OPHTHALMIC DRUGS
New Combination Drop
Zylet (loteprednol etabonate 0.5% and tobramycin 0.3%) is a new topical corticosteroid/antibiotic from Bausch & Lomb. The drug, which received FDA approval in December, is indicated for the treatment of steroid-responsive inflammatory ocular conditions in which superficial bacterial ocular infection or risk of infection exists.
Zylet is available in three sizes: 2.5ml, 5ml and 10ml. Call 1-800-344-8815, or go to www.bausch.com.
Macugen (pegaptanib sodium), from Eyetech Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Pfizer, is a new intravitreal injection used to treat neovascular (wet) age-related macular degeneration (AMD), regardless of lesion subtype or size. The drug, which received FDA approval in December, is a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antagonist that binds specifically to VEGF165, a protein believed to trigger abnormal blood vessel growth and leakagetelltale signs of wet AMD.
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Macugen comes in a single use 1ml-glass syringe that contains 0.3mg in a 90uL deliverable volume. The recommended dosage is 0.3mg once every six weeks, the companies say.
Macugen is contraindicated in patients who have ocular or periocular infections. Also, there is a risk of developing endophthalmitis in the days following Macugen treatment. Call 1-800-223-0182, or go to www.macugen.com.
EXAM EQUIPMENT
Tonometer/Pachymeter
The ATP Auto Non-Contact Tonometer/Pachymeter from Reichert Ophthalmic Instruments combines intraocular pressure (IOP) and central corneal thickness (CCT) measurements, and displays all the alignment and measurement information on a color LCD screen. Additional features include:
Built-in adjustment nomograms that automatically calculate and display adjusted IOP measurement once CCT has been measured.
Microprocessor-controlled technology and objective measurement criteria to eliminate operator
variance.
An internal high-speed printer that provides a hard copy of measurement data to facilitate patient record-keeping. (Automated practices can send the information directly to a database through an RS232 interface.)
Help screens to ensure appropriate instrument use.
Call (716) 686-4500, or go to www.reichert.com.
Portable Pachymeter
The 555 Pachette 3, from DGH Technology Inc., is a portable pachymeter that measures corneal thickness via ultrasound technology. Additional features include:
A solid-filled probe with a clear polystyrene tip that is 1.5mm in diameter.
IOP-correction calculation built into the software.
Storage of up to 25 measurements bilaterally in 1.6 seconds per eye.
A back-lit LCD character display of right- and left-eye measurements, IOP-correction calculation, standard deviation and running average.
A large viewing angle that can be seen in all lighting conditions.
The 555 Pachette 3 weighs 1.8 pounds and uses 2 AA NiMH rechargeable batteries. Call 1-800-722-3883, or go to www.dghkoi.com.
The M3 Automatic Refractor, Keratometer and Non-Con-tact Tonometer, from Marco, combines a patients refractive power, corneal curvature and intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements in one instrument, to improve office efficiency and provide space-saving options, the company says.
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The M3 offers a new ergonomic design and can interface with all other Marco vision diagnostic systems. Call 1-800-874-5274, or go to www.marco.com.
DRY EYE
New Punctal Plug
Form Fit, from Oasis Medical Inc., is a hydrogel long-term intracanalicular punctal plug that measures 3.0mm in length and 0.3mm in diameter and conforms to the size of each patients punctum. When the plugs hydrogel material touches the tear film, it expands into a soft, gelatinous, moldable material. Form Fit can expand to 20 times in volume of its original size.
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Form Fit, which received 510(k) marketing clearance from the FDA in November and CE (European) approval, requires about 10 minutes to become completely hydrated, the company says. Once wet, the plug corks the vertical canalicular cavity minus anchor or cap. Removal is possible by flushing the punctal opening with saline solution, Oasis says.
The device comes pre-loaded on an inserter. It is sold 10 (five pairs) to a box. Call 1-800-528-9786, or go to www.oasismedical.com.
