Review of Optometry articles from October 2007

Review of Optometry archives from October 2007

NASA has relaxed its vision requirements for astronauts.(IN THE NEWS)(Brief article)
October 15, 2007... NASA has relaxed its vision requirements for astronauts. The space agency will now consider applicants who have had LASIK or PRK. NASA is also slightly loosening requirements to allow more applicants who wear glasses or contact lenses.

After reviewing the Food and Drug Administration's oversight of clinical trials, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) concluded that the FDA comes up short in a number of areas, particularly in patient safety.(IN THE NEWS)
October 15, 2007... After reviewing the Food and Drug Administration's oversight of clinical trials, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) concluded that the FDA comes up short in a number of areas, particularly in patient safety. Specifically, the FDA lacks...

Childhood vaccination for the rubella virus may have nearly eliminated Fuchs' heterochromic iridocyclitis (FHI) as well, say researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago in a study in September's American Journal of Ophthalmology.(IN THE NEWS)
October 15, 2007... Childhood vaccination for the rubella virus may have nearly eliminated Fuchs' heterochromic iridocyclitis (FHI) as well, say researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago in a study in September's American Journal of Ophthalmology. FHI...

Alaska TPA law OK'd after long, cold start: Alaska O.D.s can now prescribe most oral and injectable ophthalmic drugs.(News Review)
October 15, 2007... Optometrists in Alaska can now prescribe most oral and injectable ophthalmic drugs for their patients following passage of House Bill 113 on September 7. For nearly a decade, the Alaska Optometric Association (AKOA) had been trying to expand...

Less patching time needed for amblyopia.(News Review)
October 15, 2007... Children with amblyopia only require occlusion therapy (patching) for three to four hours daily, not the "maximal" dose of 12 hours a day traditionally prescribed, or even six hours daily, according to a study in the September issue of British...

New bill to help military eye and brain injury.(News Review)
October 15, 2007... Serious eye wounds are one of the most common types of injury experienced by the U.S. military. For example, between October 2001 and June 2006, more than 1,000 troops with combat eye injuries were evacuated from overseas military operations....

B & L says it's business as usual after Warburg Pincus merger.(News Review)
October 15, 2007... Bausch & Lomb says it anticipates no change in day-to-day operations now that it will officially be acquired by affiliates with Warburg Pincus LLC., a global private equity firm. "Warburg Pincus likes our brand, our strategy and our...

In the pink.(News Review)(National Breast Cancer Awareness Month)(Brief article)
October 15, 2007... October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In support, Bausch & Lomb is donating 10% of retail sales of specially-marked "pink" packages (or 75cents per box) towards a donation goal of $375,000 to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure...

Alcon proceeds with WaveLight acquisition.(News Review)(Brief article)
October 15, 2007... Alcon, Inc. continues to move forward with its acquisition of WaveLight AG, a Switzerland-based manufacturer of refractive surgery equipment. As of September 28, Alcon said it gained control of 76.9% of WaveLight's outstanding shares. In...

The fine art of optometry: many of the world's greatest Impressionist artists suffered from severe ocular diseases that heavily influenced their works of art.(Editor's Page)
October 15, 2007... As optometrists, you endeavor to make the world more beautiful for your patients. But, in rare instances, malady can breed great beauty. Such is the case with some of the world's most renowned Impressionist artists. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

It is easy bein' green: being environmentally friendly is as easy as hugging a tree. You can start by recycling. I'll do my part by recycling this six-pack right here. (Burp!).(Chair Side)
October 15, 2007... This afternoon, I opened a humongous cardboard shipping box that contained one uncut semi-finished polycarbonate single-vision lens. This box could have actually held about 100 of these lenses. Mine contained one lens. Oh, yes, there was an...

Bermuda 2007 ... pink sand and CE in hand: Review's summer conferences are increasing in popularity--and for good reason.(continuing education)(Conference news)
October 15, 2007... It was a busy summer at Review of Optometry. The magazine hosted two exceptionally successful continuing education meetings at two of the world's most outstanding resort destinations: Maui and Bermuda. For the past three years, Review of...

"CooperVision: more than meets the eye".
October 15, 2007... CooperVision has always been committed to providing eye care professionals with a full range of premium contact lenses that help differentiate their practices. More than any other contact lens manufacturer, CooperVision offers the widest array...

Biofinity release is huge success.(Brief article)
October 15, 2007... "Biofinity silicone hydrogel lenses are the breakthrough I have been waiting for in my practice when it comes to a complete lens. Not only are Biofinity lenses extremely comfortable throughout the first day of wear, but they are also the...

CooperVision Total Multifocal Solution.
October 15, 2007... By the year 2010, it is estimated that almost 1/3 of our population will be between the ages of 40 and 59. Current soft lens wearers are turning 40 at a rate of over 2 million per year. This still active group has high interest in continuing to...

