Cataract

With femtosecond laser lens pretreatment and optimization of the surgical approach, removal of even dense cataracts (LOCS III grade 4) can now be completed without any ultrasound in nearly all cases.

: The Verion Image Guided System (Alcon Laboratories), composed of the Verion Reference Unit and the Verion Digital Marker, allows cataract surgeons to deliver better refractive outcomes.

Femtophaco surgical procedures using a femtosecond laser have resulted in much-improved cataract and corneal outcomes.

Recently unveiled device features video of intraoperative wavefront data that allows cataract surgeons to see continuous real-time refraction changes during surgery.

Study suggests that new IOL measurement technology works more effectively than previously thought, however, still rely upon aspects of existing formulae to determine the final lens power.

An investigational modular IOL was designed to improve surgeons’ ability to select the right optic the first time, enable safe and easy postoperative enhancement when required, and minimize posterior capsule opacification. A multicenter clinical trial evaluating the IOL was launched in October.

Throughout 2013, there were several studies done that showed various new technologies and advancements have not only shown better refractive outcomes in cataract surgery, but could continue benefiting the outcomes in the future.

A look at the growing options and enthusiasm for intracameral, as well as topical antibiotics for infection prophylaxis.

New devices show increased interest in providing users with combined surgical systems

While US cataract surgeons still have limited access to pseudophakic correction technology, there were several premium IOLs made available this year that offer toric correction, an important step forward.

When mild glaucoma and a visually significant cataract are both present, the risk/benefit calculus now seems to fall on the side of doing phaco, or a phaco-plus procedure, said James D. Brandt, MD.

The Y-fixation technique is a method of sutureless IOL intrascleral fixation that requires less complicated manipulations and results in better closure than alternatives of its type.

Advances in intraoperative aberrometry are increasing the likelihood that, in the near future, ophthalmologists will be able to achieve emmetropia for all patients undergoing cataract surgery.

Cataract surgery performed with intraoperative wavefront aberrometry while implanting a new aspheric hydrophobic acrylic IOL maximizes visual acuity and quality-of-vision results.

An injectable intraocular sustained release drug delivery system demonstrated favorable safety and efficacy results in a multicenter phase II clinical trial.

Immediately sequential bilateral cataract surgery may be in peril as a procedure because it is penalized to varying degrees by government-imposed reimbursement cuts.

James A. Davison, MD, describes the features and performance of a new phacoemulsification system (Centurion Vision System, Alcon Laboratories).

Use of a Kelman non-flared phaco tip-when performing torsional phacoemulsification in eyes with dense cataracts-will minimize prolonged occlusion episodes, show study results.

Multipoint scleral suture fixation through the fibrotic rim of a continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis results in stable recentration of a dislocated IOL-capsular bag complex

The in situ fracture – thin bowl technique is designed to reduce the risk of corneal endothelial damage when removing hard cataracts. Clinical study data show that it works.

A one-handed IOL insertion device allows for smoother, less traumatic lens insertions even in difficult incisions and eyes.

One ophthalmologist proposes a practice-changing opportunity to eliminate the use of eye drops after cataract surgery.

The concept of vision à la carte allows all ophthalmic surgeons to design vision for each patient individually, using all of today’s technologies and techniques.

Sometimes, it is hard to prove what you know to be true is actually true. So, it’s nice to know there is a paper confirming something I have also known to be true: People who lose visual acuity as a result of cataracts will-if they have cataract surgery to restore their vision-live longer than those who do not have surgery.