Joseph A. Bonanno, O.D., Ph.D., has been named the new dean of the Indiana University School of Optometry. Dr. Bonanno, the School of Optometry’s executive associate dean for academic affairs and student administration, succeeds Sarita Soni, O.D., M.S., vice provost for research at Indiana University, who has been serving as interim dean of the optometry school.

Statins have no protective effect against age-related macular degeneration, according to a review in the online August 9 issue of Clinical Ophthalmology. While statins prevent the progression of atherosclerosis, and although AMD and atherosclerosis share common risk factors and pathogenetic mechanisms, the current studies don’t show evidence that statins protect against AMD. Large-scale studies are needed, the authors say.

In patients with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR), low-dose aspirin may result in more rapid visual rehabilitation and fewer recurrences, according to a study in the online August 9 issue of Clinical Ophthalmology. Common factors of CSCR include increased hypercoagulability and increased platelet aggregation. Subjects given low-dose aspirin (100mg/day) had a more rapid recovery of Snellen BCVA and a smaller percentage of recurrences compared with the control group.

The FDA has approved Travatan Z (travoprost 0.004%, Alcon) as a first-line treatment of elevated intraocular pressure associated with open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.