Content about Ophthalmology

April 22, 2013
FDA approves Alcon's Simbrinza

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a drug made by Alcon, the drug maker said.

BASEL, Switzerland — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a drug made by Alcon, the drug maker said.

April 9, 2013
Advanced Vision Research names new VP professional relations

Advanced Vision Research named Diane Houtman VP professional relations.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Advanced Vision Research on Monday named Diane Houtman VP professional relations. A licensed Optometrist, Houtman will serve as the medical and clinical lead for all AVR projects and will act as corporate liaison to the medical community. 

"[Houtman's] background as a clinician and business executive provides a unique perspective and skill set that will benefit our business both internally and externally with customers," stated Scott Chapman, general manager of Advanced Vision Research.  

January 29, 2013
Wills Eye Institute: Incidence linking aspirin to macular degeneration too low to stop aspirin therapy

"Talk to your cardiologist." That's the advice offered last week by Wills Eye Institute, a hospital specializing in eye care, following a JAMA article linking aspirin therapy to macular degeneration.

PHILADELPHIA — "Talk to your cardiologist." That's the advice offered Friday by Wills Eye Institute, a hospital specializing in eye care,  following a JAMA article linking aspirin therapy to macular degeneration. 

January 21, 2013
Alcon launches Ilevro

Eye care company Alcon has launched a treatment for pain and inflammation resulting from cataract surgery, the company said Monday.

NEW YORK — Eye care company Alcon has launched a treatment for pain and inflammation resulting from cataract surgery, the company said Monday.

The company said Ilevro (nepafenac) ophthalmic suspension was a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and once-daily treatment for cataract surgery patients.

October 18, 2012
FDA approves first drug for eye condition

The Food and Drug Administration has approved what it called the first drug to treat an eye condition that can interfere with the part of the retina responsible for reading vision.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved what it called the first drug to treat an eye condition that can interfere with the part of the retina responsible for reading vision.

The agency announced the approval of Jetrea (ocriplasmin), made by Iselin, N.J.-based ThromboGenics. The drug is used to treat symptomatic vitreomacular adhesion.

August 13, 2012
FDA approves Genentech's Lucentis for diabetic macular edema

Regulators have approved a biotech drug made by Genentech for treating a complication related to diabetes.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — Regulators have approved a biotech drug made by Genentech for treating a complication related to diabetes.

The Food and Drug Administration approved Lucentis (ranibizumab) for diabetic macular edema, a cause of vision loss in people with diabetes. The drug already was approved for age-related macular degeneration.

July 27, 2012
FDA panel recommends new approval for Genentech eye drug

A panel of Food and Drug Administration experts is recommending the approval of a drug made by Genentech for diabetic macular edema, the company said.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — A panel of Food and Drug Administration experts is recommending the approval of a drug made by Genentech for diabetic macular edema, the company said.

April 3, 2012
Watson seeks approval for generic Lumigan, Latisse

Watson is challenging the patent protection on two eye drugs made by Allergan, the generic drug maker said Tuesday.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Watson is challenging the patent protection on two eye drugs made by Allergan, the generic drug maker said Tuesday.

Watson announced that it had filed with the Food and Drug Administration for generic versions of Allergan's Lumigan and Latisse (bimatoprost) ophthalmic solution. The products contain the same active ingredient in the 0.01% and 0.03% strengths, respectively, and are used to reduce pressure within the eye in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

March 7, 2012
EyeScience Labs launches eye health vitamin targeting diabetics

EyeScience Labs on Wednesday introduced a new eye vitamin for people with diabetes.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — EyeScience Labs on Wednesday introduced a new eye vitamin for people with diabetes.

February 27, 2012
Mobius Therapeutics picks Apothecary Shops to distribute eye surgery drug

A division of specialty pharmacy provider The Apothecary Shops has become the exclusive distributor of a drug used in glaucoma surgery, the company said.

PHOENIX — A division of specialty pharmacy provider The Apothecary Shops has become the exclusive distributor of a drug used in glaucoma surgery, the company said.

Apothecary Shop Wholesale has received exclusive distribution rights for Mobius Therapeutics' drug Mitosol (mitomycin), which the Food and Drug Administration approved earlier this month.

February 13, 2012
Valeant to acquire Eyetech

Valeant Pharmaceuticals is set to acquire a privately owned ophthalmic biotechnology company, the drug maker said Monday.

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — Valeant Pharmaceuticals is set to acquire a privately owned ophthalmic biotechnology company, the drug maker said Monday.

Valeant said it will acquire Eyetech upfront payment and potential future milestones. The transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions, is expected to close this week. Additional details were not disclosed.

January 19, 2012
The Apothecary Shops receives distribution rights for Eylea

The wholesale arm of specialty pharmacy The Apothecary Shops has received distribution rights to a drug for treating age-related macular degeneration, the company said Thursday.

PHOENIX — The wholesale arm of specialty pharmacy The Apothecary Shops has received distribution rights to a drug for treating age-related macular degeneration, the company said Thursday.

Apothecary Shops Wholesale has begun distributing Regeneron Pharmaceuticals' Eylea (aflibercept) to physicians and patients. The drug is used to treat neovascular or "wet" AMD. The "wet" form usually leads to more serious vision loss.

January 4, 2012
Study: An aspirin a day adds to risk of age-related macular degeneration

A large European study released Tuesday found that daily aspirin use is linked to an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration, a disease that can damage the central vision that is essential for reading and driving.

