Cataract

When a capsulotomy is completely separated from the anterior capsule, or free floating, surgeons can simply grasp the capsule and lift it from the eye-literally as easy as lifting a napkin up from a table-thus the “napkin” capsulotomy.

A software upgrade brings flap-making capability to the first commercially available femtosecond laser for cataract surgery.

Since scleral implant surgery for presbyopia correction was first introduced, numerous enhancements have standardized and simplified the procedure. In this article, Dr Cummings discusses binocular visual improvement outcomes observed with a new generation implant system, and explains which patients may benefit from the procedue.

Occasionally, post-cataract surgery endothelial cells don’t function well enough to keep the cornea clear, which can commonly cause corneal oedema. Here, Prof. Feinbaum describes a new treatment modality that has been designed to reduce and in most cases stop the oedema in 24–48 hours.

Accumulating evidence shows intracameral antibiotics decrease the risk of endophthalmitis after cataract surgery, but questions and concerns remain.

Weak zonules are known to add intraoperative complications and affect every step of the cataract procedure. Luigi Fontana, MD, PhD, describes how capsule retractors have helped him tackle this issue in his cataract practice.

An updated analysis from cataract surgeons at Kaiser Permanente Northern California again shows the benefit of intracameral antibiotic use for reducing the rate of postoperative endophthalmitis.

Different corneal diseases present different challenges to achieving the desired refractive outcome after cataract surgery. Cornea specialist Dasa V. Gangadhar, MD, highlights measures to consider in various situations.

In his latest blog, Mark Packer, MD, FACS, CPI, defends why doctors should not allow the restrictions of third party payers on reimbursement for cataract surgery to drive your diagnosis or your recommendations for treatment, as diagnosis and treatment must remain the surgeon’s sole responsibility if our profession is to retain any of its natural inherent authority.

A new capsule polisher can efficiently polish and sweep debris from the entire anterior capsule.

The unique properties of a light-adjustable lens are designed to provide predictable results and customized refractive treatments.

A new sequentially shifting wavefront device for intraoperative aberrometry provides continuous feedback on refraction during cataract surgery.

In crowded eyes, removal of vitreous through a one-port pars plana vitrectomy is the only viable strategy to deepen the anterior chamber and allow safe phacoemulsification, according to R.J. Mackool Jr., MD.

Five pearls should be considered to protect the endothelium after cataract surgery. These involve consideration of the phacoemulsification techniques and technology, use of viscoelastics, irrigation and aspiration techniques, intracameral medications, and postoperative medications.

Better management of white cataracts with these pearls can help avoid complications like the Argentinian flag sign.

Intraoperative aberrometry may reduce refractive surprises and result in a higher percentage of happy patients following cataract surgery, particularly those who had undergone previous corneal refractive surgery and in those planning for a toric IOL.

Follow-up to 3 years in a study of eyes undergoing combination cataract surgery with implantation of a single microbypass trabecular stent shows a 36% reduction from baseline mean medicated IOP and 84% reduction in daily medication use.

New tools are facilitating repositioning of a misaligned toric IOL. The corrective procedure is best undertaken sooner than later.

A disposable irrigation/aspiration handpiece is designed for the soft removal of cataracts following femtosecond laser fragmentation without the use of ultrasound energy. Dee Stephenson, MD, shares personal experiences with the integration of this technology into practice.

Stephen S. Lane, MD, describes his technique for using an ocular sealant, as well as cases where he finds it useful and superior to sutures.

Examining how utilizing an intravitreal transzonular injection can help patient compliance.

In patients who present with a cataract, certain histories should raise suspicion about existing damage to the posterior capsule or an increased risk for capsule rupture intraoperatively. Armed with that information, cataract surgeons can implement proper strategies for cataract removal and IOL implantation.

ACTIVATE System Control Software for the Stellaris Vision Enhancement System (“Stellaris”) and Stellaris PC (all Bausch + Lomb) includes 41 additional features and controls that collectively enhance the performance of the two systems and make them even easier to use.

Use of a femtosecond laser for capsulotomy and lens fragmentation can facilitate cataract surgery in eyes with a rock-hard cataract.