Two New Natural Eye Drops
Dry Eye Treatment for Men and Dry Eye Treatment for Women eye drops, from Natural Ophthalmics Inc., are homeopathic eye drops that use seven active ingredients to stimulate the bodys ability to produce tear components, the company says.
Both drops contain these five ingredients:
Euphrasia (Eye-bright) Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States (HPUS) 5X, which is indicated for corneal and conjunctival edema. Euphrasia helps treat the irritation linked to eye inflammation.
Alumina HPUS 10X, which is indicated for dryness of the eye and other mucous membranes.
Arsenicum album HPUS 12X, which is indicated for extreme dryness accompanied by burning and photophobia.
Nux moschata HPUS 6X, which is indicated for dryness linked to the difficulty of opening ones eye or eyes. It has also been used to treat Sjgrens syndrome.
Zincum metalicum HPUS 10X, which is indicated for severe dryness, burning and irritation accompanied by excessive tearing. It is also indicated for patients who are sensitive to environmental factors.
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In women, pulsatilla HPUS 8X is indicated for menopause- and menstrual abnormality-induced dry eye. This type of dry eye often includes thick discharge. The second ingredient for women is Sepia HPUS 8X, which is indicated for dryness that develops after a hormonal imbalance or menopause. This type of dry eye is often linked to lid weakness, the company says.
Both eye drops are compatible with punctal plugs, and are available in doctors offices only. The drops come in 15ml (1/2-ounce) containers. Call 1-877-220-9710, or go to www.natoph.com.
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WHATS NEW ON THE WEB | |
| Gerber Coburn Revamps Web Site Gerbercoburn.com, from Gerber Coburn, is a newly enhanced online e-commerce shopping site that contains a complete list of the companys parts, accessories and supplies. Features include: Online customer registration. Search capabilities. Product browsing. There are large color photos of each product with detailed descriptions. Logical merchandise categories, organized by lens processing, to enable previous customers to locate certain products.
A summary screen that displays the items you want to purchase. The screen tells you whether the items are in stock, available at a future date or if you need to call to inquire about availability. Customer shopping carts. You can also save multiple personalized shopping carts that allow you to buy without having to look at all the products offered every time you are at the site. Simple check-out. Order tracking. A new e-mail order and shipment confirmation message to keep you aware of the status of your order. Call 1-800-262-8761, or go to www.gerbercoburn.com. |
Antimicrobial File Folders
Antimicrobial File Folders, from Ancom Business Products, are treated inside and out with zeolite compounds that guard against the growth of microorganisms, mold and mildew. These zeolite compounds, which do not wear off, have been registered with the Environmental Protection Agency and are FDA approved.
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These folders are available in six styles: end tab folder, folder with two fasteners, folder with one fastener, folder with a pocket on one side, jacket folder and top tab folder. You can also request custom-made zeolite compound-treated files. Call 1-800-845-9010, or go to www.ancom-filing.com.
OPHTHALMIC LENSES
Transitions V Lenses With ESP
Transitions V Lenses with ESP (Enhanced Scientific Performance), from Transitions Optical Inc., activate and deactivate fast, and are darker outdoors but as clear as a regular lens indoors, the company says. These lenses combine the companys surface technologies, such as the Trans-Bonding process, with ESPs photochromic dye system.
Transitions V Lenses with ESP are available in 27 progressive and 12 semi-finished single-vision lens designs in Trivex, polycarbonate or higher-index (1.60 and 1.67) materials. Call 1-800-254-2590, or go to www.transitions.com.
Pen Applicator
Solves-It for Poly, from Hilco, is an acetone replacement pen-style applicator that removes progressive lens inks, paint, oils, marks, grease or glue. The company says the pen is safe for all lens materials.
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OFFICE DESIGN |
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| The Classics collection, from Eye Designs LLC, features a collection of freestanding displays that showcase elegant moldings and stylish details, the company says. Call 1-800-346-8890, or go to www.eyedesigns.com. |
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