• Multipurpose solutions have a limiting effect on contact lens biofilm formation, reports a study in May 2015 Eye and Contact Lens.¹ Italian researchers evaluated the antibiofilm activity of Regard (Vita Research), Biotrue (Bausch + Lomb) and Opti-Free PureMoist (Alcon) on Serratia marcescens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus. Cultures were treated with two concentrations of the solutions (75% and 100%) and monitored for 21 hours. While all three were effective against the four bacterial species, bacterial growth was observed in the presence of a 75% concentration of Regard, while Biotrue and Opti-Free PureMoist were more effective, particularly against staphyloccocci. Biotrue was especially effective against Gram-negative bacteria. Regard was most effective in reducing Pseudomonas biofilm.

1. Artini M, Cellini A, Scoarugi GL, et al. Evaluation of contact lens multipurpose solutions on bacterial biofilm development. Eye & Contact Lens. 2015 May;41(3):177-82.

• A piggyback penetrating keratoplasty technique may be a safe alternative to conventional PKP when associated with an open-sky procedure, reports a case report in Cornea.¹ During a combined cataract/PKP, the surgeon—noting the possibility of imminent IOL prolapse—inserted the donor corneal graft into the anterior chamber beneath the recipient cornea, creating a temporary piggybacking effect before the recipient’s cornea was removed. The surgery was successful, but the authors note complexity is involved. “It is most difficult for a surgeon to suture between the lower peripheral donor corneal graft and the peripheral recipient cornea beneath the overlying recipient cornea,” they write. “We do not advocate this procedure for beginner corneal transplant surgeons.”

1. Matsumoto Y, Dogru M, Shimazaki J, et al. Novel corneal piggyback technique for consecutive intraocular lens implantation and penetrating keratoplasty surgery. Cornea. 2015;34:713-16.

• Acuvue has released its 1-Day Moist multifocal for presbyopia. The lens is the first on the market to match the aspheric center-near optical design to pupil size as it changes according to age and refractive power, the company says. 

• Menicon has expanded its Miru 1day daily disposable lens parameters to include powers of +0.50D to +4.00D in 0.25D steps, and introduced a rebate program that offers patients up to $110 back on an annual supply of lenses.