The FDA approved Lumigan (bimatoprost 0.03%, Allergan) as a first-line treatment to lower IOP. Lumigan first gained FDA approval in 2001 as a second-line treatment for IOP reduction.

The Childrens Vision Improvement and Learning Readiness Act (HR 2238) has reached a milestone of more than 200 cosponsors in Congress. If passed, the bill would establish a national grant program to provide comprehensive eye examinations and necessary follow-up treatment to children.

Las Vegas ranks as the number one Dry Eye Hot Spot, according to an analysis from the National Womens Health Resource Center. This analysis ranked cities with environmental conditions most likely to contribute to dry eye. The rest of the top 10 cities (in descending order) are: Lubbock, Texas; El Paso, Texas; Midland/Odessa, Texas; Dallas/Fort Worth; Atlanta; Salt Lake City; Phoenix; Amarillo, Texas; and Honolulu.

Corneal dryness affects the quality of optical coherence tomography scans and the measured nerve fiber layer thickness after a short exposure time, according to a study in Junes Ophthalmology. The researchers recommend instructing patients undergoing OCT to blink frequently or instill artificial tears.

Vol. No: 143:07Issue: 7/15/2006