204 features a star. Both include flashing LED lights. The blank reverse side of each fixation...

LCD acuity chart.(Diagnostic Technology)(SC-2000 by Marco)(Brief article)
August 15, 2007... The SC-2000, by Marco, is a high-resolution 19-inch LCD acuity chart. It includes 35 different chart options that are selected via an infrared remote control. These include the standard Snellen chart, pediatric options, tumbling E's and number...

Daily Progressive lenses.(Contact Lenses)(CIBA Vision's Focus Daily Progressives with AquaRelease)(Brief article)
August 15, 2007... Focus Daily Progressives with AquaRelease, by CIBA Vision, may be fit for myopic, presbyopic, hyperopic and astigmatic patients. AquaRelease is a sustained-release, blink-activated moisturizing agent that provides comfort for a longer...

Monthly silicone hydrogel lenses.(Contact Lenses)(Biofinity by CooperVision)(Brief article)
August 15, 2007... Biofinity silicone hydrogel contact lenses, by CooperVision, include a high water content and oxygen transmission. Using Aquaform technology, these lenses retain water, the company says. The lenses also feature molded edges and come in a...

Web site animations.(Practice Management)(Eyemaginations' 3D-Eye Online)(Brief article)
August 15, 2007... 3D-Eye Online, by Eyemaginations, allows eye-care practitioners to integrate Eyemaginations animations into individual Web sites. Each doctor can select up to 35 animations from a menu of 100 topics, such as refractive surgery, cataract,...

Patient retention program.(Practice Management)(Sauflon USA's Patient Direct)(Brief article)
August 15, 2007... Patient Direct, by Sauflon USA, allows practitioners to provide patients with contact lens solutions and other care products without the need to keep inventory on hand. Patients receive a starter kit of solution and a preprinted Patient...

Eyewear loss prevention.(Practice Management)(Eyeglass Rescue, Inc.)(Brief article)
August 15, 2007... Eyeglass Rescue, by Eyeglass Rescue, Inc., facilitates recovery of lost glasses. The program consists of four steps: [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * An identification sleeve is attached to the ear loop of the temple. This sleeve includes an...

Frame software.(Lab Equipment)(ModShape)(Brief article)
August 15, 2007... ModShape, by ModShape, is a program that allows the user to modify the shape of a lens for edging. The A or B box measurements are adjustable, as are the circumference of box A or B, the lower half of box B, and the axis of the lens. ...

Eye vitamin supplement.(Nutraceuticals)(Bausch & Lomb's Ocuvite DF)(Brief article)
August 15, 2007... Ocuvite DF, by Bausch & Lomb, is a supplement designed for patients with diabetes. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It includes the antioxidant genistein and alpha-lipoic acid to combat free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, two factors of...

Eye care Web site.(What's New on the Web)(Your Healthy Eyes)(Website overview)(Brief article)
August 15, 2007... The Web site "Your Healthy Eyes," by AMO, is a user-friendly site for your patients. It offers both general information about eye health, as well as contact lens care tips for different styles of contact lens wearers. [ILLUSTRATION...

Sean John by Marchon.(FRAMES)(Brief article)
August 15, 2007... Marchon presents a new line of ophthalmic eyewear by Sean John. This collection includes: * SJ 1002, a women's metal modified-rectangular frame. This full-rimmed frame features diamond-shaped zyl temple tips and the script "SJ" logo on...

Frubi Shades.(FRAMES)(Brief article)
August 15, 2007... Frubi Shades are sunglasses for children between 6 months and 6 years of age. These sunglasses have an eye protection factor (EPF) of 99.5 out of 100, and they are designed to be comfortably worn by a child. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The...

Core Collection by Costa Del Mar.(FRAMES)(Brief article)
August 15, 2007... Costa Del Mar announces the latest addition to its Core Collection: the Man o War. Similar to Costa's Osprey and Frigate, also part of the Core Collection, this unisex nylon wraparound sunglass features removable side shields. The Man o...

Converse by REM Eyewear.(FRAMES)(Brief article)
August 15, 2007... REM Eyewear presents three new children's ophthalmic frames for Converse: * Ambush, a unisex bold rectangular metal and zyl frame that features a flame detail on the temple and an aggressive bridge treatment. It is available in sizes...

