marketplace
Focus on Glaucoma Medications

BETIMOL
Santen

Timolol (Betimol) is the only patented branded beta blocker currently promoted in the United States, says Santen. The company adds that clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of timolol as statistically equivalent to that of timolol maleate (Timoptic).

The most common ocular ad-verse events reported in using timolol include foreign body sensation (2%), burning/stinging (1%), dry eye (1%) and ocular discomfort (1%).

Phone: (707) 254-1750
Web: www.santeninc.com

LUMIGAN
Allergan

Bimatoprost (Lumigan) is an ophthalmic solution for once-daily dosing.

At this year's Association for Research in Vision and Ophthal-mology meeting, Allergan showcased two head-to-head studies involving bimatoprost and competing ophthalmic solutions. Allergan says one study showed that patients respond better to bimatoprost than to latanoprost (Xalatan). In another study, bimatoprost provided greater mean IOP reduction than travo-prost (Travatan).

Phone: (800) 347-4500
Web: www.lumigan.com

OPTIPRANOLOL
B&L

OptiPranolol contains metipranolol, a nonselective beta-adrenergic receptor blocking agent.

When applied topically in the eye, metipranolol reduces elevated as well as normal intraocular pressure (IOP), whether or not accompanied by glaucoma.

In controlled studies of patients with IOP greater than 24 mm Hg at baseline, metipranolol reduced the average IOP 20% to 26%.

Phone: (800) 531-2020
Web: www.bausch.com

TIMOLOL
Akorn

Timolol, a topical application, reduces elevated as well as normal IOP, whether or not accompanied by glaucoma.

The onset of reduction in IOP following administration of Timolol can usually be detected within a half-hour after a single dose. The maximum effect usually occurs in 1 or 2 hours and significant lowering of IOP can be maintained for as long as 24 hours with a single dose.

Repeated observations over 1 year indicate that the IOP-lowering effect of Timolol is well maintained.

Phone: (800) 535-7155
Web: www.akorn.com

TRAVATAN
Alcon

According to Alcon data, travoprost (Travatan) lowers IOP up to 9 mm Hg over 24 hours and controls IOP as the day goes on.

One reason travoprost lowers and controls IOP is because it's a "full FP receptor agonist." Prosta-glandin FP receptor activation causes the release of matrix metallopro teinase (MMP) enzymes. MMP enzymes degrade the extracellular matrix. This degradation increases outflow, which lowers IOP.

Phone: (800) 862-5266
Web: www.travatan.com

XALATAN
Pfizer

Latanoprost (Xalatan) is the most prescribed IOP-lowering agent in the United States, according to IMS Health, NPA data (Sept. 2001 through Sept. 2002).

Latanoprost is an ocular hypotensive agent, which, Pfizer believes, reduces IOP by increasing uveoscleral outflow.

As you may have heard recently, Pfizer is considering selling its surgical ophthalmology business. If that does transpire, the sale would include such products as Healon and Tecnis lenses. Latanoprost would still be under the Pfizer flag.

Phone: (212) 573-2323
Web: www.xalatan.com

Other Products & Services

Rhein Medical says the Goldberg Stromal Hydration Cannula speeds up the incision closure process.

STROMAL HYDRATION
Rhein Medical and Lawrence R. Goldberg, M.D., developed the Goldberg Stromal Hydration Cannula.

This cannula lets a surgeon simultaneously hydrate stroma in three areas when closing a phaco incision. The cannula has three appendages, one to the left, one to the right and one in the center.

Rhein Medical
Phone: (800) 637-4346
E-mail: info@rheinmedical.com
Web: www.rheinmedical.com

2003 VIDEO JOURNAL
Two issues of the 2003 Video Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery are available from Robert H. Osher, M.D.

The first issue, "Glaucoma Surgery Update," features clips on viscocanalostomy, trabeculectomy with antimetabolites and valves and shunts.

The second issue, "Focus on New Technology," features clips on the Tecnis lens, the first Duet implantation and the new partial capsular tension ring from Morcher.

Dr. Osher publishes the Video Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery quarterly. Subscriptions are available on video, CD or DVD. Robert H. Osher, M.D.

Fax: (513) 936-4881
E-mail: gearlywine@cincinnatieye.com

Veatch Ophthalmic Instruments will display the DRS-3100 Digital Refraction System at Vision Expo West (booth 3037) and the American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting (booth 689).

DIGITAL REFRACTION
New to the Veatch Ophthalmic Instruments product line is the DRS-3100 Digital Refraction System. The system -- manufactured by Huvitz Co. -- includes the MRK-3100 Auto Refractor/Kera-tometer, the CLM-3000 Auto Lensmeter, the CCP-3100 Auto Projector and the CDR-3100 Digi-tal Refractor; also available is the CDC-3000, an optional projector.

The CDR-3100 Digital Refractor is the heart of this refraction system. All the instruments communicate with each other and transer data to the CDR-3100.

The DRS-3100 Digital Refrac-tion System can network with practice-management systems, and according to Veatch, the DRS-3100 costs 15% to 20% below that of the competition.

Veatch
Phone: (800) 447-7511
Fax: (480) 838-4934
Web: www.veatchinstruments.com

The Spectrum 2 displays information in color and can print it out for charting purposes.

SPECTRUM 2
The Spectrum 2 is the latest from Marco.

With the Spectrum 2, you have two methodologies to measure lenses. The newest method uses wavefront technology (700 data points) to analyze and measure all types of spectacles, "eliminating all panascopic tilt." The other method is that of the traditional (4-data point) auto lensmeter, with reproducible measurements accurate to 0.01D.

The Spectrum 2 is the only diagnostic lensmeter that has the ability to be updated free of charge, says Marco.

Marco
Phone: (800) 874-5274
Fax: (904) 642-9338
Web: www.marcooph.com

VITAL INTUITION
VitalWorks is a company specializing in information management technology for the healthcare field. Its latest offering is Intuition, a Windows-based client-server product for small- to mid-sized group practices.

Intuition is a suite of healthcare information systems that encompasses all areas of data management, including practice management (PM) and electronic medical records (EMR). The Intuition line features two products, Intuition PM and Intuition EMR, which you can purchase separately or as one package.

VitalWorks
Phone: (800) 278-0037
E-mail: info@vitalworks.com
Web: www.vitalworks.com

DEFINITY AT EXPO
At Vision Expo West -- being held from Sept. 17 to 20 in Las Vegas -- the Spectacle Lens Group of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care will display its new Definity Lenses in booth CL5083.

Definity Lenses use patented Dual Add technology to reduce unwanted astigmatism. In addition, not only do Definity Lenses have near, intermediate and distance zones, but they have a Fourth Zone. Located beneath the near zone, the Fourth Zone reduces the near add power to help minimize distortion and flatten the field of vision. This provides patients with clearer vision when they're looking down and may help when they're walking down steps or navigating uneven terrain.

Spectacle Lens Group
Phone: (800) 920-2021 ext. 3700
Web: www.definity.com

LOW VISION AT THE LIGHTHOUSE
From Oct. 21 to 23, Lighthouse International will present "Comprehensive Clinical Low Vision Care."

This 3-day course focuses on evaluating and prescribing for patients with the full range of conditions resulting in low vision.

"Comprehensive Clinical Low Vision Care" covers prescribing, reimbursement and the latest in new devices.

Lighthouse International
Phone: (800) 829-0500
Fax: (212) 821-9705
E-mail: education@lighthouse.org
Web: www.lighthouse.org