Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and Contact Lens Growth Drives Ophthalmic ... - PR Newswire (press release)

Surge in Cataract Surgeries Fuel Intraocular Lens (IOL) Market to Almost $1.4 Billion

VANCOUVER, Jan. 11 /PRNewswire/ - ccording to two new reports by iData Research (www.idataresearch.net), the leading global authority in medical device and pharmaceutical market research, growth in the use of optical coherence tomography (OCT) for the detection of ocular conditions will drive the U.S. diagnostic ophthalmic market to over $650 million by 2017. In addition, the U.S. contact lens market is expected to reach over $4.6 billion due to increased use of soft contact lenses and daily disposables by the aging baby-boomer generation. Companies such as Johnson & Johnson, CIBA Vision and CooperVision have emerged as the leading contact lens manufacturers in 2010.

"OCT sales slowed in 2009 due to the recession, however their use is growing in popularity among optometrists and ophthalmologists despite rising prices," says Dr. Douglas Fung, Analyst Manager at iData. "This growth is due to the technologies' superior resolution capabilities and ability to image the vascular structure under the retina. Physicians are expected to purchased second and third OCT units for their practices, leading to double-digit growth rates through 2013." 

iData's reports state that the non-mydriatic/mydriatic combination fundus camera segment was one of the fastest-growing in the diagnostic ophthalmic market, increasing at a CAGR of over 15% in 2010.

"Fundus cameras help to diagnose conditions such as diabetic eye disease, glaucoma and macular degeneration," says Dr. Fung. "The market is being driven by sales of combination devices from companies such as Topcon and Canon, which provide a cost-effective all-in-one solution."

iData's interventional ophthalmic report states moreover that the intraocular lens market is expected to reach almost $1.4 billion by 2017 due to advances in accommodative lenses that mimic the eye's natural ability to focus. Abbott's Synchrony® accommodative IOL is expected to gain FDA approval in 2011.

For more information on iData's 2 report series on the "U.S. Markets for Diagnostic & Interventional Ophthalmic Devices 2011", register free on iData's website at:

http://www.idataresearch.net/idata/registration.php

About iData Research

iData Research (www.idataresearch.net/idata/discoveridata.php) is an international market research and consulting group focused on providing market intelligence for medical device and pharmaceutical companies. iData covers research in: ophthalmics, diabetes, surgical equipment, and more.

SOURCE iData Research Inc.

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X-ray rise hikes radiation exposure - The Press Association

X-ray rise hikes radiation exposure(UKPA)

A rise in the number of X-rays is fuelling an increase in the amount of radiation people are exposed to each year, experts have said.

There has been a 140% rise in the use of CT (computerised tomography) scans over the last decade, according to the Health Protection Agency (HPA).

This has pushed up the annual radiation dose to each member of the public in the UK from all X-rays from 0.33 millisieverts (mSv) in 1997 to 0.4mSv. However, this level is still within safe limits and is lower than in comparable countries, the HPA said.

CT scans involve taking an X-ray and using a computer to create detailed images of the inside of the body, and can be used to diagnose or monitor a range of health problems, including bone disease and cancer. CT scans make up about 68% of the radiation dose to the public from all X-rays.

Some 1.4 million CT scans were carried out in 1997, jumping to 3.4 million in 2008, and around 20,000 of these were carried out on people with no symptoms who had opted for a private scan.

HPA experts believe about 46 million medical and dental X-ray examinations were carried out across the UK in 2008, a 10% rise since 1997. Some 67% of these procedures were performed in NHS hospitals and the rest in dental surgeries.

The NHS Breast Screening Programme accounted for 2.03 million X-rays in 2008, up 45% on 1997. This is due to more older women, up to the age of 70, undergoing screening.

Medical X-rays make up about 15% of the total amount of radiation people are exposed to, with other sources including radon from the ground. The average radiation dose from all sources of ionising radiation remains about 2.7mSv per person per year.

Dr John Cooper, director of the HPA's centre for radiation, chemical and environmental hazards, said: "Despite the increased use of diagnostic X-rays in medicine in the UK, the average dose to the population is still considerably lower than in comparable countries.

"This is because in the UK we carry out fewer X-ray examinations per head of population and because radiology departments are well managed by healthcare professionals. Well-framed regulations and guidance exist to maximise the clinical benefit and protect the public and workers."

Copyright © 2011 The Press Association. All rights reserved.

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