Barbie by REM Eyewear.(FRAMES)(Brief article)
August 15, 2007... REM Eyewear presents three new girls' ophthalmic frames from its Barbie collection. These are: [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * B 339, a metal soft rectangular frame with zyl temples. This frame features laser-cut and sparkle epoxy temple...

Donna Karan by Luxottica.(FRAMES)(Brief article)
August 15, 2007... Luxottica introduces three new acetate ophthalmic frames by Donna Karan. These include: * DK 1543, a men's oversized square frame that features metal detailing on the hinges. This style is available in size 50/19-140 and in colors...

Meetings + conferences.(Calendar)
August 15, 2007... September * 6-10. Optometric Extension Program Foundation's The Art and Science of Clinical Care--A Behavioral Perspective, Grand Rapids, Mich. CE hours: 35. Contact Theresa Krejci, 110 Old Padonia Road, Cockeyesville, MD 21030; call...

What white dots?(Diagnostic Quiz)
August 15, 2007... History A 46-year-old white male presented to the emergency service complaining of flashing lights in his left eye for the last three days. The phenomenon occurred in the temporal portion of the visual field of his left eye every five...

Introduction.(Optometric Glaucoma Society's Glaucoma Handbook)
August 15, 2007... I would like to welcome you to the third edition of the Glaucoma Handbook, a publication developed under the auspices of the Optometric Glaucoma Society (OGS). This handbook is meant to serve as a guide to the diagnosis and management of...

The diagnosis of glaucoma.(Disease/Disorder overview)
August 15, 2007... Most glaucomas are asymptomatic until the late stages of the disease, and therefore a careful, comprehensive eye examination, including history, is essential to the early diagnosis. The majority of information important in the patient's history...

New thoughts on tonometry and intraocular pressure.
August 15, 2007... Intraocular pressure (IOP) is a risk factor for the development of glaucoma, though the condition may develop at any IOP level. IOP is the only modifiable risk factor and is determined by the amount of aqueous humor produced along with...

New technologies in the diagnosis and management of glaucoma.(Report)
August 15, 2007... The last decade has seen an explosion of new technologies that have begun to challenge our understanding of the structural and functional relationships in early glaucoma, while at the same time introducing potentially new standards of care. In...

Risk assessment as an emerging tool for glaucoma care.(Report)
August 15, 2007... The clinician treating patients with glaucoma or glaucoma suspects is faced with the clinical challenges of whom to treat, when to treat and to what extent to treat. Not all patients with glaucoma will lose vision to the extent that quality of...

Understanding glaucoma medications.(Report)
August 15, 2007... Medical therapy is the most common method used for the reduction of the intraocular pressure (IOP) associated with ocular hypertension (OHT) and open-angle glaucoma (OAG). Several classes of drugs (prostaglandin derivatives, beta-adrenergic...

The management of glaucoma.(Disease/Disorder overview)
August 15, 2007... There are many situations that confront the optometrist as he/she decides whether to initiate therapy for ocular hypertension (OHT) or glaucoma. For ocular hypertension, the decision process is discussed in Chapter 5. In regard to glaucoma,...

When medical therapy fails: surgical options for glaucoma management.(Disease/Disorder overview)
August 15, 2007... Surgical intervention becomes an option in the management of open-angle glaucoma when the intraocular pressure (IOP) cannot be sufficiently reduced with medical therapy to prevent progressive optic nerve damage and/or visual field loss. A...

Adherence in glaucoma therapy.(Report)
August 15, 2007... Patients do not benefit from medicines they do not take, and most clinicians are aware that patients commonly fail to take all the medication that they are prescribed. Yet, nonadherence does not receive attention proportionate to its recognized...

Communication in the management of glaucoma.
August 15, 2007... A patient's daily decision to use glaucoma medication is the result of a balance between their understanding of the potential risks of glaucoma, their belief in the benefit of medication and the burden of taking their drops. For most patients,...

Secondary glaucomas.(Disease/Disorder overview)
August 15, 2007... Secondary glaucomas represent only a small percentage of all glaucomas but these conditions are important to understand as there are critical differences in their diagnosis and management. This section will discuss several of the most common...

Primary angle closure glaucoma.(Disease/Disorder overview)
August 15, 2007... Primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. In China, it is estimated that nearly one in six individuals over the age of 50 has an angle appearance that puts him/her at risk of PACG and acute angle closure...