marketplace
Focus on Allergy Medications

ALOCRIL, ELESTAT
Allergan

Nedocromil sodium ophthalmic solution 2% (Alocril) is a second-generation mast cell stabilizer from Allergan indicated for the treatment of itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis. It reportedly provides fast, effective and lasting control of allergy symptoms all season long. Nedocromil stops allergic reactions at their source by penetrating mast cells and halting the release of histamines and other mediators that lead to ocular itching. It provides protection for hours, even in the absence of symptoms.

Also from Allergan is epinastine HCl ophthalmic solution 0.05% (Elestat), a new anti-allergy therapy that reduces the ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis. Epinastine prevents ocular allergy symptoms rapidly by blocking both the H1 and H2 receptors, stabilizing mast cells and stopping the cascade of proinflammatory chemical mediators. Its fast, multi-action efficacy reduces symptoms within 3 minutes, and its sustained effect ensures relief for up to 8 hours.

Phone: (800) 433-8871
Web site: www.allergan.com

ZADITOR
Novartis

Ketotifen fumarate ophthalmic solution 0.025% (Zaditor) from Novartis provides fast relief of itchy, watery eyes in patients suffering from allergies. When used twice daily, ketotifen provides 24-hour relief. It has a dual mechanism of action, acting as an antihistamine to prevent itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis and as a mast cell stabilizer to prevent further release of histamine.

Phone: (862) 778-8300
Web site: www.novartis.com

ALREX
Bausch & Lomb

Loteprednol etabonate 0.2% (Alrex) is the only ester corticosteroid specifically formulated with the soothing components of glycerin and povidone to treat ocular allergies. The medication is said to cover more allergic mediators than other anti-allergy agents because it works on both the early and late allergic inflammatory cascade. A recent study of the drug's safety involving 159 patients receiving loteprednol for more than a year found no IOP spikes, induced cataracts or infections.

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

ALAMAST
Santen

Pemirolast potassim 0.1% (Alamast) is indicated for the prevention of ocular itching due to allergic conjunctivitis. According to Santen, it halts the allergic cascade in both the early and late phases of allergic reactions. The company adds that in a survey, 99% of subjects reported no burning, stinging or ocular discomfort.

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

PATANOL
Alcon

Olopatadine (Patanol) is a dual-acting antihistamine and mast cell stabilizer. It is the only agent in its class approved for treatment of all signs and symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis. According to Alcon, olopatadine is the standard topical ophthalmic anti-allergy medication, with more than 14 million prescriptions written.

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

More Products and Services

In the January issue, the wrong image apppeared with information about the RK-F1 Full Auto RefKeratometer. This is the correct image.

CORRECTION
AUTOREFRACTOR/ KERATOMETER

Canon's RK-F1 Full Auto Ref-Keratometer replaces the conventional joystick with a trackball and roller tandem that eases hand movement during manual alignment. Once the examinee's pupil is visible in the monitor, you just press the Start button to initiate measurements of refraction and keratometry. The system's measurement head covers an exceptionally wide area, thus speeding up the auto-alignment process. Its built-in printer delivers your printout faster than ever.

Canon
Phone: (800) 970-7227
E-mail: rkaiser@cusa.canon.com
Web: www.usa.canon.com\eye-care

Flura*Safe combines fluorexon and benoxinate.

DYE/ANESTHETIC COMBO

Accutome is distributing Flura*Safe, a combination of fluorexon and benoxinate in one bottle. The formulation anesthetizes the cornea and stains it to facilitate Goldmann tonometry, gonioscopy, foreign body removal and other procedures.

No eye rinsing is required after its use. Patients can reinsert their soft contact lenses without damaging or staining them. These benefits are attributed to the formulation's fluorexon, which acts like a large-molecule fluorescein.

Accutome
Phone: (800) 979-2020
E-mail: eyeopenr@accutome.com
Web: www.accutome.com

Stereo Optical Company's new version of the Teller Acuity Cards.

ACUITY TEST CARDS

Stereo Optical Company now offers a new version of the Teller Acuity Cards. The laminated 17-card set features an improved printing process that yields high-quality, standardized, artifact-free targets for testing infants and nonverbal patients.

Stereo Optical Company
(800) 344-9500
E-mail: sales@stereooptical.com
Web: www.stereooptical.com

AUTOMATED REFRACTION SYSTEM

Topcon Medical Systems has launched its BV-1000 unit -- reportedly the world's first patient-driven automated refraction system -- after receiving FDA approval. The product combines an objective simultaneous binocular autorefractor, autokeratometer, automatic chart projector and patient-driven vision tester. A software program guides the patient through the refraction by means of voice prompts. The patient completes the refraction using a joystick to respond to a sequence selected by the practitioner.

Topcon Medical Systems
Phone: (800) 223-1130
E-mail: shamilton@topcon.com
Web: www.topcon.com

The new Oval SolarShield from Eschenbach.

ABSORPTIVE FILTER, SEMINARS

Eschenbach and Dioptrics Medical Products now offer a new line of SolarShield absorptive filters in a smaller, contemporary style. Designed to complement the larger Ultra and Cateye styles, the new Oval SolarShield line of contrast-enhancing and glare-reducing filters is ideal for patients with smaller facial features or for those who prefer an oval lens shape.

Separately, Eschenbach has announced educational seminars scheduled in multiple cities from March through May. "Low Vision Care... What's It All About?" is an introductory hands-on workshop and lecture approved for three continuing education credits by ABO, JCAHPO and ACVREP. A free, 1-hour course, "Making Money at Low Vision," follows.

Eschenbach Optik
Phone: (800) 487-5389
E-mail: tgels@eschenbach.com
Web: www.eschenbach.com