Ophthalmologic Drug Guide

Drug therapy as an alternative to surgical intervention is becoming increasingly common. In the past five years, new anti-glaucoma agents have becoming increasingly effective. This edition will include new information on off-label prescribing and cap colors where they are mandated by the FDA (pink/white for steroid drops, grey for topical NSAIDS, etc.);There are now several new pharmaceutical agents being used to treat retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration  (Macugen, Lucentis, Visudyne), while other drugs formerly prescribed have now been shown to be less effective. Intraocular infections are primarily treated with intravitreal medications. Additionally, the anti-allergy and dry eye markets continue to grow, with a new formulation of Allergan's Acular 0.5% (ketorolac tromethamine) and Elestat ophthalmic solution, its new antihistamine-mast cell stabilizer.

Douglas J. Rhee, MD Assistant Professor Harvard Medical School Associate Chief, Practice Development Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary Boston, Massachusetts USA Katheryn A. Colby, MD, PhD Assistant Professor Harvard Medical School Cornea Service Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary Boston, Massachusetts USA Christopher J. Rapuano, MD Professor Jefferson Medical College Director, Cornea Service Wills Eye Hospital Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA Lucia Sobrin, MD, MPH Assistant Professor Harvard Medical School Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary Boston, Massachusetts USA