Therapeutics News

This series spotlights specific ophthalmic medications, covering when to prescribe them, possible side effects and treatment plans based on a specific diagnosis. Bobby Christensen, OD, is in private practice and lectures widely on therapeutic pharmaceutical agents. He can be reached at Heritage Park Medical Center, 6912 E. Reno, Suite 101, Midwest City, OK 73110; (405) 732-1177; fax: (405) 737-4776.

This is the second in a series to spotlight specific ophthalmic medications. Each month, a different drug from "My Top 15 Ophthalmic Medications" will be reviewed. I will explain when to prescribe these medications, the possible side effects and treatment plans based on a specific diagnosis.

ATLANTA — The Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) recent approval of Acular (ketorolac tromethamine, Allergan) to treat inflammation following cataract surgery should be a welcome addition to a primary care doctor's therapeutic arsenal, according to an optometrist here.

Acute allergic reaction of hay fever type.

This is the first article in a series that will spotlight specific ophthalmic medications. Polytrim is discussed because of its usefulness as a first-line antibiotic in primary care optometry. Each month a different drug from "My Top 15 Ophthalmic Medications" will be reviewed. I will explain when to prescribe these medications, the possible side effects and treatment plans based on a specific diagnosis.

INDIANAPOLIS — While steroids, mast cell stabilizers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) all have a place in ocular allergy treatment, some practitioners use NSAIDs more often to control ocular pain and inflammation.

With the recent changes in optometric state laws, optometrists now have the privilege and responsibility for writing prescriptions. A written prescription is a legal document that should be prepared with care. While there are some variations from state to state, the prescription basically has 10 parts that will be discussed in this article. Use this information as a guide, but make sure you know the requirements in your own state. Also, be aware of the different requirements for prescriptions for controlled substances vs. noncontrolled substances.

The profession of optometry has just about arrived in the mainstream of therapeutic eye care. I say "just about" not because there remains only one state to complete its therapeutic legislative efforts, nor because amplifications of many state laws still must be completed. My "just about" comment relates more to a portion of therapeutic care that many optometrists in authorized therapeutic states continue to have a reluctance to implement or choose to relinquish their right to perform. I speak of prescription writing.

BREMERTON, Wash.—A lack of scientific studies on homeopathic medicine prompts many practitioners in the United States to question its use, but an optometrist here believes the approach of "like cures like" has a place in treating mild allergic conjunctivitis.

Data from the Antibiotic Resistance Monitoring in Ocular Microorganism study show that high levels of antibiotic resistance continue among Staphylococcus, especially methicillin resistance, according to a poster presented at the Association of Research in Vision and Ophthalmology meeting.