Tag Archives: Ophthalmology

Biotech, Doctors, Eye Care, Healthcare, Healthcare Services, Healthcare Solutions, Non-Surgical Procedure, Ophthalmology

8-year follow up results revealed for the ELIOS® Excimer Laser Trabeculostomy procedure combined with cataract surgery

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LOS ANGELES, CA, United States, 17-Feb-2022 — /EPR HEALTHCARE NEWS/ — Elios Vision Inc. announced today 8-year follow up results of its novel ELIOS® Excimer Laser Trabeculostomy procedure combined with cataract surgery.

Key study findings:

  • 161 eyes of 128 patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension and cataract received Phaco-ELIOS, and were followed over an 8-year period
  • Significant mean IOP reduction from 19.3 mmHg at baseline to 15.4 mmHg after 8 years of follow-up (p=0.0040)
  • Significant reduction in medication requirements
  • Only 3.7% of patients required secondary surgical glaucoma intervention during the 8-year follow-up period
  • No serious intra- or post-operative events were observed

“This large cohort study provides encouraging evidence that the ‘implant free’ Phaco-ELIOS procedure causes minimal trauma, appears to show lasting IOP control with no serious intra- or post-operative complications, and low rate of incisional secondary surgical intervention over a period of at least 8 years,” said Thomas W. Samuelson, MD, founding partner of Minnesota Eye Consultants and an Adjunct Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Minnesota. Dr Samuelson added that, “it is encouraging for patients that the number of topical medications required to control IOP was reduced significantly up to 4 years and remained below baseline levels across the entire 8-year follow-up period.”

About the ELIOS procedure:

  • The ELIOS procedure creates ten ‘microchannels (210µm)’ in the trabecular meshwork using an excimer laser.
  • The microchannels facilitate aqueous outflow into Schlemm’s canal, the eyes natural outflow pathway, reducing IOP2 and preserving the integrity, structure, and function of the trabecular meshwork.
  • Combining ELIOS with phacoemulsification is an ‘implant free’ minimally invasive glaucoma procedure with a rapid learning curve for ophthalmic surgeons.
  • The ELIOS procedure is approved in Europe for use in adults with glaucoma, with or without cataract, and is undergoing clinical trials in the US under an investigational device exemption (IDE).
  • Data on the ELIOS procedure has been published in 12 clinical studies2 with over 850 eyes treated showing an IOP reduction of 20-40% from baseline, a significant reduction of medication for up to 4 years, and up to 81% of patients ‘medication free’ at 1 year,3 and a favorable safety profile.

Over the past decade minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS) have transformed the treatment of mild to moderate glaucoma and are an attractive alternative to more invasive incisional procedures such as trabeculectomy and tube shunts. Despite the growing popularity of MIGS, combining cataract and glaucoma surgery is not yet the preferred choice by most surgeons.

This clinical study shows that the ELIOS procedure is attractive to all ophthalmic surgeons for patients with glaucoma that are not controlled by medications or SLT because it reduces IOP to mid-teens for at least 8 years, minimizes postop inflammation, avoids intraocular implants, has a favorable safety profile, with or without cataract surgery.

Why are these findings relevant?

  • In 2022 it is estimated that around 29 million people globally will undergo cataract removal and around 20% also have glaucoma or ocular hypertension4.
  • These findings demonstrate a sustained reduction of IOP that is longer than any other currently available MIGS procedure.
  • Routinely combining cataract and glaucoma treatment is appealing since it can reduce the undesirable burden and side effects of drops and it can avoid patients undergoing two separate surgical procedures which also is more efficient for healthcare systems.

SOURCE: EuropaWire

Allergies, Biotech, Diseases, Drugs, Healthcare Products, Healthcare Solutions, Pharmaceuticals, Public Health, Society, Therapies

URSAPHARM and CEBINA collaborating to repurpose the antihistamine drug azelastine hydrochloride as a potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic

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SAARBRÜCKEN / VIENNA, 17-Feb-2021 — /EPR HEALTHCARE NEWS/ — In the fight against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, a large number of pharmaceutical companies are looking for new approaches to combat the pandemic. In addition to vaccines, intensive research and development efforts around the world are focusing on identifying new anti-COVID therapeutics that includes re-evaluation of existing product portfolios with a view to re-purpose drugs that have antiviral properties.

With this goal in mind, URSAPHARM Arzneimittel GmbH, based in Saarbrücken, and the Vienna-based biotech company CEBINA GmbH (Central European Biotech Incubator and Accelerator) are collaborating to repurpose the antihistamine drug azelastine hydrochloride as a potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic. Azelastine has been successfully used for many years in anti-allergic therapy.

