Glaucoma Medication
If you or your patients have been looking for a new generic glaucoma option, Prasco, through its partnership with Thea Pharmaceuticals, recently began marketing tafluprost ophthalmic solution 0.0015%, which the company says is therapeutically equivalent to Merck’s Zioptan.
Like similar drugs, the companies note that tafluprost 0.0015% can cause increased pigmentation of the iris, periorbital tissue (eyelid) and eyelashes, as well as an increase in the length, thickness and number of lashes. Other prescribing information on the new generic, including possible adverse events, can be found at theapharmainc.com.
Dry Eye
 |
When evaluating patients with symptoms that suggest possible meibomian gland dysfunction, a thorough examination of both the upper and lower eyelids is crucial to detect and assess the condition. A new eyelid eversion tool called the Meivertor aims to help clinicians obtain high-quality images of the meibomian glands. The tool can be used with a single hand, freeing up the second hand to control the meibographer, the company says.
The Meivertor’s stainless-steel handle features grips with etched surfaces to optimize its rotation and silicone tips designed to securely and evenly grip across the eyelashes, the company notes on its website. The device’s maker adds that the tips are sold in a pack of 100 and are single-use disposable to ensure patient hygiene.
For more information on the instrument, visit meivertor.com.
Low Vision
Smart Glasses Get Smarter
Following the release of Eye4 smart glasses last fall, the company Eyedaptic recently introduced its latest version of the low-vision aid, duly named Eye5.
 |
Similar to the previous model, the augmented reality glasses are tethered to a handheld cell phone—which is provided by the company—allowing users to take advantage of two cameras—one in the smartphone and one in the glasses—to help deal with central vision loss from retinal conditions such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy and to better see and navigate their environment.
The new facial detection capability using artificial intelligence software is the main feature that sets Eye5 glasses apart from previous models, the company explains in a press release. As with the Eye4 model, Eye5 features an all-in-one custom user interface, auto zoom mode, image stabilization and contrast enhancement. The embedded camera in the new device also functions the same as in the previous model: It automatically enhances visual images by capturing the wearer’s environment and manipulating the pixels, re-displaying the image in higher resolution.
Eye5 smart glasses are designed with the same lightweight material as Eye4, weighing in at only three ounces to enhance comfort and discreetness of wear, the company says.
For more information on the new Eye5 and how it differs from the previous model of the device, visit eyedaptic.com.
