A new surgery known as sutureless eye surgery has helped carry out around 80 successful operations. It heals wounds much faster than through conventional procedures. The specialty of the surgery is the use of exceptionally smaller and disposable instruments that are inserted into the eye of the patient with the use of a tiny cannula. When it is removed from the eye, the wound is much smaller and less painful. The procedure also takes lesser time. The surgery is being carried out at Bristol Eye Hospital.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has given the final approval to Hi-Tech Pharmacal Company’s dorzolamide and timolol ophthalmic solution, the generic for Merck’s Cosopt®. Indicated for lessening elevated intraocular pressure in patients suffering from ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma, the generic solution will be launched in the markets soon. Hi-Tech Pharmacal Co. Inc. specializes in manufacturing semi-solid and liquid dosage forms of sterile ophthalmic and inhalation products.

Scientists from the Moorfields Eye Hospital have invented a technology, Motion Displacement Test that will reduce the time taken for the detection of glaucoma. The novel technology is designed to catch one of the first symptoms of glaucoma, that is, the ability of the patient to spot speedy movement. The test is taken on a computer. The patient is asked to look at a dot in the centre which is surrounded by a number of white lines with a grey background. They are required to click a mouse when they notice a white line moving. Failure in spotting such movement indicates that they suffer from glaucoma.

Researchers from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (Dallas) have reported that long-term anti-retroviral therapy (ART) used for the treatment of HIV-1 infection can cause ptosis and external ophthalmoplegia (progressive paralysis of the extraocular muscles. Thus, the authors of the study have recommended that clinicians should be aware of potential adverse effects of the treatment such as myopathic complications, weakness, neuropathy, deafness etc.

Sirion Therapeutics, Inc. has released results of a comparative trial evaluating the efficacy of Durezol(TM) 0.05% dosed four times daily against Allergan’s Pred Forte(R) 1%, dosed eight times daily. A topical ophthalmic corticosteroid, Durezol was indicated by the FDA in June 2008 for treating pain and inflammation related to ocular surgery. At the end of two weeks, the Durezol group achieved a mean cell grade reduction of 2.1, compared to 1.9 in the Pred Forte group, showing the potential of Durezol as a steroid.

A study conducted at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine suggests that higher intake of antioxidants is beneficial for eye health. The conclusion is based on the finding that a combination of exposure to blue light and lower plasma levels of antioxidants can cause age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Blue light was found to be damaging for retina. Doctors recommended the use of ocular protection and following of dietary instructions.

The U.S, Food and Drug Administration has approved Akorn, Inc.’s Akten™ Ophthalmic Gel 3.5%, the first approval to an ocular anesthetic in the last 40 years. The preservative free product is stored at room temperature and can be used in any ocular applications such as cataract surgery, Lasik surgery and refractive surgery that need a topical anesthetic. This is the company’s first NDA drug product developed internally.

Results of a clinical study indicate that Allergan Inc.’s topical cyclosporine proves beneficial in various forms of the dry eye disease. The drug was found to stop the progress of the disease in some patients and cure symptoms in others. The condition of 72.1% of patients improved to a great extent. Greater efficacy of the medication in the mild group indicates that early treatment of the disease may give better results. The study was supported by Allergan Inc.

The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) adopted a positive opinion on recommendation for approval to grant a marketing authorisation for Alcon Laboratories’ Azarga 10 mg/ml / 5 mg/ml Eye drops. The suspension will be a more effective treatment of elevated intraocular pressure for adult patients suffering from ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma who have not benefited much from mono-therapy.The drug is a fixed combination of Timolol and Brinzolamide. These compounds reduce the production of aqueous humor by inhibiting the conversion of CO2 to bicarbonate in the eye’s ciliary body, hence controlling IOP.