Ten most-read ophthalmology news stories of the year

From notable breaking news stories to groundbreaking studies presented at annual ophthalmology meetings, 2014 has proved to be an innovative year for ophthalmology, with much more surgical and technological advancement to look forward to in 2015.

The most frequently viewed ophthalmology topics on Healio.com ranged from the FDA recommendation to approve the Kamra inlay to new and improved ophthalmic treatments for ocular diseases.

Here are the 10 most-viewed stories in 2014:

1. Anti-VEGF outperforms grid laser treatment for macular edema after BRVO

Intravitreal ranibizumab improved and sustained vision better than grid laser treatment in eyes with macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion. Read more

2. Genentech reacts to DRCR.net Protocol T data

Genentech thanks the Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network (DRCR.net) for bringing this important data to patients and physicians. Read more

3. New glaucoma medications relax trabecular meshwork, lower episcleral venous pressure

CHICAGO — IOP lowering through three different mechanisms comes together in one agent regardless of IOP baseline, a speaker said here at an Aerie Pharmaceuticals press briefing. Read more

4. FDA panel recommends approval of Kamra with some reservations

GAITHERSBURG, Md. — Amid concerns about safety and study methodology, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Ophthalmic Devices Panel of the Medical Devices Advisory Committee voted to recommend approval of the Kamra inlay. Read more

5. Valeant, Croma reach agreement to expand U.S. Bausch + Lomb portfolio

An agreement between Valeant and Croma may provide additional ophthalmic opportunities for Bausch + Lomb’s United States market. Read more

6. FDA panel recommends approval of Visian toric implantable Collamer lens, has reservations

GAITHERSBURG, Md. — The Visian toric implantable Collamer lens was recommended for approval by the Ophthalmic Devices Panel of the Medical Devices Advisory Committee of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Read more

7. VIBRANT study: Anti-VEGF outperforms laser treatment for BRVO

PHILADELPHIA — Aflibercept improved vision and reduced retinal thickness in eyes with branch retinal vein occlusion. Read more

8. European Glaucoma Society releases new guidelines for glaucoma

NICE, France — The fourth edition of the Terminology and Guidelines for Glaucoma was presented and made available during the 2014 European Glaucoma Society meeting. Read more

9. Data suggest link between likelihood, onset of multiple sclerosis, uveitis

CHICAGO — Nearly 60% of patients with multiple sclerosis and uveitis were diagnosed with each disease within a 5-year period. Read more

10. Anti-VEGF conbercept developed for AMD treatment

MIAMI — Phase 3 PHOENIX study data show a strong anatomic benefit of conbercept treatment, an anti-VEGF developed in China. Read more