Starting with a novel computational drug repurposing prediction method, developed and performed by Prof Dr Robert Konrat (University of Vienna), CEBINA selected already approved active substances for experimental testing in collaboration with Prof Dr. Ferenc Jakab (Virology National Laboratory, Szentágothai-Research-Center, University of Pécs, Hungary). This collaborative effort led to the identification of azelastine as a potent antiviral compound effective against SARS-CoV-2, a finding confirmed by now by several independent research groups. The potent anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of azelastine was demonstrated in a reconstituted human nasal tissue model and was evident at a lower dose than present in commercially available nasal sprays [1].

A clinical trial has started on February 16th 2021 to verify whether the use of a nasal spray preparation containing azelastine can achieve a reduction in viral load in the the nasal cavity. The aim of the study is to show whether the anti-allergic medication Pollival® Nasal Spray, or a diluted version, can achieve a reduction in the viral load, therefore reducing transmission and positively influencing the course of the disease.

If positive results of the running clinical studies are demonstrated, URSAPHARM Arzneimittel GmbH and CEBINA GmbH believe this will be an important new approach to control viral spread and contain the current pandemic.

SOURCE: EuropaWire

Clinics, Doctors, Eye Care, Healthcare, Healthcare Professionals, Healthcare Services, Ophthalmology, Surgery

Eye Care – The Next Big Thing In Kerala’s Medical Travel Industry

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Medical travel industry in Kerala is all set to broaden its scope through micro cataract surgery and support services for cataract patients. It is considered as the next big thing after Ayurveda and dentistry in the domain of medical travel in Kerala. Micro Cataract Surgery is gaining the attention of cataract patients. Apart from its efficiency, after 24 hours of this surgery, patients are able to return to their normal life. And what more; this quick recovery period inspires many to opt for holidays in God’s Own Country.

Interestingly, Mulamoottil Eye Hospital (MEH), one of the pioneers in eye care is offering micro cataract surgery at Asia’s lowest cost – INR 30,000 (US $700). Besides the affordable cost of the surgery, MEH offers free accommodation for two days.

“Unlike conventional cataract surgery, the advanced micro cataract surgery at Mulamoottil Eye Hospital uses 0.9 mm tip inside the eye. Patients enjoy full recovery after 24 hours, enabling them to take head bath, go for office work, drive car, apply medicine on their own and even take a flight,” says Dr. Ashley Thomas Jacob, Medical Director of MEH, which has a tradition of 125 years in eye care.

Mulamoottil Eye Hospital is the largest eye hospital in Kerala and is located at Kozhencherry, a small town in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, India. MEH is also the pioneers in Customized Cataract Surgery. The hospital also offers precise surgeries for presbyopia, myopia (short-sight) diabetic eye disease etc. with shortest post-surgical recovery period. It also conducts research and training activities in ophthalmology.

By virtue of its location, Mulamoottil Eye Hospital is close to some of the captivating travel destinations in Kerala that include Kumarakom, Alappuzha, Fort Kochi, Munnar, Periyar etc. And this makes patients from outside Kerala and non-resident Indians to club holidaying in Kerala, popular as ‘God’s Own Country’ with their visit for eye treatment; especially after undergoing micro cataract and customized cataract surgeries.

Via EPR Network
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Eye Care, Healthcare, Healthcare Services, Ophthalmology, Optometry, Society

GlassesUSA Offers Customers Generous Discount On Prescription Glasses During Sale

GlassesUSA is keeping prescription eyeglasses affordable. Staying in line with their philosophy of ensuring eyeglasses are an affordable necessity and not an expensive luxury, GlassesUSA recently launched a new marketing campaign for their customers. The newest campaign is aimed at selling a selected portion of their most popular, fashionable eyeglass frames at a discount to their customers.

Unlike many retailers who keep their sales under wraps and hidden in the dark corners of their websites with special landing pages in hopes that customers will not use the discount, GlassesUSA launched their “Autumn Sale 2009” campaign first via email to customers who signed up for their seasonal newsletter. After the successful email campaign was launched, GlassesUSA launched the promotion on their website – inviting customers to take 10% off any of the selected eyeglasses.

The final steps in the promotional campaign launch was reaching out to bloggers and affiliates in order to get the word out about the 10% discount. The campaign was well-received among bloggers and those running coupon and discount sites.

GlassesUSA, a company that endured many changes recently including moving their shipping outfit to St. Joseph, Michigan, is an international cooperative group with offices in New Jersey as well as Tel Aviv, Israel. The company believes that vision care should be within arms reach and that high-quality eyeglasses should not cost a fortune. In conjunction with their business philosophy, GlassesUSA established efforts for their customers to not only recycle broken glasses but to donate old and used eyeglasses in order to ensure that those around the globe who cannot afford eyeglasses will receive them free of cost.