Through the eyes of an artist: Impressionists are known for their brush strokes and 'splashes of color.' But, are these simply the result of uncorrected vision problems?(Special Feature)
October 15, 2007... The world of the uncorrected myope is an Impressionist painting: misty, muted and out-of-focus. In the late 19th century, traditional realism was challenged by a new breed of artists who quickly filled their canvases with splashes of color,...

The optometrist's EMR advantage: electronic records make an immediate impact in your practice by improving efficiency as well as patient care.(Practice Management)(electronic medical records)
October 15, 2007... Many optometric offices have already incorporated practice management software (PMS) and find it an indispensable part of the modern optometric practice. Such software allows users to capture patient demographics, schedule appointments,...

Make new technology a part of your routine: now that the new instrument is yours, you have to figure out how to integrate it into your practice without disrupting the entire office.(Practice Management)
October 15, 2007... Let's face it: There's plenty of "high-tech" out there. Look around any exhibit hall, and you'll see the latest fundus cameras, imaging devices--you name it. The sales rep guarantees it will make you a better doctor and increase your bottom...

New technologies and therapies in glaucoma management: the field of glaucoma has seen significant advances in the past five years. The following roundtable discussion summarizes recent developments.(Conference news)(Clinical report)
October 15, 2007... Release Date: October 2007 Expiration Date: October 31, 2008 Goal Statement: The field of glaucoma is rich with research and is ever-changing--both on the therapeutic side and on the technology side. This CE will help practitioners...

Wavefront beyond refractive surgery: ophthalmic lenses offer a non-invasive, less expensive way to address higher-order aberrations.(Ophthalmic Lenses)
October 15, 2007... When wavefront-based excimer laser surgery first became available a few years ago, surgeons debated which patients should undergo conventional or wavefront-guided surgery. Now, due to better visual outcomes, the prevailing notion among leading...

Consider your refractive options: more refractive surgery options are available today than previously, but which procedure is most appropriate for each patient?(OPTOMETRIC STUDY CENTER)(Case study)(Clinical report)
October 15, 2007... A 27-year-old fireman presents with a strong desire to undergo LASIK. He wants to be able to function at a moment's notice without having to insert his contact lenses. The patient is eager to have LASIK and has already put the money aside in...

Uveitis: modern theraputic strategies; Focus your treatment of uveitis on managing ocular inflammation while treating any underlying systemic causes.(Patient Care)(Clinical report)
October 15, 2007... Uveitis affects individuals of all ages, genders and races. It is recognized as an entity unto itself; however, it is not one single disease. Uveitis is actually a manifestation of diverse conditions that result in an inflammatory response...

Case studies in neuro disease: here are four neuro cases that you might encounter in your clinical practice. Would you know what to do if these patients appeared in your chair?(Patient Care)(Case study)(Clinical report)
October 15, 2007... Neuro-optometric cases can be intimidating and challenging due to their seemingly complex nature. However, optometrists can learn to correctly diagnose and comanage these patients by systematically learning to evaluate the patient's...

IOP rise from outside the eyes: if a patient presents with sudden unexplained ocular hypertension, consider the rare possibility of IOP rise from dermatologic steroid cream.(Comanagement Q+A)(intraocular pressure)(Clinical report)
October 15, 2007... Q I have a patient whose dermatologist has prescribed a steroid cream for use on the face and eyelids. Should I be concerned about a possible steroid IOP response? What should I say to the dermatologist? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A That...

Protect patients against AK: patient hygiene, compliance, and lens wear and care modalities all play a role in protecting patients from Acanthamoeba.(Cornea+Contact Lens Q+A)(acanthamoeba keratitis)
October 15, 2007... Q Last month, you discussed the increasing reports of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) in our contact lens-wearing patients. What methods or care regimens can we suggest to help patients lower their risk of infection? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Her sight is not crystal clear: a 55-year-old patient reported gradual vision loss in her right eye. Examination revealed the presence of white spots surrounding the macula.(Retina Quiz)(Case study)(Clinical report)
October 15, 2007... A 55-year-old Hispanic female presented with blurred vision in her right eye that has persisted for the previous one-and-a-half years. She reported a gradual, painless loss of vision O.D. and no problems O.S. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Her...

A bloody challenging situation; Three factors affect the management of hyphema: inflammation, IOP and secondary hemorrhage.(Therapeutic Review)(intraocular pressure)(Clinical report)
October 15, 2007... Hyphema is one of the more challenging sequelae associated with blunt ocular trauma. Clinically, it is defined as any accumulation of blood in the anterior chamber. The term "micro-hyphema" is used when the blood is suspended in the chamber but...

New corneal trauma research: severe corneal trauma can cause devastating vision loss. Here are three promising new treatment options for corneal wound repair.(Research Review)(Clinical report)
October 15, 2007... In my years of practice, I have seen a fair share of severe corneal injuries caused by blunt trauma, missile damage and chemical burns. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] I have a few choice examples to share with you: Several years ago, my office...