SAN FRANCISCO — A large European study released Tuesday found that daily aspirin use is linked to an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration, a disease that can damage the central vision that is essential for reading and driving. The study was published in the January issue of Ophthalmology, the journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

November 28, 2011
Bayer, Regeneron start phase-3 trial of Eylea for wet AMD in China

Bayer HealthCare and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals have started a late-stage clinical trial in China to evaluate a drug for eye disorders, the companies said Monday.

TARRYTOWN, N.Y. — Bayer HealthCare and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals have started a late-stage clinical trial in China to evaluate a drug for eye disorders, the companies said Monday.

The drug makers announced the start of the phase-3 "SIGHT" trial of Eylea (aflibercept) injection for the treatment of the neovascular form of age-related macular degeneration, also known as wet AMD. The companies said the trial, which will include about 300 patients, will be the largest retinal trial conducted in China.

October 28, 2011
Prevent Blindness America debuts diabetic eye disease awareness campaign

A volunteer eye health and safety organization has introduced a new program that seeks to educate the public on the potential effects diabetes may have on one's vision.

CHICAGO — A volunteer eye health and safety organization has introduced a new program that seeks to educate the public on the potential effects diabetes may have on one's vision.

August 19, 2011
Study: Diabetes, hypertension patients at risk of developing glaucoma

Americans that suffer from diabetes and/or hypertension are at risk of developing a common type of glaucoma, according to researchers at the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center.

NEW YORK — Americans that suffer from diabetes and/or hypertension are at risk of developing a common type of glaucoma, according to researchers at the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center.

August 17, 2011
Kerr Drug launches online eyewear store

Kerr Drug is offering savings of up to 70% to customers who buy prescription eyewear through a new website, the chain said Wednesday.

RALEIGH, N.C. — Kerr Drug is offering savings of up to 70% to customers who buy prescription eyewear through a new website, the chain said Wednesday.

Kerr Drug Optical, at Kerrdrugoptical.com, features more than 8,000 designer frames and options, such as scratch-resistant, Transitions and anti-reflective lenses, as well as ultraviolet treatments and prescription sunglasses. In addition, as part of the grand-opening offer, the company will give away the top 100 frame styles for free with a $49 purchase of lenses.

August 4, 2011
Sam's Club to offer free vision screenings

Sam's Club is encouraging customers to protect their eyes by offering free vision screenings at its stores nationwide on Aug. 13.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Sam's Club is encouraging customers to protect their eyes by offering free vision screenings at its stores nationwide on Aug. 13.

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., both adults and children can receive a vision acuity screening, as well as a quick take-home test called an Amsler Grid, which tests for blurred or missing areas of vision.

July 29, 2011
EyeScience launches computer eye strain formula

EyeScience on Thursday introduced a new eye vitamin for those who spend their work day staring at a computer screen in an effort to help prevent and alleviate vision problems associated with computer vision syndrome.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — EyeScience on Thursday introduced a new eye vitamin for those who spend their work day staring at a computer screen in an effort to help prevent and alleviate vision problems associated with computer vision syndrome.

July 8, 2011
American Regent launches generic Xalatan

American Regent has launched a generic drug for relieving pressure inside the eye, the company said.

SHIRLEY, N.Y. — American Regent has launched a generic drug for relieving pressure inside the eye, the company said.

American Regent announced the availability of latanoprost ophthalmic solution in the 0.005% strength.

The drug is a generic version of Pfizer’s Xalatan and is used to treat such conditions as glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

June 27, 2011
Garamycin ophthalmic solution enters market

Fera Pharmaceuticals has launched an ocular bacterial infections treatment.

NEW YORK — Fera Pharmaceuticals has launched an ocular bacterial infections treatment.

The company announced the launch of Garamycin (gentamicin sulfate) ophthalmic solution USP, designed to treat such infections as conjunctivitis, keratitis and blepharitis.

Last year, Fera broadened its Garamycin product offerings with the launch of preservative-free Garamycin ophthalmic ointment.

June 23, 2011
Americans have low sun care 'eye-Q'

According to a recent American Eye-Q survey issued earlier this month, only 
32% of Americans understand that the summer sun can do as much damage on the eyes as it does to unprotected skin. Exposure to small amounts of ultraviolet radiation over a period of many years increases the chance of developing cataracts, macular degeneration and eye cancer.

 

June 15, 2011
Watson confirms patent challenge for generic Pataday

Watson Pharmaceuticals has filed a regulatory approval application with the Food and Drug Administration for a generic drug for eye disease, the company said Tuesday.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Watson Pharmaceuticals has filed a regulatory approval application with the Food and Drug Administration for a generic drug for eye disease, the company said Tuesday.

Watson is seeking approval for olopatadine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution in the 0.2% strength. The drug, used to treat itching in the eye resulting from allergic conjunctivitis, is a generic version of Alcon’s Pataday.

June 3, 2011
Dioptics' Solar Shield Fits Over sunglasses look to protect wearers from UV exposure

Dioptics recently introduced a line of "healthy" sunglasses.

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — Dioptics recently introduced a line of "healthy" sunglasses.

Solar Shield Fits Over sunglasses are polarized to avoid blinding glare, while blocking 100% UVA/UVB light, Dioptics said.

May 23, 2011
Allergy Relief

The summer 2011 Allergy Relief Ingredient Guide breaks down the indication, active ingredients, purpose and dosage of such OTC allergy-symptom relievers as Claritin, Allegra, Zyrtec, Benadryl, Hyland's, Ocean, Similasan, Visine A.C. and Zaditor.

The summer 2011 Allergy Relief Ingredient Guide breaks down the indication, active ingredients, purpose and dosage of such OTC allergy-symptom relievers as Claritin, Allegra, Zyrtec, Benadryl, Hyland's, Ocean, Similasan, Visine A.C. and Zaditor.

Click here for the complete guide.