Upfront
With New Year Comes Fresh Knowledge

In this, the third issue of Retinal Physician, we focus our attention primarily on retinal vascular occlusive disease. While major steps have been taken in areas such as AMD and diabetic retinopathy, we find our progress limited in the management of branch and central retinal vein occlusion, even as we enter 2005. Potential new treatment options do exist, however, as demonstrated by the authors in this issue.

Innovative approaches to the management of CRVO and BRVO have been attempted and presented at recent meetings. Moving beyond conventional laser, investigators have been looking into managing vascular occlusive events on a more physiologic basis and with pharmacologic therapies. Our articles summarize these new approaches, and attempt to put the various issues into a meaningful and clinically relevant context.

Along these same lines, this issue of Retinal Physician features commentary from several physicians on the results of clinical trials that were presented at the recent American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting in New Orleans: TTT4CNV, SST, pegaptanib sodium, and anecortave acetate. Another article covers the introduction of a new test for diagnosing AMD.

We continue our regular columns, including Coding Q&A and Subspecialty News, which begins on page 9 with the announcement that the FDA has approved pegaptanib sodium for the treatment of wet AMD. We've expanded our Clinical Trials Update section and will continue to do so throughout the year.

A LOT GOING ON

We have just begun to receive original articles for publication and encourage you to submit an article or case report. For details, contact Editorial Director Desiree Ifft at (215) 643-8136 or ifftda@boucher1.com.

Finally, don't close this issue until you have read about the Retinal Physician 2005 Symposium (page 59), which will be held May 19-22 at Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas, and feature up-to-the-minute information on current and future treatment strategies in medical and surgical vitreoretinal care. You can also find information and register online at www.RPS2005.com.