Digital retinal camera.(Diagnostic Technology)(CF-1 Digital Retinal Camera)(Brief article)
October 15, 2007... The CF-1 Digital Retinal Camera, by Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a mydriatic digital retinal camera that offers a 50[degrees] viewing angle and three imaging modes: color, fluorescein angiography and red-free. It also features wide-range panning...

Wavefront aberrometer.(Diagnostic Technology)(3D Wave Analyzer)(Brief article)
October 15, 2007... The 3D Wave Analyzer, by Marco, has been certified by WaveTouch Technologies as one of the aberrometers to be used in producing WaveTouch wavefront soft contact lenses. In addition to wavefront analysis, the 3D Wave obtains corneal...

Retinal image evaluation.(Diagnostic Technology)(Topcon Medical Systems, Inc.)(Brief article)
October 15, 2007... The updated Color Balance Tool, by Topcon Medical Systems, Inc., allows a practitioner using IMAGEnet Digital Imaging Software to adjust the histogram curves of the individual red, green and blue channels of the captured retinal image. The new...

Online Opticianry courses.(Practice Management)(Golden Eagle Training)(Brief article)
October 15, 2007... Two video-based online courses for opticians have been released by Golden Eagle Training. The first, an ABO (American Board of Opticianry) Certification prep course, uses 32 subject-matter videos and over 300 study questions to present and...

Contact lens dispensing aid.(Practice Management)(CooperVision)(Brief article)
October 15, 2007... The "1-Day No-Solution Solution Kit," by CooperVision, aids eye-care practitioners in dispensing daily disposable lenses to patients. The kit includes: * A fitting set of ClearSight 1-Day lenses. * A 1-Day lens category brochure. ...

Animation software.(Patient Education)(Ocutouch 360 v3.03)(Brief article)
October 15, 2007... Ocutouch 360 v3.03, by Stephen F. Gordon, Inc., is the latest edition of the animation system. The Ocutouch System includes nine program modules for use in the exam room, waiting room or lectures. This new edition also includes animations about...

E-commerce site.(What's New on the Web)(Brief article)
October 15, 2007... MyCooperVision is a secure e-commerce Web site by CooperVision. Available exclusively to practitioners, this site allows users to track their orders, look up invoice/payment history and check inventory levels. Practitioners may either ship...

Calvin Klein by Marchon.(FRAMES)(Brief article)
October 15, 2007... Marchon presents a new collection of ophthalmic frames by Calvin Klein. This group includes: [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Calvin Klein 484, a women's rimless rectangular frame with multitoned zyl temples. This frame is available in size...

Guess? by Viva International.(FRAMES)(Brief article)
October 15, 2007... Viva International introduces a new women's plastic grouping by Guess? Eyewear: Wild Safari. Each frame in this group features exotic animal prints. It includes: * GU 1478, a modified oval frame that is available in size 51/15-135 and in...

Bongo Eyewear by Viva International.(FRAMES)(Brief article)
October 15, 2007... Viva International presents a new grouping of women's ophthalmic frames for Bongo Eyewear: Bright Sensations. Each frame in this metal collection features rhinestone accents. The grouping includes: * B Hope, a modified rectangular frame...

Ralph Lauren Children by Luxottica.(FRAMES)(Brief article)
October 15, 2007... Luxottica introduces a children's collection of ophthalmic frames by Ralph Lauren Children. Each frame features an "RL" logo inlaid on the temple tips. This group features: [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * PP 8501, a girls' acetate frame with...

Bamboo Eyewear by Amy Sacks.(FRAMES)(Brief article)
October 15, 2007... Amy Sacks presents a new pair of unisex ophthalmic frames made from bamboo. They are: [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Takeh, a semi-rimless softened square frame that is available in size 49/19-140 and in colors nori (dark brown) and tempura...

Meetings + Conferences.(Conference news)(Calendar)
October 15, 2007... October * 24-27. American Academy of Optometry's Annual Meeting, Tampa. CE hours: 40. Contact Helen Viksnins, 6110 Executive Blvd., Suite 506, Rockville, MD 20852; call (301) 984-1441; fax (301) 984-4737; e-mail aaoptom@aaoptom.org; or go...

Handshake, cataracts are clues.(Diagnostic Quiz)(Case study)
October 15, 2007... History A 44-year-old white male presented complaining of mild watery eyes O.U. that had worsened during the past two months. He also reported that words ran together after prolonged reading. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Upon...

Innovations in lens care science; Understanding corneal barrier integrity: the cornea, the contact lens and the solution.(Report)
October 15, 2007... Release Date: October 2007 Expiration Date: October 31, 2008 Goal Statement: This is a very challenging time in the world of lens care. There are a lot of rumors and a lot of theories swirling around in the marketplace. Most O.D.s have...