The company says MediLive Trio Eye allows surgeons to view bright, high-contrast images on the monitor during procedures on the posterior segment of the eye with little light. If the camera is used for the anterior segment, the video sequences provide details of the sclera without the "blooming" effect from excessive brightness. As a result of these advantages, the video images are ideal for presentations to colleagues or students.
Preset configurations for the posterior and anterior segments are particularly beneficial when surgeons switch between the two areas of application. Individual settings can be saved and recalled at the push of a button. The various camera configurations for halogen illumination and Superlux Eye xenon illumination can also be saved in this manner. White balance thus becomes unnecessary when switching between the two types of illumination. Combining the MediLive Trio Eye camera with the OPMI VISU 210 surgical microscope and Invertertube produces a system for use in retinal surgeries.
For more information, visit zeiss.com.
Istalol Available in New Size Bottle
ISTA Pharmaceuticals has introduced Istalol (timolol maleate ophthalmic solution) 0.5% in a 2.5-ml bottle. The once-a-day, non-blurring ophthalmic beta-blocker is indicated for treatment of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma. When the potassium sorbate solution is applied to the surface of the eye once daily, it can significantly reduce the amount of fluid that is produced by the ciliary body, the company says, optimizing ocular bioavailability.
Istalol is the only BT-rated ophthalmic beta-blocker (generics and other timolol maleate solutions are not bioequivalent), ISTA says. Istalol is available in 5-ml and 2.5-ml bottles. For more information visit istavision.com.
Two New Instruments from Rhein Medical
The Steinert Descemet-Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSEK) Insertion Forceps from Rhein Medical solve one of the largest challenges in this procedure, the company says. After the donor tissue is folded in half with a small amount of viscoelastic separating the endothelium, the DSEK forceps (Product #8-01303) grasp the taco on the stromal surface with two pins that securely hold the tissue, but minimize endothelial crush injury that can occur with other forceps. The stainless steel DSEK forceps are reusable and autoclaveable.
The company has also recently launched its line of Rhein Eco's in non-sterile form. Eco's are Rhein Medical's brand of economical hand-held ophthalmic surgical instruments.
These new Eco's are durable, stainless steel instruments, and are now available in both non-sterile and sterile form. The non-sterile versions are packaged six per box, while the sterile versions are packaged in two Tyvek pouches each, six per box. The reusable, non-sterile products are ready for immediate use. Items available in the non-sterile form include capsulorhexis, corneal, and tying forceps; needle holders; scissors; manipulators; choppers; dilators and rotators; and speculums.
For more information about either the forceps or the Eco instruments, contact Rhein Medical at (813) 885-5050.
New Anterior Segment Tools
Two new tools for anterior segment procedures are now available from Duckworth & Kent.
The Khaw Small Descemet Membrane Punch (Product #7-101) is designed to punch 0.3 mm by 0.5 mm openings, and is suited for when a small sclerostomy is needed, such as in the cases of thin sclera or small scleral flap, the company says. The punch action on the tool can be repeated to create a larger sclerostomy, and it can be used with a short scleral tunnel incision.
The Osher Capsular Dye Cannula (Product #MMP203) is designed to deposit dye in a fluid-filled space beneath a viscoelastic onto the anterior capsule through the cannula's posterior hole. The company says this prevents dispersion of dye throughout the chamber.
For more information call 1 (800) 756-7773 or visit duckworth-and-kent.com.
Controlled Depth Glaucoma Blade
A new controlled depth knife is available from Oasis Medical Inc. (Glendora, Calif.) for glaucoma procedures. The Feather Glaucoma Groove Blade (REF# 6340G) offers increased visibility and depth assurance, the company says. The smaller guard allows for a clear view of the incision during trabeculectomy and other scleral flap procedures. The blade tip, set at 400 µm, guarantees controlled depth. For more information contact Oasis at 1 (800) 528-9786 or visit oasismedical.com.
Retinal Diagnosis Program
Volk Optical and Optos have joined together to offer the Targeted Ophthalmoscopy program, designed to create a more thorough and effective retinal exam. When the Optos Optomap retinal exam is used in conjunction with a slit lamp exam using the Volk Digital Series lenses, the result is a complete diagnostic system, the companies say.
