Modern fluoroquinolones have evolved over more than 4 decades, from the parent quinolone compound, nalidixic acid (NegGram, Sanofi-Aventis US), patented in 1962. Since then, more than 10,000 derivatives have been patented, all with structural modifications that added features to improve systemic absorption, extend spectrum of action to include Gram-positive microorganisms, and reduce systemic toxicity.

The latest special edition frame from Marc Jacobs is designed to have an edgy appeal, borrowing from the glam-rock era sprinkled with a touch of punk.

With sun safety a growing concern and the sun season in full swing, Vision-Ease Lens (VEL) and the Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF) are working together to educate consumers about the importance of sun protection for the eyes.

Demands for increased efficiency from doctors will intensify as vision plans and medical insurance plans drive reimbursement downward. To meet these demands, doctors need to train staff members to handle more responsibilities and keep the doctor focused on taking care of patients.

The use of preferential hyperacuity perimetry (PHP) is expanding beyond general optometry to retinal specialists, who recognize its value in managing age-related macular degeneration. PHP testing allows for crucial detection of extrafoveal lesions in their earliest stage, when they can be treated most effectively.

A one-page, five-question questionnaire, called the DEQ-5, accurately identifies patients with Sjögren's syndrome and other patient populations with dry eye.

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Healthy vision is vital for success in life, and it all begins with regular vision screenings during childhood-or it should. The level of inadequate vision care for children in the United States is significant.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) can be an effective diagnostic tool that enables optometrists to examine the retina layer by layer. It also can offer quantitative data about the retinal nerve fiber layer. Some doctors believe that the biggest advantage of OCT is what it reveals about the vitreomacular interface.

Increasing market share for your practice includes an honest assessment of the benefits your practice brings to prospective patients. Consider their needs and preferences carefully to help you devise a value proposition that will make your practice their top choice.

Treating both the medical and vision complaints of existing patients, in separate visits, is a low-cost strategy that generates significant additional income and meets patients' needs for comprehensive eye care.

Results of a survey conducted by Transitions Optical reveal that women are significantly more likely than men to experience various eye conditions and vision problems and more likely to identify certain health and environmental factors as negatively affecting vision.

Teens with blindness or low vision face a greater number of hurdles as they transition to adult life. Making a successful transition can require not only academic training but also vocational, social, and personal development.

Bausch & Lomb (B&L) launched the Center for Patient Insights to increase access to unbiased industry information, trends, market research and insights for eye-care professionals (ECPs) across the country.

Prevent Blindness America is leading the effort to secure federal funding for programs that prevent blindness and preserve sight.

Bausch & Lomb Vision Care (B&L) is reintroducing its ReNu line of eye-care products to consumers and eye-care practitioners in an effort to both meet customers' needs and rejuvenate its product line.

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The FDA Dermatologic and Ophthalmic Drugs Advisory Committee has recommended the approval of bepotastine besilate ophthalmic solution 1.5% (Bepreve, ISTA Pharmaceuticals) for treating ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis.

New spectral-domain optical coherence tomography technology allows visualization of the junction of the inner and outer segments of the photoreceptors. Assessment of the photoreceptor integrity line in eyes with and without disorders of the outer retina indicates it is a useful biomarker for photoreceptor impairment.

Besifloxacin ophthalmic suspension 0.6% (Besivance, Bausch & Lomb) was approved recently by the FDA for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis. Besifloxacin suspension is able to fight bacteria that are growing resistant to older anti-infectives.