Therapeutics News

Patients treated with prostaglandin monotherapy or a combined therapy of prostaglandins, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and β-blockers should have regular central corneal thickness measurements taken, according to a study recently published in the Journal of Glaucoma.

DENVER – The combination of atropine and pirenzepine with commercial hydrogel and silicone hydrogel contact lenses may warrant further investigation, according to a presenter here at the American Academy of Optometry meeting.

DENVER – Three presenters here at the American Academy of Optometry plenary session discussed the dangers of recreational use of cannabinoids and the potential benefits of medicinal use.

The research and consulting firm GlobalData’s report on the allergic conjunctivitis treatment market shows minimal growth from $1.37 billion in 2013 to $1.44 billion by 2018.

The plenary session at this year’s American Academy of Optometry annual meeting will explore the health benefits and risks of cannabinoids, and Primary Care Optometry News will provide partial sponsorship of the event.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has cleared the Investigational New Drug application of Herantis Pharma for a phase 2 clinical study of Cis-UCA eye drops for dry eye syndrome.

The addition of hyaluronic acid increased drug loading and release mass in silicone hydrogel contact lenses, according to a study recently published in Eye & Contact Lens: Science & Clinical Practice.

The majority of glaucoma specialists reported that efficacy was most important when prescribing adjunctive therapies for glaucoma when compared to tolerability, safety and insurance coverage, according to a recently released survey.

Glaucoma, a word derived from the Greek “glaukos,” appeared in the works of Homer around the 8th century BC, describing a sparkling silver glare. By the 4th century BC, the word “glaucosis” was used in Aphorisms by Hippocrates to describe “dimness of vision” among the infirmities of the age. Throughout the Roman era, the term glaucoma was used to describe a greenish or bluish hue (a dull sheen or “glaze”) of blindness, specifically a condition for what is now known as cataract.

The idea that generic drugs are equivalent to brand-name medications is based on a lack of understanding of U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidelines and regulations. Generic medications have a place in our clinic, but as knowledgeable physicians we must clearly understand why generics are not the same as innovator products and realize that there are underlying differences, with both legal and clinical implications.