Allergan has launched Refresh Optive Advanced, a new over-the-counter artificial tear option for patients suffering from dry-eye symptoms.

Refresh Optive Advanced is a lipid-enhanced tear with the low blur and comfort of an aqueous tear, Allergan says. It features a comprehensive, triple-action formulation that works on all three layers of the tear film to reduce tear evaporation, hydrate and lubricate for dry eye symptom relief.

With its comprehensive, triple-action formulation, Refresh Optive Advanced stabilizes the tear-film layer. It contains a lipid that reinforces the lipid layer, hydrates and increases volume to the aqueous layer, and provides advanced lubrication and protection to the mucin layer. Refresh Optive Advanced also penetrates the surface to provide osmo-protection to the corneal epithelial cells from excessive salt levels. Due to its optimized lipid content, Refresh Optive Advanced does not separate. Instead, it provides consistent stability resulting in no shaking prior to use. In a multicenter, double-masked, randomized clinical trial (n=288), patients using Refresh Optive Advanced demonstrated statistically significant improvements in symptoms. Additionally, in a multicenter, well-controlled trial (n=47), Refresh Optive Advanced was generally well-tolerated based on measures of comfort, stickiness, blur and burning/stinging. Refresh Optive Advanced is available in 10 mL bottles at retail locations. For information, visit http://www.refreshbrand.com.

Topcon says its new SL-2G slit lamp lets clinicians stop fretting about changing the bulb in their slit lamp by virtue of an environmentally friendly, economical LED illumination source, a first for the company. Topcon says the slit lamp, which uses Galileo convergence oculars, comes with an adjustable slit mechanism with up to 14 mm of aperture and a rotating magnification drum with 10X,16X and 25X powers. It also allows slit rotation of up to 180 degrees, and red-free and cobalt-blue filters. The SL-2G can accept the attachment of a beam splitter, as well as models R-900 and 870 applanation tonometers.

In addition to the new slit lamp, Topcon has also introduced a new auto kerato-refractometer, the KR-1. The company says the KR-1’s patented Prism measuring system ensures fast, accurate, repeatable refraction and keratometry measurements. The device is fully automated, with a color touch screen, 360-degree rotatable monitor and a design that’s flexible and saves precious office space. For information on either product, visit http://www.topconmedical.com.

Accutome has introduced a new line of single-use surgical blades, cannulas and cystotomes. The disposable steel knives are known as Accu-Sharp, and the company says they were designed to be comparable to Accutome’s diamond knives in terms of cutting ability. The AccuSharp Disposable Knives come in a variety of sizes and styles, including slit, straight, crescent and micro-vitreoretinal.

To complement the knives, Accutome has also released AccuSurgical cannulas and cystotomes in different styles as well as customized designs. For information, visit http://www.accutome.com.