Cataract

Staging patients based on their ocular pathologies using the most advanced diagnostic tools can result in excellent image quality by precisely establishing the need for lens- or corneal-based procedures.

Posterior chamber phakic IOLs can correct refractive errors associated with keratoconus and can also be combined with other surgical techniques when necessary, according to researchers.

Cataract surgery in patients with coexisting uveitis is more challenging than managing either condition alone. Surgeons must answer a different set of questions and consider alternative management strategies, said Debra A. Goldstein, MD, FRSC, professor of ophthalmology and director of the Uveitis Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago.

There are a number of ways to improve near vision for presbyopes, including multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs)–traditional or low add–and pseudoaccommodative IOLs. It has been well documented that a small pupil and higher order aberrations, such as spherical aberration (SA) or coma, can increase depth of focus.

Increased procedure volume and patient expectations have made IOL exchange procedures more common. Smaller incisions and the need to reduce trauma require new micro-instrumentation for best outcomes.

Though further study is needed to determine conclusively whether or not femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) is associated with better refractive outcomes compared with conventional manual surgery, FLACS offers many other benefits that justify its use, according to Robert J. Cionni, MD.

Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) offers some advantages compared with a conventional manual procedure, particularly for certain patients. Currently, however, FLACS does not result in superior outcomes and it has drawbacks that outweigh its benefits, according to Rosa Braga-Mele, MD.

The 2017 meeting of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) will be held May 5 to 9 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, but at least one guest speaker will be sharing his “out-of-this-world” experiences.

Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) facilitated a precise capsulotomy and reduced phaco energy in a recent ongoing study with about 100 consecutive eyes, said Jeffrey Whitman, MD, Key-Whitman Eye Center, Dallas.

Pre-treatment with the femtosecond laser in eyes undergoing cataract surgery can induce miosis. The use of a pupil expansion device, however, offers an effective method for managing small pupils in femtosecond laser-assisted cases whether the problem pre-exists or is caused by the laser, said Boris Malyugin, MD, PhD.

A third system upgrade for a femtosecond laser system for refractive cataract surgery (Streamline III, LENSAR) will enhance the efficiency of the procedure, according to Jonathan Solomon, MD.

Retinal issues can impact cataract surgery outcomes, especially for those with multifocal or other premium lenses. While multifocal lenses may allow the patient to see more clearly across a range of distances, they may also decrease the amount of light that reaches the retina, exacerbating any issues that may already be present.

White light is comprised of different wavelengths of visible light, ranging from red (700 nm) to violet (400 nm). As white light passes through an optical system, each of its component wavelengths bends independently.

Achieving satisfaction for patients interested in a multifocal IOL begins with comprehensive preoperative screening and evaluation.

Using dysfunctional lens syndrome stages, physicians can discuss a range of treatment options with patients, based on clinical findings and refractive error.

Ophthalmologists must be prepared to perform corneal refractive surgery enhancements after cataract surgery-and LASIK is often the optimal choice, according to Robert K. Maloney, MD.

America may face a public health crisis in coming years unless drastic changes are not made to the public perception of eye health, according to a report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM). Taking steps to create a public conversation about the matter, Allergan has launched a public awareness campaign, See America, to improve this awareness of and access to comprehensive eye exams.

Since making the switch to a markerless toric alignment system, Bryan S. Lee, MD, JD, explains how the technology has eliminated ink marking from his surgical regimen.

Phenylephrine 1%/ketorolac injection 0.3% added to ophthalmic irrigation solution and administered intracamerally during cataract surgery was associated with a statistically significant reduction in surgical time, intraoperative complications, and use of pupil dilating devices and with a statistically significant improvement in best-corrected visual acuity.

A sophisticated integrated formula for IOL power prediction is the featured capability in upgrades to Clarity Medical Systems’ intraoperative wavefront aberrometer.

An intraoperative injection of a compounded formulation of triamcinolone acetonide, moxifloxacin, and vancomycin eliminated the need for supplemental postoperative medications in the vast majority of patients who underwent phacoemulsification and IOL implantation.

When his surgery center was in the market for a new phacoemulsification platform, medical director Jonathan Solomon, MD, decided to switch from a unit equipped with a flow-based peristaltic pump to technology that features a vacuum-based Venturi system (Stellaris PC, Bausch + Lomb).

Aphakic eyes that have no or inadequate capsular support can pose a significant challenge to cataract surgeons. Careful attention to the preoperative considerations, appropriate intraocular lens choices, surgical techniques, and postoperative management can ensure optimal results.

Patients with cataract surgery and microstent implantation had a lowered IOP and a reduced number of medications used at 3 years postoperatively

A new 0.075% formulation of bromfenac ophthalmic solution (BromSite, Sun Pharma) could provide relief from pain and inflammation associated with cataract surgery.

The great thing about making predictions is that it is basically a win-win proposition: if you are correct in your predictions, you are celebrated for being a sage. If you are incorrect, you have the opportunity to learn from them and make better predictions for the next year. Wishing everyone a Happy New Year and a successful 2017!

Here is your roundup of what made top news in 2016!

LENSAR Inc. announced its filing of a Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition on Dec. 19 to reduce its debt, strengthen its balance sheet, and strengthen its platform for future growth, according to a press release from the company.

Humans are creatures of habit, even ophthalmologists. Having learned to use one device for pupil expansion, it is easy to forget that there are alternative devices.