January 2006 Issues

LASIK Update -- Quick Pulse

Summary: Five cataract surgeons, five refractive surgeons, and eight ophthalmologists who do both cataract and refractive surgery were interviewed about the latest trends in refractive surgery volumes and the outlook for multifocal IOLs. Refractive volume continued to slow in the fourth quarter of 2005, and sources predicted that trend would continue in the first quarter of 2006. Multifocal lenses are gaining popularity with cataract surgeons, but refractive use is limited to surgeons who are familiar with the lenses from their cataract surgery.

Neurology Update -- Quick Pulse

Summary: The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) winter meeting is an educational review, not a forum for new trial results. There were no posters and no industry exhibits at this year’s meeting January 13-15, 2006, in Las Vegas. However, it was a good opportunity to talk with clinical neurologists, particularly nonacademic practitioners, about a variety of issues. Twenty-five neurologists were interviewed.

Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Treatment-Resistant Depression -- Quick Pulse

Summary: Based on interviews with sources at 25 major medical centers and depression clinics, it appears that use of Cyberonics' Vagus Nerve Stimulator (VNS) in treatment-resistant depression is catching on very slowly. Psychiatrists are not referring many patients, surgeons have put in very few devices so far, and there are not significant numbers in the evaluation process. Furthermore, insurance coverage remains difficult and spotty.