Since launching as a company, GlassesUSA transformed into an organization committed to philanthropy as well as consumer education. Their customers have a blog available to find the best ways to keep themselves informed on anything new in the vision world. GlassesUSA also reaches out to its customers with creative and innovative ways to save money – such as their Autumn Sale 2009.

Via EPR Network
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Diagnostics, Diseases, Doctors, Eye Care, Healthcare, Medicine, Ophthalmology, Society

Barack Obama Signs Proclamation Save Your Vision Week 2009 – BiCOM with Glaucoma Eye Test Diaton is Preparing to Help

Barack Obama, President of the United States of America proclaims March 1 through March 7, 2009, as Save Your Vision Week. BiCOM Inc home of Glaucoma Eye Test Diaton – non-contact Glaucoma Eye Test through the Eyelid is prepared to assist with vision screenings. Roman Iospa, CEO of BiCOM comments on Presidents support of glaucoma screenings. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are critical to minimize vision loss from eye diseases.

Proclamation by the president of the United Stated of America addresses the important issue of Blindness and visual impairment that affects millions of Americans. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are critical to minimize vision loss from eye diseases. During Save Your Vision Week – Barack Obama encourages all Americans to take action to prevent their vision loss.

BiCOM Inc. home of Glaucoma Eye Test Diaton Tonometer (IOP through the Eyelid), has been a long supporter of preventive glaucoma screenings. At a recent free glaucoma screening event where BiCOM in conjunction with SAVE Program (Sight for a Vision Exchange) and The Congressional Glaucoma Caucus Foundation conducted at New York City Children’s Services in honor of African American Heritage Celebration has revealed many with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) a major risk factor for glaucoma. Patients were referred to an ophthalmologist Dr. Lynnette P. Williams-Young a glaucoma specialist for further evaluation.

Unfortunately, most people have limited knowledge of blinding eye disorders. Based on National Eye Institute 2005 study, only eight percent of respondents knew that glaucoma, a condition that can damage the optic nerve and cause vision loss and blindness, strikes without early warning. Similarly, glaucoma also begins as a silent vision threat; as per Prevent Blindness America, it is estimated that of those Americans that have glaucoma, only half know they have it. It is estimated that 60 million Americans are at risk for developing glaucoma.

Everyone should be screened, especially with availability of new non-invasive (over the eyelid) glaucoma screening technology aka “Glaucoma Eye Test” Diaton tonometer available to optometrists, ophthalmologists and general physicians, enabling doctors to quickly and painlessly screen individuals at risk.

Several demographic groups are at higher risk for visual impairment, including teenagers, diabetics, Hispanics, African Americans, and the economically disadvantaged. Older Americans are more susceptible to eye conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. Children need regular vision screenings because vision disorders left untreated during childhood can lead to permanent visual impairment during adulthood.

President Obama stated, “Eye disease knows no bounds, and every American should take steps to protect his or her eyesight.”

To remind Americans about the importance of safeguarding their eyesight, the Congress, by joint resolution approved December 30, 1963, as amended (77 Stat. 629; 36 U.S.C. 138), has authorized and requested the President to proclaim the first week in March of each year as “Save Your Vision Week.”

“I’m pleased to see that President Barack Obama, with only weeks in the office is addressing an important issue of blindness, its early detection and timely treatment. My whole team at BiCOM Inc., and our partners are ready to continue our efforts and act on a larger scale by reaching out to many more people through awareness, training, glaucoma screening events and making “Glaucoma Eye Test” Diaton tonometer available to all that are willing to participate,“ said Roman Iospa, CEO of BiCOM Inc.

From the website of the White House:http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Save-Your-Vision-Week-2009/

“NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim March 1 through March 7, 2009, as Save Your Vision Week. During this time, I invite eye care professionals, teachers, members of the media, and all organizations dedicated to preserving eyesight to join in activities that will raise awareness of vision diseases and disorders.”

About BiCOM Inc:
BiCOM, with its 15 years of tradition and global clientele, has proven to be the enterprise of the highest level of professionalism, integrity and financial solvency. A unique team of engineers, medical, legal and business experts makes BiCOM Inc. the right place for global talent to find support and guidance. BiCOM Inc. sees its mission in bringing to market innovative products developed and manufactured worldwide. More about Diaton tonometer: TonometerDiaton.com

BiCOM represents and supports Glaucoma Eye Test aka Diaton tonometers in over 50 countries and growing. BiCOM conducts Free Glaucoma Screening Events throughout the Globe.
BiCOM-Ophthalmic.com

Via EPR Network
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