The Targeted Ophthalmoscopy program involves three steps: discovering the condition of the retina using the Optomap Retinal Exam to capture a wide-field view; using the Volk Digital Series lenses for the slit lamp examination, focusing on a specific area with the Optos version two software; and then using the results to determine a patient treatment. For more information about the Targeted Ophthalmoscopy program, call (508) 787-1437 or 1 (800) 345-8655, or visit volk.com.
New Gulden Vision Screening Kits
Gulden Ophthalmics says its Vision Industrial Screening Kit is quick and easy to administer, compact for portability and well-protected for the industrial environments. The test kit includes a near acuity card, a color test plate, C' Daylight glasses and instructions.
Gulden's Timberlake Eye Model is designed to improve the teaching of fundoscopy skills. It can also be used to teach direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy and the use of fundus lenses with a slit lamp, the company says. The model features changeable pupil sizes (fully dilated 8 mm and completely un-dilated 2 mm), a calibrating scale that allows the eye to be set from -8 D to + 8 D to hypermetropia) and easily inserted images of multiple retinal pathologies. The eye model was developed in association with George T. Timberlake, PhD, of the University of Kansas Medical Center.
For more information about either product, contact Gulden Ophthalmics (Elkins Park, Pa.) at (215) 884-8105 or visit guldenindustries.com.
Eye Eco Heat Packs Help Eyes
Eye Eco Inc. has added an enhancement to its Tranquileyes eye hydrating goggle system that provides an instant moisture environment around the eye.
Thermoeyes are reusable heat packs that tuck inside the Tranquileyes goggle and last up to 75 minutes. The heat packs can also be used cold to help reduce puffiness, sinus pressure and migraine headaches, the company says.
Thermoeyes comes with four reusable heat packs and four thermo pads. For more information call 1 (888) 730-7999 or visit eyeeco.com.
Updates Made to Merlin LCD
Enhanced Vision (Huntington Beach, Calif.) has made several improvements to its Merlin LCD Flat Panel Closed Circuit Television, a desktop video magnifier system.
The Merlin LCD now has a three button control panel attached to the LCD instead of fixed to the base. The company says this new configuration will allow the Merlin to become more accessible for patients with low-vision problems. The updated Merlin also includes an easy-to-use sliding brightness lever and incorporates a wider field of view with lower magnification (2.7 to 58-X). The five digital color select options provide clear, crisp image quality and contrast, the company says.
The first Merlin debuted in June 2002, and the first Merlin LCD was released in May 2005. For more information, call 1 (888) 811-3161 or visit enhancedvision.com.
Handheld Electronic Reader
A new portable, handheld reader, developed by the National Federation of the Blind and inventor Ray Kurzweil, enables users to take pictures of and read most printed materials.
The Kurzweil-National Federation of the Blind Reader allows its user to hold a digital camera over any print copy—letters, bills, newspapers, a restaurant menu—and then a few seconds later hear the contents of the printed document played back in clear, synthetic speech, the federation says.
The reader combines character-recognition software with text-to-speech conversion technology in a single handheld device. The reader's memory card can store thousands of printed pages or users can transfer files to their desktop and laptop computers or to Braille notetakers. The device includes a headphone jack, so users do not disturb others. For more information, call (877) 708-1724 or visit nfb.org.
Automatic Edging, Drilling System
Briot USA's Alta is an automatic edging and drilling system for in-office processing and finishing. The Briot Alta features customizable machine settings, finishes all lens types, and enables the operator to modify the size and shape of rimless lenses to create custom-made eyewear. Default settings allow the user to save the settings of eyewear jobs processed most often. For information call Briot (Alpharetta, Ga.) at 1 (800) 292-7468 or visit briot-usa.com.
SynergEyes Launches RxConnect
Hybrid contact lens manufacturer SynergEyes Inc. (Carlsbad, Calif.) has launched on its website an interactive account management service called RxConnect. RxConnect offers eye care professionals the opportunity to review their lens order, shipment and accounting history, the company says. For information, visit synergeyes.com.
