EXAM EQUIPMENT
Portable Slit-Lamp Microscope


The SL-15 Portable Slit-Lamp Microscope, from Kowa,  is cordless and carries a compact lithium-ion batteryits power sourceon board. When docked, a companion base station charges the instrument. It can also charge an extra lithium-ion battery simultaneously. This allows for virtually uninterrupted use of the SL-15, Kowa says. A single charge provides up to 40 minutes of illumination.

Other features include a 15-watt halogen light source with a built-in cobalt blue filter, a sculpted grip that envelops the instruments trigger-style light switch, magnifications of 10x and 16x and slit widths of 0.1mm, 0.2mm, 0.8mm or 12mm spot. Options include a C-mount adapter to support digital video, a headrest, a carrying trunk case and extra lithium-ion battery packs.

The SL-15 Portable Slit-Lamp Microscope measures 8.7 by 4.2 by 8.4 inches and weighs 1.75 pounds. Call 1-800-966-5692, or go to http://medical.kowa.com.

Portable Handheld A-Scan/Pachymeter


The PalmScan AP2000, from Micro Medical Devices Inc., is a battery-operated, handheld, pocket-size portable A-scan/pachymeter combination unit that weighs 10 ounces. It employs ultrasound to measure corneal thickness when in pachymeter mode as well as axial length, lens thickness and anterior chamber depth when in A-scan mode.

Features include high-resolution color LCD, a touch-screen user interface, contact and immersion settings, the latest IOL equations, auto data capture, gated pattern recognition, automatic gain control, superimposing capabilities, intraocular pressure adjustment, eye types and velocity configuration and corneal mapping and waveform display. It also features the ability to measure corneal scars, a built-in patient database and a built-in wireless connection that allows you to print and back-up files. Call 1-866-730-0663, or go to www.micromedinc.com.

CONTACT LENSES
New Ortho-K Design


The BE Retainer, from Art Optical, is a new orthokeratology lens that uses topographical data alone (the company suggests you use the Medmont E300 topographerArt Optical distributes Medmont products) to provide the cornea with a custom fit. Also, a BE Retainer software program serves as a screening tool to predict the amount of refractive change possible and the size of the treatment zone for each patient.

To acquire this lens, which is a design partner in Bausch & Lombs Vision Shaping treatment program, you must purchase the BE Retainer Starter Pack, which includes the aforementioned software program and a 25-retainer diagnostic fitting set. You must also successfully complete two orthokeratology educational courses: the BE Retainer Certification Course and the Bausch & Lomb Vision Shaping Treatment Course. Both can be found at www.beretainercom/main.aspx?PageId=20300. Call 1-800-253-9364, or go to www.beretainer.com.

The Sunwear Rotating Counter Display Package, from Fashion Optical Displays, holds 16 frames on individual supports. These keep each pair of sunglasses securely in place, while the patient or optician turns the display. The package includes three curved shelves for eyewear cases, an attached mirror, a sign holder and a sunglass chain and cord holder. Call 1-800-824-4106, or go to www.fashionoptical.com.

New GP Bifocal
The New Natural Vision Bifocal gas permeable lens, from Con-Cise Contact Lens Company, is a translating prism-ballasted lens that can be made thinner as a result of appropriate lenticulation incorporated into the edge design. This also makes the lens more stable and comfortable, the company says. In addition, the posterior curves are all lathe-generated, for accuracy and repeatability, Con-Cise says.

The New Natural Vision Bifocal gas permeable lens is available in base curves of 7.00mm to 8.50mm and in diameters from 8.5mm to 10.0mm. The power ran-ges are +10.00D to 20.00D. Call 1-800-772-3922, or go to www.con-cise.com.

COMANAGEMENT
New YAG Laser


The YC-1800 Ophthalmic YAG (Yttrium Aluminum Garnet) portable laser system, from Nidek, treats posterior capsular opacification with adjustable offset in 25m increments, both posterior and anterior, allowing for greater shot accuracy, fewer missed shots and diminished lens pitting, the company says.

Other features include transillumination for lasing vitreous strands, digital pulse technology, five-step magnification, a filter wheel, a tonometer mount and a smart switch located on the devices joystick to enable surgeons to change parameters (Energy up/down and Ready/Standby) while holding the joystick. Call 1-800-223-9044, or go to www.nidek.com.

OPHTHALMIC LENSES
New Coating for Shamir Insight Lens
Shamir Insights Genesis SuperLite 1.67 MR-10 lens is now available in Titan Hardcoat, and the companys Genesis SuperLite 1.67 Transitions V lens is now available in both MR-10 and Titan Hardcoat.

The MR-10 material is an enhanced monomer that provides a stronger and clearer progressive lens option that is ideal for drill mounts, the company says. The Titan Hardcoat is a scratch-resistant coating that improves light transmittance, causes zero haze and uses a thermal coating process for clarity, the company says. Call 1-877-742-6471, or go to www.shamirlens.com.

New Educational Dry Eye Web Site The Web site www.focusondryeye.com, from Allergan, provides you and your patients with up-to-date information on chronic dry eye. The health-care professional site (click on the icon to the right on the home page) features a section on the clinical definition, causes and prevalence of the disorder; the diagnosis of chronic dry eye; answers to frequently asked questions about the disorder; an ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire; an interactive animated demonstration of the tear quality in healthy eyes; chronic dry eye references and reprints to provide you with access to more in-depth information on the pathology, diagnosis and management of the condition. Chronic dry eye news and videos of patients discussing their experiences with chronic dry eye can also be found here. The patient site (on the home page) features a section on the causes of chronic dry eye and background information on the disorder; a brief questionnaire to determine if the patient suffers from chronic dry eye; answers to frequently asked questions about chronic dry eye and questions for patients to ask you about the condition. Videos of patients discussing their experiences with the disorder and a chronic dry eye resource and links section can also be found here. Go to www.focusondryeye.com.

Vol. No: 142:7Issue: 7/15/2005