Health hot news

Researchers used a new imaging technique to take high quality color photographs of the clinical stages of ocular inflammation in mice, and the technology could help in the monitoring and treatment of diseases of the eye that may cause blindness.

Researchers are investigating microneedles, nanoparticles and polymer carriers as potential new techniques to combat the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness in the United States, according to a report from the Third Annual ARVO/Pfizer Ophthalmics Research Institute Conference. The report (http://www.iovs.

Exposure to prolonged temperature elevation reduces antifungal activity of a contact lens solution that was implicated in the epidemic of the eye infection Fusarium keratitis that occurred between 2004 and 2006, according to a report in the November issue of Archives of Ophthalmology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Carl Zeiss Meditec, a leader in complete ophthalmic systems including IOLs and disposables, today announced the newest innovations to its technology offering at the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) meeting in Atlanta, GA. These new systems include diagnostic and surgical applications covering the entire spectrum of patient care and supporting all major segments of ophthalmology, including cataract/refractive, retina and glaucoma.

Millions of people around the world wear contact lenses, with 24 million wearers in the U.S. alone. While contact lens care is generally very safe, lenses that are not properly cleaned and disinfected increase the risk of severe eye infection. Any lens that is removed from the eye needs to be cleaned and disinfected before it is reinserted. Care of contact lenses includes cleaning the storage case, since it is a potential source of infection.

Scientists in Canada are reporting progress toward a new type of “liquid mirror” - mirrors made with highly reflective liquids - whose shape can be changed to provide superior optical properties over conventional solid mirrors. The advance could lead to improved instruments for diagnosing eye disease, more powerful telescopes, and other applications, the researchers say. Their research will be described in the November 25 issue of ACS’ Chemistry of Materials, a bi-weekly journal.

VisionCare Ophthalmic Technologies, Inc., a developer of advanced visual prosthetic devices for individuals with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), announced that the American Journal of Ophthalmology (AJO), a premier peer-reviewed medical journal, has published two-year results from the Phase II/III IMT002 trial showing substantial visual acuity improvement in End-Stage AMD patients.

The AOP and FODO have announced the formation of new joint committees and are inviting other optical partners to join in. Following the calls for more joined up working at the FODO and AOP AGMs earlier in the year, the aim of the new committees will be to provide a clearer focus and more united voice especially for the commercial, manufacturing and retail parts of the eye health sector.

New digital photography technology has made screening for diabetes-related vision diseases more convenient and cost effective for members of the Fort Mojave American Indian tribe in Arizona, the Arizona Republic reports.

Advanced Medical Optics, Inc. (AMO) (NYSE:EYE) today lowered 2008 revenue guidance to a range of $1.17 billion to $1.20 billion and 2008 adjusted earnings-per-share (EPS) guidance to a range of $0.70 to $0.80. The company had previously forecasted a 2008 revenue range of $1.22 billion to $1.24 billion and a 2008 adjusted EPS range of $1.00 to $1.15. “The change in guidance reflects our view that deteriorating economic conditions are impacting our U.S.