The slit lamp utilizes a high luminance white Light Emitting Diode light source. The LED light source has a lifespan of 50,000 hours or more with no bulbs to replace, Reichert says. It comes with a battery charger and two rechargeable batteries that can power the unit at maximum illumination for up to two hours. 
For more information, contact Reichert Inc. at (716) 686-4500 or visit reichertoi.com.
First Real-Time 3-D Imaging System
Micro Vision Systems Inc. (Santa Barbara, Calif.) has launched TrueVision, a real-time, high-definition, 3-D image capture and display system for stereomicroscopes. The TrueVision 1000 product is the only system that provides real-time visualization and digital image processing in 3-D for the medical industry, MVSI says. It is designed for all stereomicroscopy applications and is compatible with most stereomicroscopes. The TrueVision displays images on monitors or projection screens allowing several people at once to observe what is happening under the scope. The easy-to-adjust TrueVision screen eliminates the neck, shoulder and back stress that can occur from hunching over a microscope, the company says. For more information, call (805) 879-5200 or visit microvisionsystems.com.
Suturelysis, Aspheric Lenses from Volk
The Blumenthal Suturelysis lens, new from Volk Optical, improves visibility of trabeculectomy flap sutures for use in routine and difficult suture lysis procedures, the company says. The contact laser lens was designed in conjunction with Eytan Blumenthal, MD, for use in glaucoma treatment.
The pointed lens tip creates a strong compressive force to increase suture visibility and stabilize the treated area, Volk says. The lens is also useful in patients with encapsulated blebs and where a thick Tenon's capsule limits suture visibility. The convex viewing surface of the lens magnifies the appearance of the suture 2-3 X, with a laser spot magnification of 0.50-0.33 X.
Volk Optical's has also introduced a new line of lenses designed to deliver the highest resolution retinal imaging of any non-contact lens, the company says. The Volk Digital High Mag is part of the company's third generation of double aspheric optic lenses.
Volk says the high magnification slit-lamp lens produces detailed 3-D views of the retina for general diagnosis and to assist in identifying glaucoma at its earliest stages. The 55-D lens magnifies images 1.3 X, delivering 3-D topographical views of the peripapillary nerve fiber layer. Its enhanced stereopsis allows detection of optic disc swelling and cupping, and serous macular fluid. An anti-reflective coating, optimized for visible light, reduces the incidence of glare and reflections, producing better digital slit lamp photographs, the company says.
For more information about either product, call Volk at 1 (800) 345-8655 or visit volk.com.
New Tools, Lenses from Rhein
Rhein Medical's new double-ended Wexler/Seibel IntraLase Flap Lifter and Flap Protector, Product #8-16179, is designed to lift stubborn flaps and protect the flap during ablation, the company says. The tool, developed in coordination with Stephen A. Wexler, MD, and Barry S. Seibel, MD, is ideal for conventional retreatment microkeratome flaps and IntraLase flaps, the company says. An instructional video about the flap lifter is available.
The company has also released a new Aluminum Irrigating Handle, with male/female fittings (Product #91-1003). Unlike handles made of Delron, which can degrade over repeated sterilizations, the company says, this new aluminum handle will not lose its integrity over time. The handle has a male opening on one end, making it quick and easy to connect your cannula on the distal end; the proximal end has a female opening, making it easy to connect to your tubing. 
For more information about either of these products, contact Rhein Medical at (813) 885-5050.
Accutome Cataract Surgery Knife
Accutome Inc. (Malvern, Pa.) has a new 2.2 mm Micro-Coaxial Black Diamond Knife available with better visibility for the eye allowing for superior diamond incisions during cataract surgeries, the company says.
The "bevel up" configuration results in a nearly self-sealing incision when used in the "soft" eye, according to Accutome. If handled correctly, the knife could last for more than 1,000 cases before repair is required. The Micro-Coaxial Black Diamond costs hundreds of dollars less than natural diamond blades, the company adds. For more information contact Accutome at (610) 889-0200 or 1 (800) 979-2020.
B&L Plasma Treatment Approved
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted approval to Bausch & Lomb to add a cold oxygen plasma treatment to the manufacturing process of its gas permeable contact lenses made with Boston materials.
Plasma treatment bombards the lens surface with ions in a vacuum, which the company say may reduce lens hydration time by reducing the wetting angle and improve the comfort for the contact lens wearer without changing the finished lens properties. After the plasma treatment, the lens is placed in a vial with Bausch & Lomb Boston Simplus Multi-Action Solution. For more information contact your Boston sales representative or visit bausch.com.
Companies to Co-Promote Arxxant
Eli Lilly and Alcon have signed a long-term agreement to co-promote ruboxistaurin mesylate (under the proposed brand name Arxxant) in the United States and Puerto Rico, the companies have announced. The co-promotion agreement is subject to FDA approval of the drug. Arxxant, an investigational oral drug, is currently under regulatory review for the treatment of moderate to severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
For more information visit lilly.com or alconinc.com.
CIBA's Antimicrobial Lens Case
A new lens case that fights contamination is included with every package of CIBA Vision's AQuify Multi-Purpose Solution, the company says. The Pro-Guard Lens Case contains an antimicrobial agent that is clinically proven to reduce contamination, which occurs with up to 80 percent of contact lens wearers and can lead to eye infections, according to CIBA.
The Pro-Guard Lens Case contains silver ions to kill bacteria and to help minimize contamination on the lens case surface, the company says. The silver ions are gradually released as the case is exposed to moisture. The slow, sustained release maintains the antimicrobial agent at the surface of the case. For more information about the lens case, visit cibavision.com.
