News

A femtosecond laser (IntraLase, Advanced Medical Optics) and microkeratome (M2, Moria) differ when it comes to changes in the flap and stromal bed that develop between primary LASIK and enhancement procedures. A greater increase in flap thickness at the time of enhancement after myopic LASIK might be the result of epithelial hyperplasia, according to Ronald Krueger, MD, speaking at the annual meeting of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.

A new excimer laser platform (Technolas 100, Bausch & Lomb) is equipped with eye-tracking technology for static and dynamic eye alignment and can be integrated with online optical coherence pachymetry (OCP). Clinical experience demonstrates the performance of OCP and the value of static and dynamic rotational eye-tracking for improving LASIK outcomes.

Tracking of dynamic rotational eye movements during LASIK is especially important for obtaining good ablation results, considering that 29% of eyes can rotate 5° or more when the patients shift from the sitting to the supine position.

When a prospective, randomized study was undertaken to investigate the outcomes of "mixing and matching" different multifocal IOLs in fellow eyes, results showed differences between the lenses in intermediate and near vision, and one-third of patients sought IOL exchange.

Various multifocal IOL technologies may afford better visual acuity results than implantation of a single multifocal IOL model bilaterally, but implanting an accommodating IOL (crystalens, eyeonics) and a multifocal implant in fellow eyes appears to have no advantage over bilateral implantation of the accommodating IOL, according to analyses presented by Guy M. Kezirian, MD.

Hyperopic LASIK ablation centration on the entrance pupil center versus on the corneal vertex was compared in a prospective randomized study. The results favored the corneal vertex centration technique because it induced a more prolate profile and was associated with less induction of coma-like aberrations.

No surgical procedures are without the risk of complications. The most frequently occurring complication after Descemet's stripping endothelial keratoplasty is detachment of the donor button. Attachment is easily achieved with rebubbling in a high percentage of cases. Optical coherence tomography is very useful to observe the interface and elucidate the cause of detachments.

When a prospective, randomized, observer- and subject-masked study compared an aspheric IOL and a spherical, single-piece IOL for functional performance after implantation in contralateral eyes, contrast sensitivity testing and night-driving performance results favored the aspheric IOL.

A series of prospective, randomized, masked studies was conducted to compare aqueous concentrations and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) inhibition achieved in patients undergoing cataract surgery and treated preoperatively with different topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The results suggest the superiority of ketorolac 0.4% (Acular LS, Allergan) for preventing inflammation and cystoid macular edema after cataract surgery.

A comparison of dynamic IOP values during cataract extraction by phacoemulsification using high and low flow found that lower bottle heights result in lower fluctuations of IOP. An enhanced fluidics management system allows the use of a lower bottle height with concomitant use of high vacuum and aspiration flow rate, without compromising the stability of the anterior chamber.

A new phacoemulsification system (WhiteStar Signature with Fusion Fluidics, Advanced Medical Optics) combines existing phaco technology with a dual-pump fluidics system designed to enhance chamber stability. In addition, the technology offers a streamlined user interface and accessories that aim to enhance the efficiency of the operating room.

Cataract surgeons can reduce the rate of complication from intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) by using certain techniques before and during surgery.

Results of a retrospective study show good visual acuity outcomes at near, intermediate, and distance, and high rates of satisfaction can be achieved using a strategy combining an accommodating IOL (crystalens, eyeonics) in one eye with the apodized diffractive multifocal IOL (AcrySof ReSTOR, Alcon Laboratories) in the other eye in patients undergoing cataract surgery or a clear lens exchange procedure.

Bimanual phacoemulsification wounds allow significantly greater ingress of fluid from the ocular surface compared with a microcoaxial incision. Even with the smallest of clear corneal incisions, wound integrity is critical. Surgeons should always look for incision distortion at the end of the case and should not hesitate to suture if necessary.

Robert H. Osher, MD, has designed a new phacoemulsification tip with a less angled tip configuration for use during microcoaxial techniques. It offers surgeons who prefer using a straight tip during phacoemulsification procedures the advantages of torsional ultrasound.

Bilateral implantation of the aberration-free aspheric IOL (SofPort AO, Bausch & Lomb) in a monovision approach can provides cataract surgery patients excellent binocular distance and near uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) with high rates of spectacle independence and low rates of night-time vision complaints.

A refractive multifocal IOL (ReZoom, Advanced Medical Optics) is an effective method for diminishing dependence on glasses for refractive cataract surgery patients.

Use of an apodized diffractive IOL in patients needing cataract surgery after prior refractive surgery is considered to be contraindicated, but excellent outcomes can be achieved if optical results are near emmetropia. Success depends on control of surgically induced astigmatism, use of accurate formulae, careful patient selection, and enhancement as necessary.

A new microincision IOL (MI60 Micro Incision IOL, Bausch & Lomb) can be implanted easily through a 2-mm incision. Clinical results of one study indicate that the IOL has good stability and efficacy and seems to reproduce the results obtained with hydrophilic acrylic IOLs designed for implantation through a 3-mm incision.

Clear corneal wounds-with square or nearly square surface architecture-that are meticulously checked for incisional sealing are stable postoperatively, as demonstrated by the absence of hypotony and wound leakage. In a sealed clear corneal wound, IOP remains reasonably stable relative to the level set at the conclusion of the procedure.

New technology is enabling clinicians to perform quantitative as well as qualitative assessments of glaucoma patients. As this technology becomes more widely available, it will be important to match the output from the new imaging devices to clinical needs as well as to deal with practical issues such as the cost of buying and updating new devices.

Dislocation/decentration continues to be one of the most common concerns associated with foldable IOLs requiring explantation, followed by glare/optical aberrations and incorrect lens power, according the results of the ninth annual ASCRS/ESCRS foldable IOL survey.

Increasing use of erectile dysfunction (ED) drugs has added a new topic to the ophthalmologist-patient conversation: possible risks to the optic nerve in certain patients with glaucoma who are taking ED medications.

The routine use of topical anesthesia for cataract surgery appears to be safe, inducing yearly endothelial cell count reductions comparable with those seen in healthy eyes not undergoing the operation.

Presbyopia-correcting IOLs provide an extended range of good vision. Not all cataract surgery patients, however, are appropriate candidates for that technology, and there are other alternatives for gaining near vision. Time must be spent in precataract surgery counseling to assess the patient's desire for spectacle independence, suitability for a presbyopia-correcting IOL, and the benefits and trade-offs of all available alternatives.

A newly designed glaucoma shunt made of poly(styrene-b-isobutylene-b-styrene) (SIBS) is clinically biocompatible in the rabbit model and maintained 100% patency at 6 months after insertion. Histologically, minimal capsule fibrosis and minimal collagen deposits were observed around the implant. The most remarkable difference was the absence of myofibroblasts in the surrounding tissue in the SIBS group when compared with tubes made of silicone.

Safety studies using optical coherence tomography (OCT) to image eyes with a miniature telescope implanted showed that adequate central and peripheral corneal clearance were achieved in these eyes, supporting earlier evidence that the telescope is safe for long-term use. Further studies suggest that OCT also can be used in these patients to detect recurrence of choroidal neovascularization.

Preferential hyperacuity perimetry ([PHP] Foresee PHP, Notal Vision/ MSS) is an invaluable tool for the management of patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), according to ophthalmologists who have incorporated this diagnostic test into their practices.